FTTH Drop Cable Production: Manufacturing Process Explained
Surprising fact: in excess of seventy percent of U.S. broadband rollouts now depend on fiber networks that demand precise manufacturing to hit performance targets.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment handles complete FTTH cable production line manufacturing, from sourcing brand fibers like Fujikura® or Corning® SMF-28e to final test reports that ensure 100% quality assurance.
Our drop cable designs suit overhead, ducted, and direct-buried installation, with LSZH, PVC, and polyethylene (PE) jacket options and core counts from 1–4 cores. We offer single-mode OS1/OS2 and OM2–OM4 grades plus G.652D and G.657 variants, Pantone-matched sheath colors, and custom logo printing.
Automated machines and high-precision equipment keep line speed steady and keep repeatability high. Typical lead times run 4–5 days for orders under 100 km and 7–10 days under 500 km, with an MOQ of 1 km and warranty covering free replacement for confirmed quality issues.
Keep reading to see how materials, testing, and support work together to reduce lifecycle cost and match the right product to your network system.
- Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers complete production and laboratory testing for United States projects.
- A range of jacket options and fiber grades fit indoor/outdoor environments.
- Automated lines and machines provide consistent quality and reliable optical performance.
- Fast lead times, low minimums, and brand fiber options help plan procurement reliably.
- Comprehensive test reports and after-sales warranty support product reliability and compliance documentation needs.
Expert FTTH manufacturing by Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment
When deadlines and performance are critical, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment delivers tailored drop solutions with full test documentation.
As a dedicated manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment pairs specialized equipment with stringent material control. We offer custom builds and services for residential and MDU rollouts. Every order includes 100% quality assurance and full test reports.
Our lab performs high heat, salt-fog, and vibration tests to validate durability. Jacket options cover LSZH, PVC, and PE. Designs include 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 auditable shipments.
- Technical support for requirements, pilots, and scaling.
- Modern fixtures 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 align fiber ribbon line to 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 galvanized steel wire. FRP is ideal where non-conductive runs are required. Steel wire adds tensile strength for long-span aerial runs and bonding/grounding needs.
Jacket Options and Control
Jacket options include LSZH for flame/smoke safety, PVC for flexibility and ease of handling, and PE for outdoor UV and moisture resistance. Closed-loop control of extruder temperature and capstan speed keeps line speed stable and critical dimensions.
| Component | FRP | Steel wire |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Electrical isolation | High-tension aerial runs |
| Advantage | Lightweight, inert | Very high tensile strength |
| Installation note | Easier terminations | Requires grounding |
Inline and final testing
Inline geometry/concentricity checks run during manufacturing. Final optical tests verify loss and reflectance. Each order ships with a 100% test report and lab results from high heat, salt fog, 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. 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 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 flat bow-type drop minimizes footprint for risers and conduit. It keeps bend loss low for simple routing in MDU corridors and hallways.
Self-Supporting Aerial Designs
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs use a messenger element to carry tensile loads. Choose FRP (dielectric) for electrical isolation or steel messenger when bonding and extra tensile strength are required.
Core Layouts and Strength Members
We offer dielectric and metallic strength member configurations to match safety and EMI rules. Central loose-tube and flat unitube types balance crush resistance and compact fiber unit for quick termination.
Indoor/outdoor jackets
Jacket choices include LSZH for flame-retardant, low-smoke indoor use and PE for outdoor durability. Each series is qualified for mechanical and optical quality before shipment.
| Type | Best use | Strength element | Sheath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat bow-type | Indoor risers and MDUs | FRP (dielectric) | Low-smoke zero-halogen |
| Self-supporting (aerial) | Overhead spans | Steel wire or FRP | Polyethylene |
| Central loose-tube | Higher-count builds | FRP | LSZH or PE |
| Unitube flat | Low-count, easy strip | FRP or steel | LSZH/PE |
Equipment Ensuring Quality and Throughput
Automation and sensor-driven feedback at Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment reduce manual handling and boost throughput for drop patch preparation.
Our production line integrates automated machines that cut and strip drop patch cords to raise throughput and cut labor variability.
The CLX-BPO2 auto-stripping machine runs under PLC and photoelectric control. One cycle is ~1.5 s, giving ~20 terminals per minute in production.
Automated Cut/Strip for Drop Cords
The equipment strips LSZH/PVC jackets and trims FRP or steel strength members to precise reserved lengths. Pneumatic cylinder actuators provide quick, repeatable motion and low downtime.
PLC/photoelectric control for precision and repeatability
PLC logic and photoelectric sensors give exact positioning and feedback control. Inline checks update SPC charts so operators can correct trends before out-of-control conditions occur.
| Feature | Spec | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| CLX-BPO2 | Auto-strip, ~1.5 s cycle | ~20 terminals/minute throughput |
| Drive | Pneumatic cylinders | High speed and reliability |
| Materials | LSZH & PVC; FRP & steel | Clean, accurate preps |
| Process control | PLC + photoelectric + inline checks | Consistent quality, lower rework |
- Automated waste ejection and ergonomic feeders maintain clean workcells.
- PCPs document calibration and key parameters.
- Combined machines, fixtures, and trained staff support FTTH volume targets without compromising accuracy.
CLX-BPO2 Capabilities on Our Line
The CLX-BPO2 provides industrial-grade strip/trim to our line, cutting cycle time while keeping prep consistent.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment uses the CLX-BPO2 to increase throughput 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/photoelectric control deliver exact 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 translates to 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 17.5–35.0 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 non-standard cross-sections to maintain precision.
- Automatic waste ejection and sensor-triggered start reduce idle time.
