FTTH Cable Production: Manufacturing Process Explained
Surprising fact: more than 70% of new U.S. broadband builds now use fiber networks that need precise manufacturing to meet performance goals.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment manages complete SZ stranding line manufacturing, from choosing brand fibers like Fujikura or Corning® SMF-28e to comprehensive test documentation that deliver 100% QA.
Our drop designs suit overhead, underground, and direct-buried installation, with LSZH, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PE jacket options and configurations from 1 to 4 cores. We provide OS1/OS2 and multimode OM2–OM4 grades plus G.652D and G.657 variants, Pantone sheath colors, and logo printing.
Automated machines and high-precision equipment stabilize line speed and keep repeatability high. Typical lead times are four to five days for orders under 100 km and seven to ten days under 500 km, with an MOQ of 1 km and warranty for free replacement on quality issues.
Read on to see how materials, testing, and support work together to reduce lifecycle cost and pair the right product with your network.
- Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides full manufacturing with lab validation for United States projects.
- Multiple jacket choices and optical grades support different install environments.
- Automated production lines provide consistent quality and stable optical performance.
- Quick lead times, low minimums, and brand fiber options help plan procurement reliably.
- Complete reports and after-sales warranty support product reliability and compliance documentation needs.
Specialized FTTH Manufacturing by Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment
When deadlines and performance are critical, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment delivers customized drop cables with complete test documentation.
As a dedicated manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment combines purpose-built equipment with stringent material control. We offer custom builds and services for residential and MDU rollouts. Every order includes full QA coverage and complete test reports.
Our lab performs high-temperature, salt-fog, and vibration tests to verify durability. Jacket options include LSZH, PVC, and PE. Designs offer flat bow-type and figure-8/self-supporting styles and support brand fibers such as Fujikura® and Corning SMF-28e.
- Controlled production lines and production checks for shipments with audit trails.
- Technical support for specification reviews, trials, and volume ramp.
- Modern fixturing and calibration reduce variability so every cable meets carrier standards.
How We Produce FTTH Cable
At Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment, manufacturing steps are built around network requirements, combining brand fiber choices with strict test routines.
Selecting Optical Fiber and Brands
We align fiber ribbon line to bend radius, attenuation, and install environment. Options include OS1, OS2, OM2–OM4 and ITU-T G.652D, G.657.A1/A2. Brand fibers such as Fujikura® and Corning SMF-28e are offered to meet procurement standards.
Strength Member Options
Strength members use dielectric FRP or galvanized steel wire. FRP is ideal where non-conductive runs are required. Steel wire adds tensile strength for long-span aerial runs and grounding needs.
Jacket extrusion and process control
Jacket options include LSZH for indoor flame safety, PVC for flexibility, and PE for outdoor UV and moisture resistance. Closed-loop control of temperature and capstan ratios stabilizes line speed and dimensional tolerances.
| Component | FRP | Metallic Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Non-conductive runs | Aerial spans, high tensile |
| Key benefit | Lightweight, inert | High strength |
| Installer note | Simple terminations | Requires grounding |
In-Process and Final Testing
Inline geometry and concentricity checks operate in-line. Final optical tests confirm attenuation and reflectance. Each order includes a full test report and lab results from high-temperature, salt-spray, and vibration tests to confirm handling for drop terminations and field use.
Typical lead times are 4–5 days for < 100 km and 7–10 days for < 500 km. Lot records and first-article approvals support traceability and compliance for U.S. programs.
Our FTTH Drop Cable Types and Structures
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers a focused portfolio of FTTH drop designs that cover tight indoor routes and exposed aerial spans. Each option combines tested materials with field-termination geometry and stable optical performance.
The flat bow-type drop keeps a small footprint for risers/ducts. It reduces bend loss for simple routing in MDU corridors and hallways.
Aerial Self-Supporting Options
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs use a messenger element to carry tensile loads. Choose dielectric FRP for electrical isolation or steel wire when bonding/grounding and extra tensile strength are required.
Core Layouts and Strength Members
We provide dielectric and metallic strength member configurations to meet safety/EMI requirements. Central loose-tube and flat unitube types balance crush resistance and fiber ribbone line for quick termination.
Indoor vs Outdoor Jackets
Jacket choices include LSZH for indoor flame/smoke compliance and PE for outdoor durability. Each series is qualified for mechanical/optical performance before shipment.
| Type | Application | Strength element | Sheath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow-type flat | Indoor risers, MDUs | Dielectric FRP | LSZH |
| Self-supporting (aerial) | Overhead spans | Steel wire or FRP | PE |
| Central loose-tube | Higher-count builds | Dielectric FRP | LSZH/PE |
| Flat unitube | Low-count, easy strip | FRP or steel | LSZH/PE |
Production line equipment that ensures quality and speed
Automation with sensor feedback at Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment reduce manual handling and boost throughput for patch cord prep.
Our production line integrates automated machines that cut and strip drop patch cords to increase output and reduce operator variability.
