FTTH Drop Cable Production: How the Manufacturing Process Works
Surprising fact: over seventy percent of U.S. broadband rollouts now depend on fiber networks that require precise manufacturing to achieve required performance.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment manages full-cycle compact fiber unit manufacturing, from choosing brand fibers like Fujikura or Corning SMF-28e to comprehensive test documentation that guarantee full quality assurance.
Our drop designs are built for aerial, underground, and direct burial installation, with LSZH, PVC, and polyethylene (PE) jacket options and core counts from 1 to 4 cores. We provide single-mode OS1/OS2 and OM2–OM4 grades plus G.652D and G.657 variants, Pantone-matched sheath colors, and logo printing.
Automated machines and precision equipment keep line speed steady and keep repeatability high. Typical lead times run 4–5 days for orders < 100 km and 7–10 days for < 500 km, with an MOQ of 1 km and warranty covering free replacement for confirmed quality issues.
Keep reading to see how materials plus testing and support combine to lower lifecycle cost and match the right product to your network system.
- Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment delivers full manufacturing with lab validation for U.S. deployments.
- Multiple jacket choices and optical grades fit indoor/outdoor environments.
- Automated production lines provide consistent quality and stable optical performance.
- Fast lead times, low MOQ, and brand fiber options help plan procurement reliably.
- Complete reports and after-sales warranty back product reliability and documentation needs.
Expert FTTH manufacturing by Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment
When schedules and performance count, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides customized drop cables with full test documentation.
As a focused supplier and manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment pairs purpose-built equipment with tight material control. We offer customized service and products for single-family and MDU rollouts. Every order comes with full QA coverage and complete test reports.
Our lab runs high-temperature, salt spray, and vibration testing to validate durability. Jacket options include LSZH, PVC, and PE. Designs cover bow-type flat and self-supporting styles and support brand fibers such as Fujikura and Corning SMF-28e.
- Controlled production lines and in-process checks for auditable shipments.
- Engineering support for requirements, pilots, and scaling.
- Modern fixturing and calibration minimize variation so every cable matches operator specs.
How We Produce FTTH Cable
At Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment, manufacturing steps are aligned to network specifications, combining brand fiber choices with strict test routines.
Optical fiber selection and brand options
We align Fiber coloring machine 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 available to meet procurement standards.
Strength member integration
Strength members employ FRP (dielectric) 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.
Extrusion & Process Control
Jacket options include LSZH for flame/smoke safety, PVC for flexibility, and PE for outdoor UV and moisture resistance. Tight process control of extruder temperature and capstan speed keeps line speed stable and dimensional tolerances.
Member | Dielectric FRP | Metallic Steel |
---|---|---|
Primary use | Electrical isolation | Aerial spans, high tensile |
Advantage | Light, non-corrosive | High strength |
Installation note | Easier terminations | Bonding/grounding required |
In-Process and Final Testing
Inline geometry/concentricity checks operate in-line. Final optical tests confirm attenuation and return loss. Each order includes a 100% test report and lab results from high-temperature, salt-spray, and vibration tests to qualify field handling and drop terminations.
Typical lead times are under 100 km in 4–5 days and under 500 km in 7–10 days. Material lot records and first-article approvals provide traceability and compliance for U.S. projects.
Our FTTH Drop Cable Types and Structures
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers a compact portfolio of drop designs that cover tight indoor routes and exposed aerial spans. Each option pairs tested materials with geometry tuned for field termination and consistent 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.
Self-supporting designs for aerial spans
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs include a messenger element to handle tension. Choose dielectric FRP for non-conductive runs or steel wire when bonding and higher tensile strength are required.
Strength member and core layouts
We provide dielectric and metallic strength member configurations to match safety and EMI rules. Center loose tube and unitube flat types balance crush resistance and compact fiber unit for quick termination.
Jackets for Indoor/Outdoor
Jacket choices include LSZH for indoor flame/smoke compliance and PE for outdoor UV and moisture resilience. Each family is qualified for mechanical and optical quality before shipment.
