FTTH Drop Cable Production: Manufacturing Process Explained
Did you know: in excess of seventy percent of new broadband deployments in the U.S. now rely on fiber networks that demand high-precision manufacturing to hit performance targets.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment handles full-cycle SZ stranding line manufacturing, from selecting brand fibers like Fujikura® or Corning SMF-28e to complete test reports that deliver 100% QA.
Our FTTH drop designs suit aerial, ducted, and direct-buried installation, with LSZH, PVC, and PE jacket options and configurations from 1 to 4 cores. We supply OS1/OS2 and OM2–OM4 grades plus ITU-T G.652D and ITU-T G.657 variants, Pantone sheath colors, and custom logo printing.
Automation and high-precision equipment keep line speed steady and maximize repeatability. Typical lead times run 4–5 days for orders under 100 km and seven to ten days under 500 km, with an min. order of 1 km and warranty for free replacement on quality issues.
Continue to see how materials plus testing and support work together to reduce lifecycle cost and align the product to your network needs.
- Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers full manufacturing with lab validation for U.S. deployments.
- A range of jacket options and fiber grades support indoor/outdoor environments.
- Automated lines and machines deliver stable quality and reliable optical performance.
- Fast lead times, low MOQ, and recognized brand fibers help plan procurement reliably.
- Comprehensive test reports and warranty back product reliability and compliance documentation needs.
Expert FTTH manufacturing by Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment
When project timelines and performance matter, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment delivers customized drop cables with complete test documentation.
As a focused supplier and manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment combines specialized equipment with stringent 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 conducts high heat, salt-fog, and vibration tests to verify durability. Jacket options include LSZH, PVC, and PE. Designs include bow-type flat and figure-8/self-supporting styles and support brand fibers such as Fujikura® and Corning® SMF-28e.
- Controlled production lines and in-process checks for shipments with audit trails.
- Technical support for requirements, pilots, and scaling.
- Modern fixtures and calibration reduce variability so every cable matches operator specs.
How We Produce FTTH Cable
At Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment, manufacturing steps are matched to network specs, combining brand fiber choices with strict test routines.
Fiber Selection & Brand Options
We match Fiber coloring machine to bend radius, loss, and deployment type. Options include OS1/OS2 and 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 metallic steel wire. FRP is ideal where non-conductive runs are required. Steel wire provides 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 PE for outdoor UV and moisture resistance. Tight process control of extruder temperature and capstan speed keeps line speed stable and critical dimensions.
| Member | FRP | Metallic Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Electrical isolation | High-tension aerial runs |
| Advantage | Lightweight, inert | Very high tensile strength |
| Installer note | Easier terminations | Requires grounding |
Inline and final testing
Inline geometry and concentricity checks run during manufacturing. Final optical tests verify loss and return loss. Each order includes a full test report and lab results from high-temperature, salt fog, 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. Material lot records and first-article approvals provide traceability and compliance for U.S. projects.
FTTH drop cable types and structures we manufacture
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 consistent optical performance.
The flat bow-type drop minimizes footprint for risers/ducts. It keeps bend loss low for easy routing in MDU corridors and hallways.
Self-Supporting Aerial Designs
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs include a support messenger to carry tensile loads. Choose FRP (dielectric) for non-conductive runs or steel messenger when bonding/grounding and higher tensile strength are required.
Layouts & Strength Members
We provide dielectric and metallic strength member configurations to match safety and EMI rules. Center loose tube and flat unitube types balance crush resistance and Fiber draw tower for quick termination.
Indoor/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 | Best use | Strength element | Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat bow-type | Indoor risers, MDUs | FRP (dielectric) | LSZH |
| Self-supporting | Overhead spans | FRP/Steel | Polyethylene |
| Center loose tube | Higher-count builds | Dielectric FRP | LSZH/PE |
| Flat unitube | Low count, quick strip | FRP or steel | LSZH or PE |
Equipment Ensuring Quality and Throughput
Automation and sensor-driven feedback at Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment cut manual handling and increase throughput for drop patch preparation.
Our production line integrates automated machines that cut/strip drop cords to raise throughput and reduce operator 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 cutting and stripping for drop cable patch 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 + photoelectric sensors deliver precise positioning and closed-loop control. Inline checks feed control charts so operators can correct trends before defects grow.
| Feature | Capability | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| CLX-BPO2 | Auto-strip, ~1.5 s cycle | High throughput |
| Drive | Pneumatic cylinders | High speed and reliability |
| Material handling | LSZH & PVC; FRP & steel | Accurate stubs, clean terminations |
| Control | PLC/photoelectric with in-line SPC | Consistent quality, lower rework |
- Auto scrap ejection and ergonomic loading keep the line clean.
- Process control plans document calibration and key parameters.
- Combined machines, fixtures, and trained staff help meet FTTH volume goals without sacrificing accuracy.
CLX-BPO2 Capabilities on Our Line
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 raise output and standardize terminal quality. The unit cycles in ~1.5 seconds, yielding about 20 terminal preparations per minute in production.
PLC/photoelectric control enable precise detection and repeatable motion. 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 continuous line conditions.
