Method and apparatus for producing copper clad steel wire

A method of producing a copper clad steel wire, comprising the steps of

• (a) preparing a 5 to 15 mm diameter steel rod and a 21 to 66.7 mm width copper tape, the steel rod and the copper tape having a relation expressed by ##EQU3## where r is the radius of the steel rod and t is the thickness of the copper tape;
• (b) continuously supplying and surface-cleaning the steel rod and the copper tape separately, forming the copper tape in tubular form such that the copper tape can cover the steel rod, and then welding the seam of the copper tape in a non-oxidizing atmosphere;
• (c) sinking the tubular copper tape sufficiently for the copper tape to substantially come into contact with the steel rod to form a copper clad steel rod;
• and
• (d) cold drawing the copper clad steel rod and then annealing the copper clad steel rod at a temperature of 300.degree. to 1050.degree., the temperature of the clad wire being maintained below 300.degree. at all times until said annealing step, whereby bonding of said copper to said rod is achieved by said annealing step.