Type | Application | Strength element | Sheath |
---|---|---|---|
Flat bow-type | Indoor risers and MDUs | FRP (dielectric) | LSZH |
Self-supporting (aerial) | Overhead spans | Steel wire or FRP | Polyethylene |
Center loose tube | Higher-count builds | FRP | LSZH or PE |
Unitube flat | Low count, quick strip | FRP or 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 patch cord prep.
Our production line uses automated machines that cut/strip drop cords to raise throughput 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 Cut/Strip for Drop Cords
The equipment strips LSZH and PVC jackets and trims FRP or steel strength members to precise stub lengths. Cylinder-driven actuators provide quick, repeatable motion and minimize downtime.
PLC & Photoelectric for Precision
PLC logic and photoelectric sensors deliver precise positioning and closed-loop control. Inline checks feed control charts so operators can adjust drifts before out-of-control conditions occur.
Feature | Spec | Result |
---|---|---|
CLX-BPO2 | 1.5s cycle, auto-strip | High throughput |
Drive | Pneumatic cylinders | Fast/reliable motion |
Materials | LSZH/PVC; FRP/steel | Accurate stubs, clean terminations |
Control | PLC/photoelectric with in-line SPC | Stable quality, reduced rework |
- Auto scrap ejection and ergonomic feeders keep the line clean.
- Process control plans capture calibration intervals and critical parameters.
- Integrated assets and trained operators support FTTH volume targets without sacrificing accuracy.
CLX-BPO2 auto-stripping machine capabilities in our line
The CLX-BPO2 brings industrial-grade stripping and trimming to our line, reducing cycle time while maintaining consistent prep.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment uses the CLX-BPO2 to raise output and standardize prep quality. The unit runs at an approximate cycle time of 1.5 seconds, producing around 20 preps per minute in production.
PLC and photoelectric control enable precise detection and repeatable actuation. That control helps keep strip lengths and reserved strength stubs within tight tolerances.
Cycle time and throughput
Typical operation speed is ~1.5 seconds per cycle. This enables steady throughput under continuous line conditions.
Supported jacket and reserved strength 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 set between 7.0 and 11.0 mm to fit common termination hardware.
FRP & Steel Member Handling
The machine cleanly cuts FRP and steel wire strength elements while protecting adjacent fibers. Customized cutters are offered for nonstandard sizes to maintain precision.
- Auto-eject scrap and sensor start reduce idle time.
- Small footprint (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 110–220V, 50W, and 11 kg mass simplify cell integration.
- Cylinder-driven motion and PLC/photoelectric control boost reliability and reduce maintenance downtime.
Spec | Value | Benefit |
---|---|---|
Cycle time | ~1.5 s (~20/min) | High throughput for production runs |
Strip lengths (A) | 17.5 to 35.0 mm | Compatible with common connectors |
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 prep so field teams receive drop parts ready for quick installation. The CLX-BPO2 helps our production lines meet volume goals without compromising quality.
Customized specifications to fit your FTTH system
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment configures every order to meet 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 single-mode or multimode fiber. Options include OS1/OS2 plus OM2–OM4 along with G.652D and G.657 variants to match your optics and connector plans.
We Pantone-match sheath colors for fast field ID and consistent asset tags.
Branding and Print Options
Select LSZH/PVC/PE jackets to suit route and safety requirements. Custom print legends and logos support inventory and warranty tracking.
Lengths, Packaging & Special Builds
Standard reel lengths are 1/2/4 km with custom reels and packaging to fit storage/handling. Choose bow-type flat or self-supporting designs and FRP or steel members to fit span and isolation requirements.
Choice | Typical | Advantage |
---|---|---|
Length | 1 / 2 / 4 km | Less staging, easier reels |
Jacket | LSZH, PE, PVC | Indoor/Outdoor fit |
Structure | Flat bow / Self-supporting | Flexible routing/span |
As a supplier, Shanghai Weiye schedules runs to your plan and delivers documentation that lists final specifications for easy on-site QA.
Quality assurance, testing, and documentation
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment builds checkpoints into production so every item has recorded acceptance data at ship.
Lab Testing: Heat, Salt Spray & Vibration
Our lab runs high-temperature exposure, salt spray corrosion, and mechanical vibration to qualify materials/assemblies. These tests simulate 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 inspection gates prevent nonconforming shipments before they leave the factory.