- Compact size (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 110–220V, 50W, and 11 kg weight ease integration into workcells.
- Pneumatic cylinders and closed-loop control boost reliability and reduce maintenance downtime.
| Specification | Rating | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle | ≈1.5 s (~20/min) | Supports high-volume runs |
| Jacket strip (A) | 17.5 to 35.0 mm | Fits common connector processes |
| Reserved stub (B) | 7.0–11.0 mm | Meets strength and termination needs |
| Power/Size | 50W @ 110–220V; 40×18×18 cm | Simple integration |
Using this machine, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment standardizes terminal prep so field teams get drop parts install-ready. 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 each build 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 SM or MM fiber. Options include OS1, OS2, and OM2–OM4 plus 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.
Jacket materials, print legends, and branding
Select LSZH, PVC, or PE jackets based on route and safety rules. Custom legends/logos aid inventory/warranty tracking.
Put-Ups, Packaging, and 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 fit span and isolation requirements.
| Option | Typical | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Reel length | 1 / 2 / 4 km | Simpler staging and reels |
| Jacket | 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 provides docs that detail final specs for straightforward QA on site.
QA, Testing & Documentation
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment embeds quality checkpoints across the production line so every item ships with recorded acceptance data.
High-temperature, salt spray, and vibration laboratory testing
Our lab conducts elevated-temperature exposure, salt fog corrosion, and mechanical vibration to qualify materials and assemblies. These tests simulate field stresses for indoor/outdoor applications.
Per-Reel 100% Reports
Every fiber optic cable ships with 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
Lot/batch records link tests to reels/serials so audits and warranty claims are simple to verify. Documentation uses standard customer templates to speed approvals and inbound inspection.
- In-line checks plus final inspection reduce field failures and cut warranty events.
- Quality packages include spec confirmation and formatted test data for quick review.
- Continuous test trends drive preventive maintenance and raise long-term reliability.
| Trial | Purpose | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Heat exposure | Material stability | Pass at target temperature |
| Salt-fog | Corrosion robustness | Qualified for outdoor use |
| Mechanical vibration | Mechanical robustness | Improved field reliability |
Cost Drivers and Pricing
Budget planning for a drop starts with fiber and jacket choices and is shaped by volume and customization.
Typical prices range broadly—from about $30 to $1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade (G.652/G.657/OM2–OM4), jacket chemistry (LSZH, PVC, PE), length, and structural design.
Materials, Grade, Jacket & Structure
The primary cost drivers are fiber grade, jacket material, and the structural type chosen for deployment.
Self-supporting designs and steel strength elements raise material and labor input. Custom sheath colors/logos/legends add setup time and impact pricing on small runs.
How Volume & Options Affect Cost
Longer put-ups and larger volumes lower unit cost. Short runs often carry setup fees and higher per-unit charges.
- Line changeovers and custom tooling increase lead time and add to cost.
- Clear RFQs with schedule alignment let Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment align price quotes to delivery windows.
- Framework agreements and indexed pricing stabilize budgets over phases.
| Factor | Price impact | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Optical grade | High impact | Right-size spec to budget |
| Sheath material | Medium | Compare LSZH vs. PE for total cost |
| Order length / volume | High impact | Consolidate where possible |
Lead times, MOQ, and delivery for the United States
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment makes lead times and logistics clear so planners can align staffing and sites. Predictable windows cut downtime and control costs when a rollout is underway.
Production Windows & Capacity
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 tight schedules, we reserve contingency capacity to accelerate critical-path orders.
MOQ and Rationale
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. Batch releases can balance inventory with more frequent small-site deliveries.
Where and How to Deploy
Site conditions determine whether a self-supporting aerial, duct pull, or direct-buried run 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 manage sag/tension for long-term stability.
Duct installations work best with low-friction jackets and crush-resistant builds so pulling avoids fiber damage. 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-resistant jackets to protect the optic core over time.
Indoor Riser/Plenum & 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 advise on steel vs FRP (dielectric) strength members based on bonding needs, lightning risk, and hardware compatibility. Standardized prep from the production line shortens install time and minimizes scrap.
| Deployment | Key feature | Field note |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead | Self-supporting (steel/FRP) | Verify messenger hardware/tension |
| Underground duct | Low-friction, crush-resistant | Use pull tape + lubricant |
| Direct-buried | PE with moisture barrier | Follow depth/warning tape codes |
| Interior | LSZH jacket, tight bend support | Maintain bend radius at penetrations |
Our approach ensures a consistent install experience across indoor outdoor transitions. That leads to fewer callbacks, speeds activations, and stable field performance for your system.
Comprehensive Support & After-Sales
Our team coordinates testing, scheduling, and installation guidance to avoid surprises in deployment.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers engineering support from early requirements through approved drawings and pilot builds. We deliver documentation 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 test reports and traceability to support QA acceptance.
- 24/7 availability for status and technical support.
- 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.
| Area | What we do | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Spec review & pre-production builds | Fewer field issues |
| QA/Testing | Lab trials & 100% test reports | Traceable quality |
| After-sales | Fast replace + RCA | Minimized downtime |
Wrap-Up
Select Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment for custom drops, quick lead times, and full traceability.
We deliver customized FTTH drop solutions that pair material choices with validated manufacturing and lab testing. Every reel includes a 100% test report and documented trials to support U.S. field acceptance.
A robust production line, including CLX-BPO2 prep assets, reduces variability and shortens 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 covers scheduling/logistics/after-sales so your deployment remains on plan.
Contact Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment to align specifications, timeline, and volume. We stand behind every shipment with lab validation and responsive support.