FTTH Drop Cable Production: Manufacturing Process Explained
Quick fact: over 70% of new U.S. broadband builds now use fiber networks that require high-precision manufacturing to meet performance goals.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment manages complete Fiber cable sheathing line manufacturing, from choosing brand fibers like Fujikura® or Corning® SMF-28e to final test reports that guarantee full quality assurance.
Our FTTH drop designs fit aerial, underground, and direct-buried installation, with low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH), PVC, and polyethylene (PE) jacket options and arrangements from 1 to 4 cores. We provide OS1/OS2 and multimode OM2–OM4 grades plus ITU-T G.652D and G.657 variants, Pantone sheath colors, and logo printing.
Automated machines and high-precision equipment keep line speed steady and maximize repeatability. Typical lead times are four to five days for orders under 100 km and seven to ten days for < 500 km, with an MOQ of 1 km and warranty for free replacement on quality issues.
Keep reading 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 delivers complete production and laboratory testing for United States projects.
- Multiple jacket choices and fiber grades fit indoor/outdoor environments.
- Automated lines and machines deliver consistent quality and reliable optical performance.
- Fast lead times, low minimums, and recognized brand fibers keep procurement predictable.
- Complete reports and warranty support product reliability and compliance documentation needs.
FTTH Manufacturing Expertise by Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment
When project timelines and performance matter, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides tailored drop solutions with complete 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 residential and MDU rollouts. Every order comes with full QA coverage and complete test reports.
Our lab runs high heat, salt spray, and vibration testing to verify durability. Jacket options cover LSZH, PVC, and PE. Designs cover bow-type flat and figure-8/self-supporting styles and support 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 minimize variation so every cable meets operator standards.
How We Produce FTTH Cable
At Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment, manufacturing steps are aligned to network specifications, pairing brand fiber choices with strict test routines.
Fiber Selection & Brand Options
We select fiber secondary coating line to minimum bend radius, attenuation, 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.
Integrating Strength Members
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.
Jacket Options and Control
Jacket options include LSZH for indoor flame safety, PVC for flexibility, and PE for UV/moisture resistance outdoors. Tight process control of temperature and capstan ratios stabilizes line speed and critical dimensions.
| Component | FRP | Metallic Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Use case | Electrical isolation | High-tension aerial runs |
| Key benefit | Light, non-corrosive | Very high tensile strength |
| Installation note | Simple 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 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 7–10 days for < 500 km. 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 provides a focused portfolio of 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 keeps a small footprint for risers/ducts. It keeps bend loss low for simple routing in MDU corridors and hallways.
Self-Supporting Aerial Designs
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs include a support messenger to handle tension. Choose dielectric FRP 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 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 flame-retardant, low-smoke indoor use and PE for outdoor durability. Each series is qualified for mechanical/optical performance before shipment.
| Design | Best use | Strength element | Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow-type flat | Indoor risers and MDUs | FRP (dielectric) | LSZH |
| Self-supporting | Aerial spans | FRP/Steel | Polyethylene |
| Center loose tube | Higher fiber counts | Dielectric FRP | LSZH/PE |
| Unitube flat | Low count, quick strip | FRP/Steel | LSZH or PE |
Production line equipment that ensures quality and speed
Automation and sensor-driven feedback at Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment cut manual handling and boost throughput for drop patch preparation.
Our production line integrates automated machines that cut/strip drop cords to increase output and reduce operator variability.
The CLX-BPO2 automated stripper uses PLC + photoelectric control. One cycle is about 1.5 seconds, giving ~20 terminals per minute in production.
Auto Cut & Strip Capabilities
The equipment strips LSZH/PVC jackets and trims FRP/steel members to precise stub lengths. Pneumatic cylinder actuators provide quick, repeatable motion and minimize downtime.
PLC & Photoelectric for Precision
PLC logic + photoelectric sensors give exact positioning and feedback control. Inline checks feed control charts so operators can adjust drifts before out-of-control conditions occur.
| Item | Capability | Result |
|---|---|---|
| CLX-BPO2 | Auto-strip, ~1.5 s cycle | High throughput |
| Actuation | Pneumatic cylinders | High speed and reliability |
| Material handling | LSZH/PVC; FRP/steel | Clean, accurate preps |
| Process control | PLC/photoelectric with in-line SPC | Consistent quality, lower rework |
- Automated waste ejection and ergonomic loading keep the line clean.
- PCPs document calibration and key parameters.
- Combined machines, fixtures, and trained staff help meet FTTH volume goals without sacrificing accuracy.
What the CLX-BPO2 Adds
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 raise output 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 and photoelectric control deliver exact detection and repeatable motion. That control helps keep strip lengths and reserved strength stubs 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 jacket and reserved strength 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 adjustable from 7.0–11.0 mm to fit common termination hardware.
FRP & Steel Member Handling
The machine cuts FRP/steel strength elements cleanly while protecting neighboring fibers. Customized cutters are available for non-standard cross-sections to preserve precision.
- Automatic waste ejection and sensor start cut idle time.
- Compact size (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 110–220V, 50W, and 11 kg mass ease integration into workcells.
