Abstract:
Machine (10) to make reinforced cages (11) provided with a plurality of longitudinal bars (12) distributed in groups, each comprising at least two longitudinal bars (12), and at least a metal round piece (13) welded in a spiral around said longitudinal bars (12). The machine (10) comprising a first rotating head (16) on which the longitudinal bars (12) are associated, and a second head (17) on which a welding device (31) is mounted, comprising a welding slider (37) movable transversely to the direction of formation of the reinforcement cage (11), welding members (40) to weld the metal round piece (13) to the longitudinal bars (12) of each group, and two stopping members (41, 42), each selectively movable between a first position in which it cooperates through contact with one of the longitudinal bars (12) of each group, and holds the welding members (40) in correspondence with a determinate one of the longitudinal bars (12), and a second position in which it does not interfere with the longitudinal bars (12) and allows the relative movement of the longitudinal bars (12) and the welding slider (37). The invention also relates to a method of making reinforced cages.