Method and apparatus for producing a metal wire coated with a layer of metal alloy

摘要

A method and an apparatus for producing a steel wire for reinforcing an elastomeric material. The steel wire has a metal core and a coating layer made of a metal alloy material having a composition including at least one first metal component and at least one second metal component. The method includes the steps of: a) conveying the steel core along a predetermined path in a substantially continuous manner; b) co-sputtering at least one first powered cathode made of said first metal component and at least one second powered cathode made of said second metal component onto the steel core being moved along the predetermined path to obtain a coating layer made of a metal alloy material of a first composition; and c) adjusting the power provided to at least one of the first and second cathodes to obtain a coating layer made of a metal alloy material of a second composition.