FTTH Drop Cable Production: Manufacturing Process Explained
Quick fact: over 70% of U.S. broadband rollouts now use fiber networks that demand tight manufacturing control to hit performance targets.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment runs full-cycle FTTH cable production line manufacturing, from choosing brand fibers like Fujikura or Corning® SMF-28e to comprehensive test documentation that guarantee full quality assurance.
Our drop cable designs suit aerial, underground, and direct burial installation, with LSZH, PVC, and PE jacket options and arrangements from 1 to 4 cores. We supply single-mode OS1/OS2 and OM2–OM4 grades plus G.652D and G.657 variants, Pantone sheath colors, and logo printing.
Automated machines and precision equipment keep line speed steady and maximize repeatability. Typical lead times are 4–5 days for orders < 100 km and 7–10 days under 500 km, with an MOQ of 1 km and warranty covering free replacement for confirmed quality issues.
Read on to learn how our materials, tests, and support help reduce lifecycle cost and align the product to your network needs.
- Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides complete production and laboratory testing for United States projects.
- Multiple jacket choices and optical grades support different install environments.
- Automated production lines ensure consistent quality and stable optical performance.
- Fast lead times, low MOQ, and recognized brand fibers support reliable procurement planning.
- Comprehensive test reports and warranty back product reliability and documentation needs.
Specialized 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 stringent material control. We provide 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 testing to verify durability. Jacket options include LSZH, PVC, and PE. Designs offer bow-type flat and figure-8/self-supporting styles and use brand fibers such as Fujikura and Corning® SMF-28e.
- Controlled production lines and production checks for shipments with audit trails.
- Technical support for specs, trials, and ramp to volume.
- Modern fixturing and calibration minimize variation so every cable matches operator specs.
FTTH cable production
At Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment, manufacturing steps are built around network requirements, combining brand fiber choices with rigorous test routines.
Optical fiber selection and brand options
We match FTTH cable production line to minimum bend radius, attenuation, and install environment. Options include OS1, OS2, OM2–OM4 and G.652D and G.657.A1/A2 per ITU-T. Brand fibers such as Fujikura and Corning® SMF-28e are offered to satisfy sourcing standards.
Strength Member Options
Strength members employ FRP (dielectric) or galvanized steel wire. FRP is preferred where non-conductivity is necessary. Steel wire adds tensile strength for longer aerial spans and bonding/grounding needs.
Extrusion & Process Control
Jacket options include LSZH for indoor flame safety, PVC for flexibility, and PE for UV/moisture resistance outdoors. Closed-loop control of temperature and capstan ratios stabilizes line speed and critical dimensions.
| Member | Dielectric FRP | Metallic Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Use case | Electrical isolation | Aerial spans, high tensile |
| Advantage | Light, non-corrosive | High strength |
| Installer note | Easier terminations | Bonding/grounding required |
In-Process and Final Testing
Inline geometry/concentricity checks run during manufacturing. Final optical tests verify loss and return loss. Each order ships with a full test report and lab results from high heat, salt-spray, and vibration trials 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 support traceability and compliance for U.S. programs.
Our FTTH Drop Cable Types and Structures
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers a focused portfolio of 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 bow-type flat drop cable keeps a small footprint for risers/ducts. It keeps bend loss low for simple routing in MDU corridors and hallways.
Self-supporting designs for aerial spans
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs use a messenger element to handle tension. Choose dielectric FRP for non-conductive runs or steel wire when bonding and extra tensile strength are required.
Layouts & Strength Members
We offer both dielectric and metallic strength member configurations to match safety and EMI rules. Center loose tube and flat unitube types balance crush resistance and Fiber coloring machine for quick termination.
Jackets for Indoor/Outdoor
Jacket choices include LSZH for indoor flame/smoke compliance and PE for outdoor durability. Each family is qualified for mechanical/optical performance before shipment.
| Design | Application | Strength member | Sheath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat bow-type | Indoor risers and MDUs | FRP (dielectric) | Low-smoke zero-halogen |
| Self-supporting (aerial) | Aerial spans | Steel wire or FRP | Polyethylene |
| Center loose tube | Higher fiber counts | Dielectric FRP | LSZH or PE |
| Unitube flat | Low-count, easy strip | FRP/Steel | LSZH or PE |
Equipment Ensuring Quality and Throughput
Automation with sensor feedback at Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment reduce manual handling and boost throughput for patch cord prep.