Jacket Strip & Stub Lengths
The CLX-BPO2 strips LSZH and PVC jackets with an adjustable strip length from 17.5 to 35.0 mm. Reserved strength member stubs are set between 7.0 and 11.0 mm to match common termination hardware.
FRP & Steel Member Handling
The machine cleanly cuts FRP and steel wire strength elements while protecting adjacent fibers. Custom tooling are available for non-standard cross-sections to preserve precision.
- Automatic waste ejection and sensor start reduce idle time.
- Small footprint (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 110–220V, 50W, and 11 kg weight 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 |
| Jacket strip (A) | 17.5–35.0 mm | Fits common connector processes |
| Stub (B) | 7.0–11.0 mm | Meets strength and termination needs |
| 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 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 field rollout. We pair concise options with predictable manufacturing windows so your teams get install-ready reels.
Choose 1–4 core designs with single-mode or multimode fiber. Options include OS1, OS2, and OM2–OM4 along with G.652D and G.657 variants to align with optics and connector plans.
We Pantone-match sheath colors for quick field identification and consistent asset tagging.
Branding and Print Options
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 reel lengths are 1/2/4 km with tailored reels and packaging to fit storage/handling. Choose flat bow-type or self-supporting and steel wire or FRP strength members to meet span and isolation needs.
| Option | Typical | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Lab Testing: Heat, Salt Spray & Vibration
Our lab conducts high-temperature exposure, salt fog corrosion, and mechanical vibration to qualify materials and assemblies. These tests recreate field stresses for indoor/outdoor applications.
Full Test Reports for Every Reel
Every fiber optic cable includes a 100% test report that logs attenuation, return loss, and geometry where applicable. Final QC gates stop nonconforming items before they leave the factory.
Audit Trail and Compliance
Batch records tie test data to reels and serials so audits and claims are easy to verify. Documentation follows common customer templates to speed approvals and inbound inspection.
- Line checks and final inspection prevent field failures and lower warranty events.
- QA packages include spec confirmation and formatted data for rapid review.
- Ongoing trend analysis inform preventive maintenance and improve long-term reliability.
| Trial | Why | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature | Thermal stability | Pass at target temperature |
| Salt spray | Corrosion resistance | Qualified for outdoor use |
| Mechanical vibration | Resistance to vibration | Improved field reliability |
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 range broadly—from about $30 to $1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade, jacket chemistry (LSZH, PVC, PE), 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 designs and steel members increase material/labor. Custom colors, logos, and print legends add setup time and impact pricing on small runs.
Length/Volume/Customization Impact
Longer put-ups and larger volumes reduce 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 with schedule alignment let Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment align price quotes to delivery windows.
- Frameworks and indexed pricing stabilize budgets over phases.
| Driver | Effect on price | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Optical grade | High impact | Right-size spec to budget |
| Sheath material | Medium impact | Compare LSZH vs. PE for total cost |
| Order length / volume | High impact | Consolidate where possible |
U.S. Lead Times, MOQ & Delivery
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment keeps lead times/logistics clear so planners can align crews and sites. Predictable windows cut downtime and help control cost when a rollout is underway.
Production Windows & Capacity
Typical production windows are 4–5 days for < 100 km and 7–10 days for < 500 km. We schedule line capacity to track your milestones and to maintain on-time delivery.
The service team provides updates/tracking so installation teams can plan arrivals. For compressed schedules, we reserve contingency capacity to pull in critical-path orders.
MOQ and Rationale
The MOQ is 1 km. This reflects setup needs 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 Scenarios & Readiness
On-site conditions determine whether a self-supporting span, duct pull, or direct burial is the right choice for a project.
Aerial vs Duct vs Direct-Buried
For aerial runs, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment advises self-supporting designs with correct strength members to manage sag/tension for long-term reliability.
Duct installations work 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 is needed.
Direct-buried designs require proper depth control per local codes and moisture barriers to protect the optic core over time.
Indoor Riser/Plenum & ONT
Indoor riser and plenum routes favor LSZH jackets 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 prep from the production line reduces install time and reduces scrap.
| Deployment | Key feature | Installer note |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead | Self-supporting, steel or FRP | Check tension and messenger hardware |
| Duct | Low-friction, crush-resistant | Use pull tape + lubricant |
| Direct burial | PE jacket, moisture barrier | Follow local depth and warning tape rules |
| Interior | LSZH with tight-bend support | Maintain bend radius at wall 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.
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 offers engineering support from early requirements capture through approved drawings and pilot builds. We provide doc templates and clear installation notes so field crews work from the same plan.
After-sales service covers rapid response, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions. All products ship with full test reports and traceability to help 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 expedites and urgent changes.
- Config control so shipped items match agreed specs consistently.
| Area | What we do | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Tech/Eng | Specs + pilots | Fewer field issues |
| QA/Testing | Lab + 100% reports | Full traceability |
| After-sales | Fast replace + RCA | Lower downtime |
Final Thoughts
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 includes a 100% test report and documented trials to support U.S. field acceptance.
A robust production line, including CLX-BPO2-enabled prep machines, cuts variability and speeds 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 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 specs, timeline, and volume. We stand behind every fiber optic and optic cable shipment with lab validation and responsive service.