- Pneumatic cylinders and PLC/photoelectric control boost reliability and lower maintenance interruptions.
| Spec | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle | ~1.5 s (~20/min) | Supports high-volume runs |
| Strip lengths (A) | 17.5–35.0 mm | Compatible with common connectors |
| Stub (B) | 7.0 to 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 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.
Tailored Specifications for Your Network
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment configures each build to meet your network requirements and simplify field rollout. We pair concise options with predictable manufacturing windows so your teams get install-ready reels.
Choose 1 to 4 cores with SM or MM fiber. Options include OS1/OS2 plus OM2–OM4 along with G.652D/G.657 variants to match your optics and connector plans.
We Pantone-match sheath colors for quick field identification and consistent asset tags.
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 km, 2 km, and 4 km with custom reels and packaging to fit storage/handling. Choose flat bow-type or self-supporting and FRP or steel members to fit span and isolation requirements.
| Option | Common choice | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1 / 2 / 4 km | Simpler staging and reels |
| Sheath | LSZH / PE / PVC | Indoor/outdoor compatibility |
| Structure | Flat bow / Self-supporting | Flexible routing/span |
As a manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye schedules runs to your plan and delivers documentation that detail final specs for straightforward QA on site.
Quality, Test, and Docs
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment embeds quality checkpoints across the production line so every item has recorded acceptance data at ship.
Environmental and Mechanical Tests
Our lab conducts high-temperature exposure, salt spray corrosion, and vibration tests to qualify materials and 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 QC gates prevent nonconforming shipments before they leave the factory.
Traceability 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 cut 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 | Thermal stability | Validated heat endurance |
| Salt spray | Corrosion robustness | Outdoor suitability |
| 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 range broadly—from about $30–$1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade, jacket chemistry (LSZH, PVC, PE), reel length, and design structure.
Primary Cost Inputs
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 influence price for short runs.
Length/Volume/Customization Impact
Longer reels and higher volume orders reduce unit cost. Short runs often include setup charges and higher unit prices.
- Changeovers and special cutters extend lead time and add to cost.
- Clear RFQs and line scheduling let Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment align price quotes to delivery windows.
- Framework agreements and indexed pricing stabilize budgets across phases.
| Factor | Price impact | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Optical grade | High impact | Balance spec vs. budget |
| Jacket type | Medium | Compare LSZH vs. PE for total cost |
| Length/Volume | Large | Consolidate runs to cut unit cost |
Lead times, MOQ, and delivery for the United States
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment keeps lead times/logistics clear so planners can align crews and sites. Predictable windows reduce downtime and help control cost when a rollout is underway.
Typical production windows and capacity planning
Typical production windows are 4–5 days for < 100 km and 7–10 days for < 500 km. We schedule line capacity to match your rollout milestones and to maintain on-time delivery.
The service team provides updates/tracking so installation teams know when reels arrive. 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/die adjustments that use startup material and generate scrap.
We review your put-ups and staging to choose reel sizes that cut waste and handling. Batch releases can balance inventory holding with frequent, smaller deliveries to job sites.
Where and How to Deploy
Site conditions dictate whether a self-supporting span, ducted pull, or direct-buried run 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 control sag and tension for long-term stability.
Duct installations perform best with low-friction jackets and crush-resistant builds so pulling does not damage fibers. PE jackets are typical for underground and buried paths where moisture resistance matters.
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 profiles strip clean and present controlled stubs for fast ONT terminations.
We advise on steel vs FRP (dielectric) strength members based on bonding requirements, lightning exposure, and hardware compatibility. Standardized prep from the production line reduces install time and minimizes scrap.
| Deployment | Key feature | Installer note |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial | Self-supporting, steel or FRP | Verify messenger hardware/tension |
| Duct | Low-friction jacket, crush resistance | Use pull tape and proper lubricant |
| Direct-buried | PE jacket, moisture barrier | Follow depth/warning tape codes |
| Interior | LSZH jacket, 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 avoid surprises in deployment.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers engineering support from early requirements through approved drawings and pre-production builds. We deliver documentation templates and clear installation 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.
- 24/7 availability for status updates and technical guidance.
- Warranty includes free replacement for confirmed quality issues.
- Coordination of line schedules for expedites and urgent changes.
- Config control so shipped items match agreed specs consistently.
| Area | Scope | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tech/Eng | Specs + pilots | Reduced field issues |
| Testing | Lab trials & 100% test reports | Traceable quality |
| Service | Fast replace + RCA | 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 combine materials with validated manufacturing and lab tests. Every reel ships with a 100% test report and documented lab trials to support field acceptance in the United States.
A hardened production line, including CLX-BPO2 prep assets, reduces variability and shortens turnaround. Our equipment set standardize strip and stub lengths so installers get consistent results at turn-up.
From fiber selection to jacket, printing, and packaging, we balance design and cost to maximize service life. Dedicated customer support guides scheduling, logistics, and after-sales care so your deployment stays on plan.
Get in touch with Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment to align specifications, timeline, and volume. We stand behind every fiber optic and optic cable shipment with lab validation and responsive service.