FTTH Cable Production: How the Manufacturing Process Works
Did you know: in excess of seventy percent of U.S. broadband rollouts now use fiber networks that need precise manufacturing to hit performance targets.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment runs full-cycle SZ stranding line manufacturing, from sourcing brand fibers like Fujikura® or Corning SMF-28e to final test reports that deliver 100% QA.
Our FTTH drop designs are built for overhead, underground, and direct burial installation, with low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE) jacket options and configurations from 1–4 cores. We supply single-mode OS1/OS2 and OM2–OM4 grades plus G.652D and ITU-T G.657 variants, Pantone sheath colors, and custom logo printing.
Automated machines and precision equipment stabilize line speed and keep repeatability high. Typical lead times are four to five days for orders under 100 km and 7–10 days under 500 km, with an MOQ of 1 km and warranty for free replacement on quality issues.
Read on to learn how materials, testing, and support combine to lower lifecycle cost and match the right product to your network system.
- Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment delivers end-to-end manufacturing and lab testing for U.S. deployments.
- A range of jacket options and fiber grades cover indoor/outdoor environments.
- Automated production lines provide stable quality and reliable optical performance.
- Fast lead times, low minimums, and recognized brand fibers keep procurement predictable.
- Comprehensive test reports and warranty back product reliability and documentation needs.
Expert FTTH manufacturing by Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment
When project timelines and performance matter, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides customized drop cables with complete test documentation.
As a focused supplier and manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment pairs purpose-built equipment with tight material control. We offer custom builds and services for residential and MDU rollouts. Every order includes 100% quality assurance and complete test reports.
Our lab runs high-temperature, salt-fog, and vibration tests to verify durability. Jacket options cover LSZH, PVC, and PE. Designs cover bow-type flat and self-supporting styles and support brand fibers such as Fujikura and Corning SMF-28e.
- Documented line control and production checks for auditable shipments.
- Engineering support for specification reviews, trials, and volume ramp.
- Modern fixturing and calibration reduce variability so every cable meets carrier standards.
FTTH cable production
At Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment, manufacturing steps are aligned to network specifications, pairing brand fiber choices with rigorous test routines.
Fiber Selection & Brand Options
We select Fiber coloring machine to minimum bend radius, loss, 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 integration
Strength members use FRP (dielectric) or metallic steel wire. FRP is ideal where non-conductivity is necessary. Steel wire adds tensile strength for long-span aerial runs and grounding needs.
Jacket extrusion and process control
Jacket options include LSZH for flame/smoke safety, PVC for flexibility and ease of handling, and PE for outdoor UV and moisture resistance. Tight process control of temperature and capstan ratios stabilizes line speed and dimensional tolerances.
| Component | FRP | Steel wire |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Non-conductive runs | Aerial spans, high tensile |
| Key benefit | Lightweight, inert | High strength |
| Installer note | Simple terminations | Requires grounding |
Inline and final testing
Inline geometry/concentricity checks run during manufacturing. Final optical tests verify attenuation and reflectance. Each order includes a full test report and lab results from high-temperature, salt-spray, and vibration trials to qualify field handling and drop terminations.
Typical lead times are 4–5 days for < 100 km and under 500 km in 7–10 days. Material lot records and FAI approvals provide traceability and compliance for U.S. projects.
FTTH Drop Designs We Build
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers a focused portfolio of FTTH drop designs that suit both tight indoor routes and exposed aerial spans. Each option pairs tested materials with geometry tuned for field termination and stable optical performance.
The bow-type flat drop cable minimizes footprint for risers and conduit. It keeps bend loss low for simple routing in hallways and MDUs.
Aerial Self-Supporting Options
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs include a messenger element to handle tension. Choose FRP (dielectric) for electrical isolation or steel messenger when bonding and extra tensile strength are required.
Strength member and core layouts
We offer both dielectric and metallic strength member configurations to meet safety/EMI requirements. Center loose tube and unitube flat types balance crush resistance and compact fiber unit for quick termination.
Indoor vs Outdoor Jackets
Jacket choices include LSZH for indoor flame/smoke compliance and PE for outdoor UV and moisture resilience. Each series is qualified for mechanical and optical quality before shipment.
| Design | Application | Strength member | Sheath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat bow-type | Indoor risers, MDUs | Dielectric FRP | LSZH |
| Self-supporting (aerial) | Overhead spans | FRP/Steel | Polyethylene |
| Central loose-tube | Higher-count builds | FRP | LSZH/PE |
| Flat unitube | Low-count, easy strip | FRP/Steel | LSZH/PE |
Equipment Ensuring Quality and Throughput
Automation and sensor-driven feedback at Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment cut manual handling and boost throughput for drop patch preparation.