Our production line uses automated machines that cut and strip drop patch cords to raise throughput and cut labor variability.
The CLX-BPO2 automated stripper runs under PLC and photoelectric control. One cycle is ~1.5 s, giving real-world speeds near 20 terminal operations per minute.
Automated cutting and stripping for drop cable patch cords
The equipment strips LSZH/PVC jackets and trims FRP/steel members to precise stub lengths. Cylinder-driven actuators provide quick, repeatable motion and minimize downtime.
Closed-Loop Control for Repeatability
PLC logic + photoelectric sensors deliver precise positioning and closed-loop control. Inline checks feed control charts so operators can correct trends before out-of-control conditions occur.
| Item | Spec | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| CLX-BPO2 | 1.5s cycle, auto-strip | ~20 terminals/minute throughput |
| Actuation | Pneumatic cylinders | High speed and reliability |
| Material handling | LSZH & PVC; FRP & steel | Clean, accurate preps |
| Control | PLC + photoelectric + inline checks | Stable quality, reduced rework |
- Automated waste ejection and ergonomic loading maintain clean workcells.
- PCPs document calibration and key parameters.
- Integrated assets and trained operators support FTTH volume targets without compromising accuracy.
What the CLX-BPO2 Adds
The CLX-BPO2 provides industrial-grade strip/trim to our line, reducing cycle time while maintaining consistent prep.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment deploys the CLX-BPO2 to increase throughput and standardize terminal quality. The unit cycles in ~1.5 seconds, yielding about 20 terminal preparations per minute in production.
PLC and photoelectric control deliver exact detection and repeatable actuation. That control helps keep strip lengths and reserved strength stubs within tight tolerances.
Line Speed
Typical operation speed is 1.5s per cycle. This translates to steady throughput under normal production conditions.
Jacket Strip & Stub Lengths
The CLX-BPO2 strips LSZH and PVC jackets with an adjustable strip length from 17.5–35.0 mm. Reserved stubs are adjustable from 7.0–11.0 mm to match common termination hardware.
FRP & Steel Member Handling
The machine cleanly cuts FRP and steel wire strength elements while protecting neighboring fibers. Custom tooling are offered for nonstandard sizes to maintain precision.
- Auto-eject scrap and sensor-triggered start reduce idle time.
- Small footprint (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 50W at 110–220V, and 11 kg weight simplify cell integration.
- Pneumatic cylinders and PLC/photoelectric control boost reliability and reduce maintenance downtime.
| Specification | Value | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle | ≈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 | Supports termination strength |
| Power & size | 110–220V, 50W; 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 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 get install-ready reels.
Choose 1–4 core designs with SM or MM fiber. Options include OS1/OS2 plus OM2–OM4 along with G.652D and G.657 variants to align with optics and connector plans.
We Pantone-match sheath colors for fast field ID and consistent asset tagging.
Jackets, Legends & Branding
Select LSZH, PVC, or PE jackets based on route and safety rules. Custom legends/logos support inventory and warranty tracking.
Length options, packaging, and special structures
Standard put-ups are 1/2/4 km with custom reels and packaging to suit storage and handling. Choose flat bow-type or self-supporting and steel wire or FRP strength members to meet span and isolation needs.
| Choice | Typical | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Reel length | 1 / 2 / 4 km | Less staging, easier reels |
| Jacket | LSZH, PE, PVC | Indoor/Outdoor fit |
| Design | Flat bow / Self-supporting | Flexible routing/span |
As a manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye schedules runs to your plan and delivers documentation that lists final specifications for easy on-site QA.
Quality, Test, and Docs
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment builds checkpoints into production so every item ships with recorded acceptance data.
Lab Testing: Heat, Salt Spray & Vibration
Our lab runs high-temperature exposure, salt spray corrosion, and vibration tests to qualify materials and assemblies. These tests recreate field stresses for indoor and outdoor use.
