Strands of any number are twisted together or "bunched" with the same lay direction but without a defined geometric configuration. The "bunched" construction will have a variable cross-section and does not allow a well extruded product to be produced because of its fluctuating construction and diameter.

Smooth bunch constructions, in recent years, have solved the major problems by arranging the strands in geometric configurations and by providing a consistent diameter.

True bunching is the lowest cost method of stranding with smooth bunch being slightly more expensive.

A central strand surrounded by well defined layers of helically laid strands. Each layer has reversed lay direction and an increasing lay length in each succeeding layer.

A central strand surrounded by well defined layers of helically laid strands. Each layer has reversed lay direction but the lay length is the same in each layer.

A central strand surrounded by one or more layers of helically laid strands with the same direction of lay and increasing lay length in each succeeding layer.

Unilay

A central strand surrounded by one or more layers of helically laid strands with the same lay direction and the same lay length in each succeeding layer.

Cable stranded groups of any of the beforementioned into a very large cable. Rope construction is used to create a flexible conductor, typically 8 AWG and heavier, but in some cases is used to create very flexible fine wire constructions.