FTTH Drop Cable Production: Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process
Quick fact: over seventy percent of new broadband deployments in the U.S. now rely on fiber networks that need high-precision manufacturing to hit performance targets.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment handles end-to-end Fiber cable sheathing line manufacturing, from choosing brand fibers like Fujikura® or Corning SMF-28e to comprehensive test documentation that ensure 100% quality assurance.
Our drop designs suit aerial, underground, and direct-buried installation, with LSZH, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE) jacket options and core counts from 1 to 4 cores. We supply single-mode OS1/OS2 and multimode OM2–OM4 grades plus ITU-T G.652D and G.657 variants, Pantone-matched sheath colors, and logo printing.
Automation and precision equipment stabilize line speed and repeatability high. Typical lead times run 4–5 days for orders < 100 km and seven to ten days for < 500 km, with an MOQ of 1 km and free-replacement warranty for quality problems.
Keep reading to learn how materials, testing, and support help 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.
- Multiple jacket choices and fiber grades cover varied installation environments.
- Automated lines and machines deliver stable quality and stable optical performance.
- Fast lead times, low minimums, and recognized brand fibers help plan procurement reliably.
- Complete reports and warranty back product reliability and compliance documentation needs.
Specialized FTTH Manufacturing by Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment
When schedules and performance count, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides tailored drop solutions with complete test documentation.
As a specialized maker and supplier, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment combines purpose-built equipment with stringent material control. We provide custom builds and services for residential/MDU deployments. Every order comes with full QA coverage and full test reports.
Our lab conducts high-temperature, salt-fog, and vibration tests to validate durability. Jacket options include 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.
- Documented line control and in-process checks for auditable shipments.
- Engineering 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 matched to network specs, combining brand fiber choices with disciplined test flows.
Optical fiber selection and brand options
We align fiber draw tower to bend radius, attenuation, and deployment type. 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 meet procurement standards.
Strength Member Options
Strength members employ dielectric FRP or metallic steel wire. FRP is preferred 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 UV/moisture resistance outdoors. Closed-loop control of temperature and capstan ratios keeps line speed stable and critical dimensions.
| Component | FRP | Metallic Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Electrical isolation | High-tension aerial runs |
| Key benefit | Lightweight, inert | Very high tensile strength |
| Installation note | Easier terminations | Requires grounding |
Inline and final testing
Inline geometry and concentricity checks operate in-line. Final optical tests confirm loss and reflectance. Each order ships with a 100% test report and lab results from high heat, salt-spray, and vibration tests to confirm handling for drop terminations and field use.
Typical lead times are under 100 km in 4–5 days and under 500 km in 7–10 days. Material lot records and FAI 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 cover 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 and conduit. It keeps bend loss low for easy routing in MDU corridors and hallways.
Self-supporting designs for aerial spans
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs use a support messenger to handle tension. Choose dielectric FRP for electrical isolation or steel wire when bonding/grounding and higher tensile strength are required.
Strength member and core layouts
We offer dielectric and metallic strength member configurations to meet safety/EMI requirements. Center loose tube and flat unitube types balance crush resistance and Fiber draw tower for fast terminations.
Jackets for Indoor/Outdoor
Jacket choices include LSZH for flame-retardant, low-smoke indoor use and PE for outdoor UV and moisture resilience. Each series is validated for mechanical/optical performance before shipment.
| Design | Best use | Strength element | Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat bow-type | Indoor risers and MDUs | Dielectric FRP | Low-smoke zero-halogen |
| Self-supporting | Aerial spans | Steel wire or FRP | Polyethylene |
| Center loose tube | Higher fiber counts | Dielectric FRP | LSZH/PE |
| Flat unitube | Low-count, easy strip | FRP or steel | LSZH/PE |
Production Assets for Speed and Quality
Automation and sensor-driven feedback at Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment cut manual handling and increase throughput for patch cord prep.
Our production line integrates 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 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 or steel strength members to precise stub lengths. Pneumatic cylinder actuators provide quick, repeatable motion and minimize downtime.
PLC/photoelectric control for precision and repeatability
PLC logic and photoelectric sensors deliver precise positioning and closed-loop control. Inline checks feed control charts so operators can correct trends before defects grow.
| Item | Spec | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Machine | 1.5s cycle, auto-strip | ~20 terminals/minute throughput |
| Drive | Cylinder-based | Fast/reliable motion |
| Material handling | LSZH/PVC; FRP/steel | Accurate stubs, clean terminations |
| Process control | PLC/photoelectric with in-line SPC | Consistent quality, lower rework |
- Auto scrap ejection and ergonomic feeders keep the line clean.
- PCPs document calibration and key parameters.
- Integrated assets and trained operators support FTTH volume targets without compromising accuracy.
CLX-BPO2 auto-stripping machine capabilities in 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 prep 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 enable precise 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 continuous line conditions.
Supported Strip and Stub Lengths
The CLX-BPO2 strips LSZH and PVC jackets with an adjustable strip length from 17.5–35.0 mm. Reserved stubs are set between 7.0 and 11.0 mm to fit common termination hardware.
FRP & Steel Member Handling
The machine cuts FRP/steel strength elements cleanly while protecting adjacent fibers. Custom tooling are offered for nonstandard sizes to preserve precision.