Our production line uses automated machines that cut/strip drop cords to increase output and reduce operator variability.
The CLX-BPO2 automated stripper runs under PLC and 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. Pneumatic cylinder actuators deliver fast, repeatable motion and low downtime.
PLC/photoelectric control for precision and repeatability
PLC logic + photoelectric sensors deliver precise positioning and feedback control. Inline checks update SPC charts so operators can correct trends before defects grow.
| Item | Capability | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Machine | 1.5s cycle, auto-strip | ~20 terminals/minute throughput |
| Drive | Cylinder-based | High speed and reliability |
| Materials | LSZH/PVC; FRP/steel | Clean, accurate preps |
| Process control | PLC/photoelectric with in-line SPC | Consistent quality, lower rework |
- Auto scrap ejection and ergonomic loading maintain clean workcells.
- Process control plans capture calibration intervals and critical parameters.
- Combined machines, fixtures, and trained staff help meet FTTH volume goals without compromising accuracy.
CLX-BPO2 auto-stripping machine capabilities in our line
The CLX-BPO2 brings industrial-grade stripping and trimming to our line, cutting cycle time while maintaining consistent prep.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment uses the CLX-BPO2 to increase throughput and standardize prep quality. The unit cycles in ~1.5 seconds, producing around 20 preps per minute in production.
PLC and photoelectric control deliver exact detection and repeatable motion. That control keeps strip and stub lengths within tight tolerances.
Throughput & Cycle Time
Typical operation speed is ~1.5 seconds per cycle. This translates to steady throughput under continuous line 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 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 neighboring fibers. Customized cutters are available for nonstandard sizes to maintain precision.
- Automatic waste ejection and sensor start reduce idle time.
- Compact size (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 110–220V, 50W, and 11 kg mass simplify cell integration.
- Pneumatic cylinders and closed-loop control boost reliability and lower maintenance interruptions.
| Spec | Rating | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle | ~1.5 s (~20/min) | Supports high-volume runs |
| Strip lengths (A) | 17.5–35.0 mm | Compatible with common connectors |
| Reserved stub (B) | 7.0 to 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 terminal prep so field teams receive drop parts ready for quick installation. The CLX-BPO2 supports our lines in meeting volume targets without compromising quality.
Customized specifications to fit your FTTH system
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment configures every order to fit your network requirements and simplify deployment. We pair concise options with predictable manufacturing windows so your teams receive ready-to-install products.
Choose 1–4 core designs with SM or MM fiber. Options include OS1/OS2 plus OM2–OM4 plus G.652D and G.657 variants to align with optics and connector plans.
We match sheath colors to Pantone codes for quick field identification and consistent asset tagging.
Jackets, Legends & Branding
Select LSZH, PVC, or PE jackets to suit route and safety requirements. Custom print legends and logos aid inventory/warranty tracking.
Lengths, Packaging & Special Builds
Standard reel lengths are 1 km, 2 km, and 4 km with custom reels and packaging to suit storage and handling. Choose flat bow-type or self-supporting and FRP or steel members to meet span and isolation needs.
| Option | Typical | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Reel length | 1, 2, or 4 km | Simpler staging and reels |
| Sheath | LSZH / PE / PVC | Indoor/Outdoor fit |
| Structure | Bow-type / Self-supporting | Routing and span flexibility |
As a manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye aligns runs to your schedule and delivers documentation that detail final specs for easy on-site QA.
Quality, Test, and Docs
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment builds checkpoints into production so every item has recorded acceptance data at ship.
Environmental and Mechanical Tests
Our lab runs high-temperature exposure, salt fog corrosion, and vibration tests to qualify materials and assemblies. These tests recreate field stresses for indoor/outdoor applications.
Per-Reel 100% Reports
Every fiber optic cable includes 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.
Traceability and compliance
Batch records tie test data to reels and serials so audits and warranty claims are simple to verify. Documentation follows common customer templates to speed approvals and inbound inspection.
- Line checks and final inspection prevent field failures and cut warranty events.
