FTTH Drop Cable Production: How the Manufacturing Process Works
Did you know: more than 70% of new U.S. broadband builds now rely on fiber networks that demand high-precision manufacturing to meet performance goals.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment runs end-to-end SZ stranding line manufacturing, from choosing brand fibers like Fujikura or Corning® SMF-28e to comprehensive test documentation that ensure 100% quality assurance.
Our drop cable designs fit overhead, ducted, and direct-buried installation, with LSZH, PVC, and PE jacket options and arrangements from 1 to 4 cores. We offer OS1/OS2 and multimode OM2–OM4 grades plus G.652D and ITU-T G.657 variants, Pantone sheath colors, and custom logo printing.
Automated machines and precision equipment keep line speed steady and keep repeatability high. Typical lead times are 4–5 days for orders < 100 km and 7–10 days under 500 km, with an min. order of 1 km and warranty covering free replacement for confirmed quality issues.
Keep reading to learn how our materials, tests, and support work together to reduce lifecycle cost and pair the right product with your network.
- Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides complete production and laboratory testing for United States projects.
- A range of jacket options and optical grades fit different install environments.
- Automated lines and machines provide stable quality and stable optical performance.
- Quick lead times, low MOQ, and brand fiber options support reliable procurement planning.
- Complete 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 complete test documentation.
As a specialized maker and supplier, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment pairs purpose-built equipment with tight material control. We offer customized service and products for single-family and MDU rollouts. Every order includes full QA coverage and complete test reports.
Our lab conducts high-temperature, salt spray, and vibration tests to validate 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 in-process checks for fully auditable shipments.
- Engineering 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 strict test routines.
Fiber Selection & Brand Options
We align fiber draw tower to 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 available to satisfy sourcing standards.
Strength member integration
Strength members employ FRP (dielectric) 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.
Extrusion & Process 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.
| Member | FRP | Steel wire |
|---|---|---|
| Use case | Electrical isolation | Aerial spans, high tensile |
| Key benefit | Light, non-corrosive | Very high tensile strength |
| Installation note | Easier terminations | Bonding/grounding required |
Testing & Verification
Inline geometry/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-temperature, salt fog, and vibration trials 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. programs.
Our FTTH Drop Cable Types and Structures
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides a focused portfolio of drop designs that fit indoor risers and long aerial runs. 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 reduces bend loss for easy routing in hallways and MDUs.
Self-supporting designs for aerial spans
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs include a messenger element to carry tensile loads. Choose FRP (dielectric) for electrical isolation or steel wire when bonding and extra tensile strength are required.
Core Layouts and Strength Members
We offer dielectric and metallic strength member configurations to meet safety/EMI requirements. Center loose tube and unitube flat types balance crush resistance and Fiber coloring machine for fast terminations.
Indoor/outdoor jackets
Jacket choices include LSZH for indoor flame/smoke compliance and PE for outdoor UV and moisture resilience. Each series is validated for mechanical/optical performance before shipment.
| Type | Best use | Strength element | Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat bow-type | Indoor risers and MDUs | FRP (dielectric) | LSZH |
| Self-supporting (aerial) | Overhead spans | Steel wire or FRP | Polyethylene |
| Center loose tube | Higher-count builds | FRP | LSZH or PE |
| Flat unitube | Low count, quick strip | FRP/Steel | LSZH or 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 uses automated machines that cut/strip drop cords to increase output and cut labor variability.
The CLX-BPO2 auto-stripping machine runs under PLC and photoelectric control. One cycle is about 1.5 seconds, giving ~20 terminals per minute in production.
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. Cylinder-driven actuators provide quick, repeatable motion and minimize downtime.
PLC/photoelectric control for precision and repeatability
PLC logic + photoelectric sensors deliver precise positioning and closed-loop control. Inline checks feed control charts so operators can adjust drifts before out-of-control conditions occur.
| Feature | Capability | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Machine | Auto-strip, ~1.5 s cycle | ~20 terminals/minute throughput |
| Actuation | Pneumatic cylinders | Fast/reliable motion |
| Materials | LSZH & PVC; FRP & steel | Clean, accurate preps |
| Control | PLC/photoelectric with in-line SPC | Stable quality, reduced rework |
- Auto scrap ejection and ergonomic loading 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 maintaining consistent prep.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment uses the CLX-BPO2 to raise output and standardize prep quality. The unit cycles in ~1.5 seconds, producing around 20 preps per minute in production.
PLC/photoelectric control deliver exact detection and repeatable motion. That control keeps strip and stub lengths within tight tolerances.
Throughput & Cycle Time
Typical operation speed is ~1.5 seconds per cycle. This converts to steady throughput under continuous line conditions.
Jacket Strip & Stub Lengths
The CLX-BPO2 handles LSZH/PVC with an adjustable jacket strip length from 17.5–35.0 mm. Reserved strength member stubs are set between 7.0 and 11.0 mm to fit common termination hardware.
Handling FRP and steel wire strength members
The machine cleanly cuts FRP and steel wire strength elements while protecting adjacent fibers. Customized cutters are offered for non-standard cross-sections to preserve precision.
- Auto-eject scrap and sensor start cut idle time.
- Small footprint (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 110–220V, 50W, and 11 kg mass ease integration into workcells.