Traceability and compliance
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.
- In-line checks plus final inspection prevent field failures and lower warranty events.
- Quality packages include spec confirmation and formatted data for rapid review.
- Ongoing trend analysis inform preventive maintenance and improve long-term reliability.
Test | Why | Result |
---|---|---|
Heat exposure | Thermal stability | Validated heat endurance |
Salt-fog | Corrosion resistance | Outdoor suitability |
Vibration | Resistance to vibration | Reduced field failures |
FTTH Drop Cable Pricing & Cost Drivers
Budgeting for a drop run begins with fiber/jacket selection and is shaped by volume and customization.
Typical prices vary widely—from about $30–$1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade (G.652/G.657/OM2–OM4), jacket material, length, and design structure.
Primary Cost Inputs
The primary cost drivers are fiber grade, sheath material, and the structural type chosen for deployment.
Self-supporting structures and steel strength elements increase material/labor. Custom colors, logos, and print legends add setup time and impact pricing on small runs.
How Volume & Options Affect Cost
Longer reels and higher volume orders reduce unit cost. Short runs often include setup charges and higher unit prices.
- 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 | Effect on price | 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 keeps lead times/logistics clear so planners can align staffing and sites. Predictable windows cut downtime and control costs when a rollout is underway.
Typical production windows and capacity planning
Typical production windows run 4–5 days for orders under 100 km and 7–10 days for orders under 500 km. We plan capacity to track your 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 pull in critical-path orders.
Minimum order quantity and why it matters
The MOQ is one kilometer. This reflects line setup such as wire and jacket die adjustments that use startup material and generate scrap.
We review your put-ups and staging to select reels to reduce waste/handling. Staggered batches can balance inventory holding with frequent, smaller deliveries to job sites.
Installation readiness and application scenarios
Site conditions determine whether a self-supporting aerial, ducted pull, or direct burial is the best fit 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 control sag and tension for long-term reliability.
Duct installations perform best with low-friction jackets and crush-resistant constructs so pulling avoids fiber damage. PE jackets are common for underground and buried paths where moisture resistance matters.
Direct-buried designs need correct burial depth per local codes and moisture-resistant jackets to protect the optic core over time.
Indoor Distribution and ONT
Indoor riser/plenum routes prefer LSZH to meet smoke/flame codes. Flat drop cable forms strip clean and present controlled stubs for fast ONT terminations.
We advise on steel vs FRP (dielectric) strength members based on bonding needs, lightning risk, and hardware fit. Standardized line prep reduces install time and minimizes scrap.
Scenario | Key feature | Installer note |
---|---|---|
Aerial | Self-supporting, steel or FRP | Verify messenger hardware/tension |
Underground duct | Low-friction jacket, crush resistance | Use pull tape + lubricant |
Direct-buried | PE jacket, moisture barrier | Follow local depth and warning tape rules |
Indoor | LSZH jacket, tight bend support | Maintain bend radius at penetrations |
Our approach delivers a consistent installation across indoor outdoor transitions. That reduces callbacks, faster activations, and stable field performance for your system.
Comprehensive Support & After-Sales
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 work from the same plan.
After-sales service includes fast response, RCA, and corrective action. All products ship with full test 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.
- Schedule coordination for urgent changes or acceleration requests.
- Configuration control so shipped items match agreed specs consistently.
Support area | Scope | Outcome |
---|---|---|
Engineering | Spec review & pre-production builds | Fewer field issues |
QA/Testing | Lab + 100% reports | Traceable quality |
Service | Rapid replacement & root-cause | Lower downtime |
Conclusion
Choose Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment for tailored drop builds, short lead times, and traceable quality records.
We provide custom FTTH drops that pair material choices with validated manufacturing and lab testing. Every reel includes 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, cuts variability and speeds turnaround. Our equipment and machines standardize strip and stub lengths so installers get consistent results at turn-up.
From fiber selection to jacket, printing, and packaging, we balance performance and cost to maximize service life. Dedicated support covers scheduling/logistics/after-sales so your deployment remains on plan.
Get in touch with Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment to align specs, timeline, and volume. We stand behind every fiber optic and optic cable shipment with laboratory validation and responsive service.