- Quality packages include specifications confirmation and formatted test data for quick review.
- Ongoing trend analysis drive preventive maintenance and improve long-term reliability.
| Test | Why | Result |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature | Material stability | Pass at target temperature |
| Salt spray | Corrosion robustness | Qualified for outdoor use |
| 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–$1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade, jacket chemistry (LSZH, PVC, PE), reel length, and design structure.
Material choices, fiber grade, jacket type, and structure
The primary cost drivers are fiber grade, sheath material, and the chosen structure for deployment.
Self-supporting designs and steel members raise material and labor input. Custom colors, logos, and print legends add setup time and impact pricing on small runs.
Length/Volume/Customization Impact
Longer reels and higher volume orders lower unit cost. Small quantities often carry setup fees and higher per-unit charges.
- Line changeovers and custom tooling extend lead time and add 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.
| Driver | Price impact | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Optical grade | High impact | Balance spec vs. budget |
| Jacket type | Medium | Evaluate LSZH vs PE |
| Length/Volume | High impact | 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 staffing and sites. Predictable windows reduce downtime and help control cost when a rollout is underway.
Scheduling & Capacity Planning
Typical production windows are 4–5 days for < 100 km and 7–10 days for orders under 500 km. We plan capacity to match your rollout milestones and to keep deliveries on time.
The service team issues production updates and tracking so installation teams can plan arrivals. For compressed schedules, we hold contingency capacity to accelerate critical-path orders.
Minimum order quantity and why it matters
The MOQ is one kilometer. This reflects setup needs such as wire and jacket die adjustments that use startup material and generate scrap.
We review your length and staging plans to select reels to reduce waste/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 burial is the right choice for a project.
Aerial, duct, and direct-buried deployment considerations
For aerial runs, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment recommends self-supporting designs with appropriate members to manage sag/tension for long-term stability.
Duct installations work best with low-friction sheaths and crush-resistant constructs so pulling avoids fiber damage. PE jackets are common for underground and buried paths where moisture resistance is needed.
Direct-buried designs require proper depth control per local codes and moisture-resistant jackets to protect the fiber core long-term.
Indoor riser/plenum distribution and ONT termination
Indoor riser and plenum routes prefer LSZH to meet smoke/flame codes. Flat drop cable forms strip clean and present controlled stubs for fast ONT terminations.
We guide the choice of steel or FRP (dielectric) strength members based on bonding requirements, lightning risk, and hardware fit. Standardized line prep reduces install time and minimizes scrap.
| Scenario | Key feature | Field note |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial | Self-supporting (steel/FRP) | Check tension and messenger hardware |
| Duct | Low-friction jacket, crush resistance | Use pull tape + lubricant |
| Direct-buried | PE with moisture barrier | Follow depth/warning tape codes |
| Indoor | LSZH with tight-bend support | Maintain bend radius at wall penetrations |
Our approach delivers a consistent installation across indoor outdoor transitions. That leads to fewer callbacks, speeds activations, and stable field performance for your system.
Support from Spec to Service
Our team coordinates testing, scheduling, and installation guidance to remove surprises during deployment.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers engineering support from early requirements through approved drawings and pre-production builds. We provide doc templates and clear install notes so field crews share a unified plan.
After-sales service includes fast response, RCA, and corrective action. All products ship with full reports and traceability to support QA acceptance.
- Round-the-clock availability for status updates and technical guidance.
- Warranty with free replacement if any quality problems are confirmed.
- Coordination of line schedules for expedites and urgent changes.
- Configuration control so shipped items match agreed specs consistently.
| Support area | What we do | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Spec review & pre-production builds | Fewer field issues |
| QA/Testing | Lab + 100% reports | Full traceability |
| Service | Fast replace + RCA | Minimized downtime |
Wrap-Up
Choose Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment for tailored drop builds, short lead times, and traceable quality records.
We deliver customized FTTH drop solutions 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 robust production line, including CLX-BPO2 prep assets, reduces variability and speeds turnaround. Our equipment and machines standardize strip/stub lengths so installers see consistent results at turn-up.
From fiber selection to jacket, printing, and packaging, we balance performance and cost to extend service life. Dedicated customer support guides scheduling, logistics, and after-sales care so your deployment remains on plan.
Contact Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment to align specifications, timeline, and volume. We stand behind every fiber optic and optic cable shipment with laboratory validation and responsive service.