100% test reports for every cable
Every fiber optic cable includes a 100% test report that logs attenuation, return loss, and geometry where applicable. Final inspection gates prevent nonconforming shipments before they leave the factory.
Audit Trail and Compliance
Batch records link tests to reels/serials so audits and warranty claims are simple to verify. Documentation uses standard customer templates to accelerate approvals and receiving inspection.
- Line checks and final inspection prevent field failures and lower warranty events.
- Quality packages include spec confirmation and formatted data for quick review.
- Continuous test trends drive preventive maintenance and improve long-term reliability.
| Test | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Heat exposure | Material stability | Validated heat endurance |
| Salt-fog | Corrosion robustness | Outdoor suitability |
| Vibration | Resistance to vibration | Reduced field failures |
FTTH Drop Cable Pricing & Cost Drivers
Budgeting for a drop run starts with fiber and jacket choices and is refined by volume and customization.
Typical prices range broadly—from about $30 to $1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade, jacket chemistry (LSZH, PVC, PE), reel length, and structural design.
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 raise material and labor input. Custom colors, logos, and print legends add setup and impact pricing on small runs.
Length/Volume/Customization Impact
Longer put-ups and larger volumes reduce unit cost. Small quantities often include setup charges and higher per-unit charges.
- Line changeovers and custom tooling increase lead time and add cost.
- Clear RFQs with schedule alignment let Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment match quotes to delivery windows.
- Framework agreements and indexed pricing stabilize budgets over phases.
| Factor | Price impact | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Optical grade | Large | Balance spec vs. budget |
| Sheath material | Medium impact | Compare LSZH vs. PE for total cost |
| Order length / volume | High impact | Consolidate where possible |
Logistics for the U.S.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment keeps lead times/logistics clear so planners can align crews and sites. Predictable schedules cut 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 maintain on-time delivery.
The service team provides updates/tracking so installation teams can plan arrivals. For tight schedules, we hold 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/die adjustments that consume start-up material and scrap.
We review your length and staging plans to choose reel sizes that cut waste and handling. Staggered batches can balance inventory with more frequent small-site deliveries.
Where and How to Deploy
Site conditions determine whether a self-supporting aerial, ducted pull, or direct burial is the right choice for a project.
Deployment Considerations
For aerial runs, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment advises self-supporting designs with correct strength members to control sag and tension for long-term reliability.
Duct installations perform best with low-friction sheaths and crush-resistant builds so pulling does not damage fibers. PE jackets are typical for underground and buried paths where moisture resistance is needed.
Direct-buried designs require proper depth control per local codes and moisture barriers to protect the optic core over time.
Indoor Distribution and ONT
Indoor riser and plenum routes prefer LSZH to meet smoke/flame codes. Flat drop profiles strip clean and present controlled strength 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 prep from the production line shortens install time and minimizes scrap.
| Deployment | Key design | Field note |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial | Self-supporting (steel/FRP) | Verify messenger hardware/tension |
| Duct | Low-friction jacket, crush resistance | Use pull tape + lubricant |
| Direct burial | PE with moisture barrier | Follow local depth and warning tape rules |
| Interior | LSZH with tight-bend support | Maintain bend radius at wall penetrations |
Our approach delivers a consistent installation across indoor/outdoor transitions. That reduces callbacks, faster 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 provides engineering support from early requirements through approved drawings and pilot builds. We provide doc templates and clear installation notes so field crews share a unified plan.
After-sales service covers rapid response, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions. All products ship with full 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 urgent changes or acceleration requests.
- Config control so shipped items match agreed requirements every time.
| Support area | What we do | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Spec review & pre-production builds | Fewer field issues |
| Testing | Lab trials & 100% test reports | Traceable quality |
| Service | Rapid replacement & root-cause | Lower downtime |
Wrap-Up
Choose Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment for tailored drop builds, short lead times, and traceable quality records.
We provide custom FTTH drops that combine materials with validated manufacturing and lab tests. Every reel includes 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 set standardize strip/stub lengths so installers see consistent results at turn-up.
From fiber selection through jacket, printing, and packaging, we balance design and cost to extend service life. Dedicated support guides scheduling, logistics, and after-sales care so your deployment stays 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.