The CLX-BPO2 auto-stripping machine uses PLC + photoelectric control. One cycle is about 1.5 seconds, giving ~20 terminals per minute in production.
Automated cutting and stripping for drop cable patch cords
The equipment strips LSZH/PVC jackets and trims FRP or steel strength members to precise reserved lengths. Cylinder-driven actuators provide quick, repeatable motion and minimize downtime.
Closed-Loop Control for Repeatability
PLC logic + photoelectric sensors give exact positioning and feedback control. Inline checks feed control charts so operators can correct trends before defects grow.
| Item | Capability | Result |
|---|---|---|
| CLX-BPO2 | Auto-strip, ~1.5 s cycle | High throughput |
| Actuation | Cylinder-based | Fast/reliable motion |
| Materials | LSZH & PVC; FRP & steel | Clean, accurate preps |
| Control | PLC/photoelectric with in-line SPC | Consistent quality, lower rework |
- Automated waste ejection and ergonomic loading keep the line clean.
- Process control plans document calibration and key parameters.
- Integrated assets and trained operators help meet FTTH volume goals without sacrificing accuracy.
What the CLX-BPO2 Adds
The CLX-BPO2 brings industrial-grade stripping and trimming to our line, reducing cycle time while keeping prep consistent.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment uses the CLX-BPO2 to raise output and standardize terminal quality. The unit runs at an approximate cycle time of 1.5 seconds, yielding about 20 terminal preparations per minute in production.
PLC and photoelectric control deliver exact detection and repeatable motion. That control helps keep strip lengths and reserved strength stubs within tight tolerances.
Throughput & Cycle Time
Typical operation speed is ~1.5 seconds per cycle. This translates to steady throughput under normal production conditions.
Supported Strip and Stub Lengths
The CLX-BPO2 handles LSZH/PVC with an adjustable jacket strip length from 17.5 to 35.0 mm. Reserved strength member stubs are adjustable from 7.0–11.0 mm to match common termination hardware.
Handling FRP and steel wire strength members
The machine cleanly cuts FRP and steel wire strength elements while protecting adjacent fibers. Customized cutters are offered for non-standard cross-sections to preserve precision.
- Automatic waste ejection and sensor start cut idle time.
- Compact size (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 110–220V, 50W, and 11 kg mass ease integration into workcells.
- Cylinder-driven motion and PLC/photoelectric control improve line reliability and reduce maintenance downtime.
| Specification | Rating | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle | ≈1.5 s (~20/min) | High throughput for production runs |
| Strip lengths (A) | 17.5–35.0 mm | Compatible with common connectors |
| Reserved stub (B) | 7.0–11.0 mm | Meets strength and termination needs |
| Power & size | 50W @ 110–220V; 40×18×18 cm | Easy integration into existing equipment |
Using this machine, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment standardizes prep so field teams get drop parts install-ready. The CLX-BPO2 supports our lines in meeting volume targets without compromising quality.
Tailored Specifications for Your Network
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment configures every order to fit your network requirements and simplify deployment. We combine focused options with predictable schedules so your teams receive ready-to-install products.
Choose 1–4 core designs with single-mode or multimode fiber. Options include OS1, OS2, and OM2–OM4 along with G.652D/G.657 variants to match your optics and connector plans.
We match sheath colors to Pantone codes for quick field identification and consistent asset tagging.
Jacket materials, print legends, and branding
Select LSZH/PVC/PE jackets to suit route and safety requirements. Custom legends/logos support inventory and warranty tracking.
Put-Ups, Packaging, and Structures
Standard reel lengths are 1 km, 2 km, and 4 km with custom reels and packaging to suit storage and handling. Choose bow-type flat or self-supporting designs and steel wire or FRP strength members to fit span and isolation requirements.
| Choice | Typical | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Reel length | 1, 2, or 4 km | Less staging, easier reels |
| Sheath | LSZH, PE, PVC | Indoor/outdoor compatibility |
| Design | Flat bow / Self-supporting | Routing and span flexibility |
As a manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye schedules runs to your plan and provides docs that lists final specifications for easy on-site QA.
QA, Testing & Documentation
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment builds checkpoints into production so every item ships with recorded acceptance data.
Environmental and Mechanical Tests
Our lab conducts elevated-temperature exposure, salt spray corrosion, and vibration tests to qualify materials and assemblies. These tests recreate field stresses for indoor/outdoor applications.
100% test reports for every cable
Every fiber optic cable ships with a 100% test report that records loss, return loss, and key geometry where applicable. Final QC gates prevent nonconforming shipments before they leave the factory.
Audit Trail and Compliance
Lot/batch records tie test data to reels and serials so audits and claims are easy to verify. Documentation uses standard customer templates to speed approvals and inbound inspection.
- Line checks and final inspection reduce field failures and lower warranty events.
- Quality packages include spec confirmation and formatted data for quick review.