- Auto-eject scrap and sensor-triggered start reduce idle time.
- Compact size (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 50W at 110–220V, and 11 kg weight simplify cell integration.
- Cylinder-driven motion and closed-loop control improve line reliability and lower maintenance interruptions.
| Spec | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle | ≈1.5 s (~20/min) | High throughput for production runs |
| Jacket strip (A) | 17.5 to 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 sacrificing quality.
Customized specifications to fit your FTTH system
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment configures each build to meet your network requirements and simplify field rollout. We combine focused options with predictable schedules so your teams get install-ready reels.
Choose 1 to 4 cores with single-mode or multimode fiber. Options include OS1, OS2, and OM2–OM4 plus G.652D and G.657 variants to align with optics and connector plans.
We match sheath colors to Pantone codes for quick field identification and consistent asset tagging.
Jackets, Legends & Branding
Select LSZH/PVC/PE jackets to suit route and safety requirements. Custom legends/logos aid inventory/warranty tracking.
Put-Ups, Packaging, and Structures
Standard reel lengths are 1/2/4 km with custom reels and packaging to suit storage and handling. Choose flat bow-type or self-supporting and FRP or steel members to meet span and isolation needs.
| Choice | Typical | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Reel length | 1 / 2 / 4 km | Simpler staging and reels |
| Sheath | LSZH, PE, PVC | Indoor/Outdoor fit |
| 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 easy on-site QA.
Quality, Test, and Docs
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment embeds quality checkpoints across the production line so every item ships with recorded acceptance data.
Lab Testing: Heat, Salt Spray & Vibration
Our lab runs elevated-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 ships with 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 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 specifications confirmation and formatted data for rapid review.
- Ongoing trend analysis drive preventive maintenance and improve long-term reliability.
| Test | Why | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Heat exposure | Material stability | Pass at target temperature |
| Salt spray | Corrosion robustness | Qualified for outdoor use |
| Vibration | Resistance to vibration | Improved field reliability |
Cost Drivers and Pricing
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 to $1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade, jacket material, reel length, and structural design.
Materials, Grade, Jacket & Structure
The primary cost drivers are fiber optic grade, sheath material, and the chosen structure for deployment.
Self-supporting designs and steel members increase material/labor. Custom colors, logos, and print legends add setup and influence price for short runs.
How Volume & Options Affect Cost
Longer put-ups and larger volumes lower unit cost. Small quantities often include setup charges and higher per-unit charges.
- Changeovers and special cutters increase lead time and add to 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 | Price impact | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber grade | Large | Balance spec vs. budget |
| Jacket type | Medium | Compare LSZH vs. PE for total cost |
| Order length / volume | Large | Consolidate runs to cut unit cost |
U.S. Lead Times, MOQ & Delivery
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment keeps lead times/logistics clear so planners can align crews and sites. Predictable schedules reduce downtime and help control cost 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 < 500 km. We plan capacity to match your rollout 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 length and staging plans 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
On-site conditions determine whether a self-supporting span, duct pull, or direct-buried run is the right choice 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 stability.
Duct installations perform best with low-friction jackets and crush-resistant constructs so pulling does not damage fibers. 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-resistant jackets to protect the fiber core long-term.
Indoor Riser/Plenum & ONT
Indoor riser/plenum routes prefer LSZH to meet smoke/flame codes. Flat drop cable forms strip clean and present controlled strength stubs for quick ONT termination.
We guide the choice of steel or FRP (dielectric) strength members based on bonding needs, lightning exposure, and hardware fit. Standardized prep from the production line shortens install time and minimizes scrap.
| Deployment | Key feature | Field note |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial | Self-supporting, steel or FRP | Check tension and messenger hardware |
| Underground duct | Low-friction jacket, crush resistance | Use pull tape and proper lubricant |
| Direct burial | PE jacket, moisture barrier | Follow depth/warning tape codes |
| Indoor | LSZH with tight-bend support | Maintain bend radius at wall penetrations |
Our approach delivers a consistent installation across indoor outdoor transitions. That reduces callbacks, speeds activations, and stable field performance for your system.
Comprehensive Support & After-Sales
Our team coordinates tests, line schedules, and installation guidance to remove surprises during deployment.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers engineering support from early requirements through approved drawings and pre-production 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 test reports and traceability to help QA acceptance.
- Round-the-clock availability for status and technical support.
- Warranty with free replacement if any quality problems are confirmed.
- Schedule coordination for expedites and urgent changes.
- Config control so shipped items match agreed requirements every time.
| Support area | Scope | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tech/Eng | Specs + pilots | Fewer field issues |
| QA/Testing | Lab + 100% reports | Full traceability |
| Service | Fast replace + RCA | Minimized downtime |
Conclusion
Select Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment for custom drops, quick lead times, and full traceability.
We provide custom FTTH drops that combine materials with validated manufacturing and lab tests. Every reel ships with a 100% test report and documented trials to support U.S. field acceptance.
A hardened production line, including CLX-BPO2 prep assets, cuts variability and shortens turnaround. Our equipment and machines standardize strip and stub lengths so installers get 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 covers scheduling/logistics/after-sales so your deployment remains on plan.
Get in touch with Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment to align specifications, timeline, and volume. We stand behind every shipment with lab validation and responsive service.