- Pneumatic cylinders and closed-loop control improve line reliability and reduce maintenance downtime.
| Specification | Value | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle | ≈1.5 s (~20/min) | High throughput for production runs |
| Strip lengths (A) | 17.5–35.0 mm | Fits common connector processes |
| Stub (B) | 7.0 to 11.0 mm | Supports termination strength |
| Power & size | 50W @ 110–220V; 40×18×18 cm | Simple integration |
Using this machine, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment standardizes terminal prep so field teams receive drop parts ready for quick installation. The CLX-BPO2 helps our production lines meet volume goals without sacrificing 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 get install-ready reels.
Choose 1 to 4 cores with single-mode or multimode fiber. Options include OS1/OS2 plus OM2–OM4 plus G.652D and G.657 variants to match your 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 print legends and 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 fit span and isolation requirements.
| Option | Common choice | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Reel length | 1, 2, or 4 km | Less staging, easier reels |
| Sheath | LSZH, PE, PVC | Indoor/outdoor compatibility |
| Structure | Bow-type / Self-supporting | Flexible routing/span |
As a supplier, Shanghai Weiye schedules runs to your plan and provides docs that lists final specifications for easy on-site QA.
Quality assurance, testing, and documentation
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment builds checkpoints into production so every item has recorded acceptance data at ship.
Environmental and Mechanical Tests
Our lab runs high-temperature exposure, salt fog corrosion, and mechanical vibration to qualify materials and assemblies. These tests recreate field stresses for indoor and outdoor use.
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 prevent nonconforming shipments before they leave the factory.
Audit Trail and Compliance
Batch records tie test data to reels and serials so audits and warranty claims are simple to verify. Documentation follows common customer templates to speed approvals and inbound inspection.
- In-line checks plus final inspection prevent field failures and cut warranty events.
- QA packages include specifications confirmation and formatted test data for rapid review.
- Ongoing trend analysis drive preventive maintenance and raise long-term reliability.
| Trial | Why | Result |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature | Thermal stability | Validated heat endurance |
| Salt spray | Corrosion robustness | Outdoor suitability |
| Mechanical vibration | Mechanical robustness | Reduced field failures |
FTTH Drop Cable Pricing & Cost Drivers
Budget planning for a drop begins with fiber/jacket selection 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 grade, sheath material, and the chosen structure for deployment.
Self-supporting designs and steel members raise material and labor input. Custom sheath colors/logos/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 carry setup fees and higher per-unit charges.
- Line changeovers and custom tooling extend lead time and add 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 | Effect on price | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Optical grade | High impact | Right-size spec to budget |
| Sheath material | Medium impact | Compare LSZH vs. PE for total cost |
| Length/Volume | High impact | Consolidate where possible |
U.S. Lead Times, MOQ & Delivery
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment makes lead times and logistics clear so planners can align crews and sites. Predictable schedules reduce downtime and control costs 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 schedule line capacity to track your milestones and to keep deliveries on time.
The service team provides updates/tracking so installation teams can plan arrivals. For tight schedules, we reserve contingency capacity to accelerate critical-path orders.
Why MOQ Matters
The MOQ is one kilometer. This reflects line setup such as wire and jacket die adjustments that consume start-up material and scrap.
We review your length and staging plans to select reels to reduce waste/handling. Batch releases can balance inventory holding with more frequent small-site deliveries.
Installation Scenarios & Readiness
On-site conditions dictate whether a self-supporting aerial, duct pull, or direct burial is the right choice for a project.
Aerial, duct, and direct-buried deployment considerations
For aerial runs, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment advises self-supporting designs with appropriate members to control sag and 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 common for underground and buried paths where moisture resistance is needed.
Direct-buried designs need correct burial depth per local codes and moisture-resistant jackets to protect the fiber core long-term.
Indoor Distribution and ONT
Indoor riser/plenum routes prefer LSZH to meet smoke/flame codes. Flat drop cable forms strip clean and present controlled stubs for quick ONT termination.
We advise on steel vs FRP (dielectric) strength members based on bonding requirements, lightning risk, and hardware compatibility. Standardized prep from the production line reduces install time and minimizes scrap.
| Deployment | Key feature | Installer note |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead | Self-supporting (steel/FRP) | Check tension and messenger hardware |
| 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 with tight-bend support | Maintain bend radius at penetrations |
Our approach ensures a consistent install experience across indoor/outdoor transitions. That reduces callbacks, faster activations, and reliable 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 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 includes fast response, RCA, and corrective action. All products ship with full 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.
- Configuration control so shipped items match agreed requirements every time.
| Area | Scope | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Spec review & pre-production builds | Reduced field issues |
| Testing | Lab trials & 100% test reports | Full traceability |
| After-sales | Rapid replacement & root-cause | Lower 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 field acceptance in the United States.
A robust production line, including CLX-BPO2-enabled prep machines, cuts variability and shortens turnaround. Our equipment and machines standardize strip and stub lengths so installers see consistent results at turn-up.
From fiber selection to jacket, printing, and packaging, we balance design and cost to maximize service life. Dedicated support guides scheduling, logistics, and after-sales care so your deployment remains 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 lab validation and responsive service.