- Ongoing trend analysis inform preventive maintenance and raise long-term reliability.
| Trial | Why | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Heat exposure | Thermal stability | Validated heat endurance |
| Salt-fog | Corrosion resistance | Qualified for outdoor use |
| Mechanical vibration | Mechanical robustness | Reduced field failures |
Pricing and cost drivers for FTTH drop cable
Budget planning for a drop starts with fiber and jacket choices and is refined by volume and customization.
Typical prices vary widely—from about $30 to $1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade, jacket material, reel length, and design structure.
Primary Cost Inputs
The primary cost drivers are fiber grade, sheath material, and the chosen structure for deployment.
Self-supporting structures and steel strength elements raise material and labor input. Custom colors, logos, and print legends add setup and influence price for short runs.
Length/Volume/Customization Impact
Longer reels and higher volume orders lower unit cost. Short runs often carry setup fees and higher unit prices.
- Line changeovers and custom tooling increase lead time and add to cost.
- Clear RFQs and line scheduling let Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment match quotes to delivery windows.
- Framework agreements and indexed pricing stabilize budgets over phases.
| Factor | Effect on price | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Optical grade | High impact | Balance spec vs. budget |
| Jacket type | Medium | Evaluate LSZH vs PE |
| Order length / volume | Large | Consolidate runs to cut unit cost |
Logistics for the U.S.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment makes lead times and logistics clear so planners can align crews and sites. Predictable schedules reduce downtime and control costs when a rollout is underway.
Production Windows & Capacity
Typical production windows are 4–5 days for < 100 km and 7–10 days for orders under 500 km. We schedule line capacity to track your milestones and to keep deliveries on time.
The service team issues production updates and tracking so installation teams know when reels arrive. For compressed schedules, we reserve contingency capacity to accelerate critical-path orders.
Minimum order quantity and why it matters
The MOQ is 1 km. This reflects line setup such as wire and jacket die adjustments that consume start-up material and scrap.
We review your put-ups and staging to choose reel sizes that cut waste and handling. Staggered batches can balance inventory with frequent, smaller deliveries to job sites.
Installation Scenarios & Readiness
Site conditions dictate whether a self-supporting aerial, duct pull, or direct-buried run is the right choice for a project.
Aerial vs Duct vs Direct-Buried
For aerial runs, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment recommends self-supporting designs with correct strength members to control sag and tension for long-term stability.
Duct installations work best with low-friction sheaths and crush-resistant builds so pulling avoids fiber damage. PE jackets are typical for underground and buried paths where moisture resistance matters.
Direct-buried designs require proper depth control per local codes and moisture barriers to protect the fiber core long-term.
Indoor Distribution and ONT
Indoor riser/plenum routes favor LSZH jackets to meet flame and smoke rules. Flat drop cable forms strip cleanly and present controlled strength stubs for quick ONT termination.
We guide the choice of steel or FRP (dielectric) strength members based on bonding needs, lightning exposure, and hardware compatibility. Standardized line prep shortens install time and minimizes scrap.
| Scenario | Key feature | Installer note |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead | Self-supporting, steel or FRP | Verify messenger hardware/tension |
| Underground duct | Low-friction, crush-resistant | Use pull tape + lubricant |
| Direct burial | PE jacket, moisture barrier | Follow depth/warning tape codes |
| Interior | LSZH with tight-bend support | Maintain bend radius at penetrations |
Our approach ensures a consistent install experience across indoor outdoor transitions. That leads to fewer callbacks, faster activations, and stable field performance for your system.
End-to-end support and after-sales service
Our team coordinates tests, line schedules, and installation guidance to avoid surprises in deployment.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides engineering support from early requirements through approved drawings and pre-production builds. We provide doc templates and clear installation notes so field crews share a unified plan.
After-sales service includes fast response, RCA, and corrective action. All products ship with full test reports and traceability to help QA acceptance.
- 24/7 availability for status and technical support.
- Warranty with free replacement if any quality problems are confirmed.
- Coordination of line schedules for expedites and urgent changes.
- Config control so shipped items match agreed requirements every time.
| Support area | What we do | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tech/Eng | Spec review & pre-production builds | Reduced field issues |
| QA/Testing | Lab trials & 100% test reports | Traceable quality |
| Service | Rapid replacement & root-cause | Minimized downtime |
Conclusion
Select Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment for custom drops, quick lead times, and full traceability.
We provide custom FTTH drops that pair material choices with validated manufacturing and lab testing. Every reel ships with a 100% test report and documented lab trials to support field acceptance in the United States.
A hardened production line, including CLX-BPO2-enabled prep machines, reduces variability and shortens turnaround. Our equipment and machines standardize strip and stub lengths so installers see consistent results at turn-up.
From fiber selection through jacket, printing, and packaging, we balance design and cost to maximize service life. Dedicated support covers scheduling/logistics/after-sales so your deployment stays on plan.
Contact Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment to align specs, timeline, and volume. We stand behind every shipment with laboratory validation and responsive service.
