FTTH Drop Cable Production: Manufacturing Process Explained
Did you know: more than 70% of U.S. broadband rollouts now use fiber networks that require high-precision manufacturing to achieve required performance.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment runs end-to-end compact fiber unit manufacturing, from selecting brand fibers like Fujikura® or Corning® SMF-28e to comprehensive test documentation that deliver 100% QA.
Our drop cable designs suit aerial, underground, and direct burial installation, with low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PE jacket options and core counts from 1–4 cores. We supply single-mode OS1/OS2 and OM2–OM4 grades plus ITU-T G.652D and ITU-T G.657 variants, Pantone-matched sheath colors, and logo printing.
Automation and precision equipment stabilize line speed and repeatability high. Typical lead times are four to five days for orders < 100 km and seven to ten days under 500 km, with an MOQ of 1 km and warranty for free replacement on quality issues.
Read on to understand how our materials, tests, and support help reduce lifecycle cost and match the right product to your network system.
- Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment delivers full manufacturing with lab validation for U.S. deployments.
- Multiple jacket choices and optical grades support indoor/outdoor environments.
- Automated lines and machines provide consistent quality and reliable optical performance.
- Fast lead times, low MOQ, and recognized brand fibers help plan procurement reliably.
- Comprehensive test reports and after-sales warranty back product reliability and compliance documentation needs.
FTTH Manufacturing Expertise by Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment
When schedules and performance count, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment delivers tailored drop solutions with complete test documentation.
As a dedicated manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment pairs specialized equipment with tight material control. We provide custom builds and services for residential and MDU rollouts. Every order comes with 100% quality assurance and full test reports.
Our lab performs high heat, salt-fog, and vibration tests to verify durability. Jacket options cover LSZH, PVC, and PE. Designs cover flat bow-type and 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 specs, trials, and ramp to volume.
- Modern fixturing and calibration reduce variability so every cable meets carrier standards.
FTTH cable production
At Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment, manufacturing steps are built around network requirements, pairing brand fiber choices with strict test routines.
Optical fiber selection and brand options
We select fiber ribbon line to minimum 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 available to meet procurement standards.
Strength member integration
Strength members use dielectric FRP or galvanized steel wire. FRP is ideal where non-conductivity is necessary. Steel wire provides tensile strength for longer aerial spans and bonding/grounding needs.
Jacket extrusion and process 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 temperature and capstan ratios keeps line speed stable and dimensional tolerances.
| Member | FRP | Steel wire |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Electrical isolation | High-tension aerial runs |
| Key benefit | Lightweight, inert | High strength |
| Installer note | Simple terminations | Requires grounding |
Testing & Verification
Inline geometry and concentricity checks operate in-line. Final optical tests confirm attenuation and reflectance. Each order ships with a full 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. Lot records and FAI approvals support traceability and compliance for U.S. programs.
FTTH drop cable types and structures we manufacture
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides a compact portfolio of FTTH drop designs that cover tight indoor routes and exposed aerial spans. Each option pairs tested materials with geometry tuned for field termination and consistent optical performance.
The flat bow-type drop minimizes footprint for risers and conduit. It keeps bend loss low for easy routing in hallways and MDUs.
Self-supporting designs for aerial spans
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs include a messenger element to handle tension. Choose FRP (dielectric) for electrical isolation or steel messenger when bonding and extra 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 unitube flat types balance crush resistance and compact fiber unit for quick termination.
Indoor vs Outdoor Jackets
Jacket choices include LSZH for flame-retardant, low-smoke indoor use and PE for outdoor UV and moisture resilience. Each family is validated for mechanical/optical performance before shipment.
| Design | Application | Strength member | Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow-type flat | Indoor risers, MDUs | Dielectric FRP | LSZH |
| Self-supporting (aerial) | Aerial spans | FRP/Steel | PE |
| Center loose tube | Higher-count builds | FRP | LSZH/PE |
| Flat unitube | Low count, quick strip | FRP or steel | LSZH/PE |
Production Assets for Speed and Quality
Automation and sensor-driven feedback at Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment reduce manual handling and boost 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 uses PLC + photoelectric control. One cycle is about 1.5 seconds, giving ~20 terminals per minute in production.
Automated Cut/Strip for Drop Cords
The equipment strips LSZH and PVC jackets and trims FRP/steel members to precise reserved lengths. Pneumatic cylinder actuators deliver fast, repeatable motion and low 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 adjust drifts before defects grow.
| Item | Spec | Result |
|---|---|---|
| CLX-BPO2 | Auto-strip, ~1.5 s cycle | ~20 terminals/minute throughput |
| Drive | Pneumatic cylinders | High speed and reliability |
| Material handling | LSZH/PVC; FRP/steel | Accurate stubs, clean terminations |
| 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 auto-stripping machine capabilities in our line
The CLX-BPO2 brings industrial-grade stripping and trimming to our line, cutting cycle time while maintaining consistent prep.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment deploys the CLX-BPO2 to increase throughput and standardize prep quality. The unit runs at an approximate cycle time of 1.5 seconds, producing around 20 preps per minute in production.
PLC/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 normal production conditions.
Jacket Strip & Stub Lengths
The CLX-BPO2 strips LSZH and PVC jackets with an adjustable strip length from 17.5–35.0 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 adjacent fibers. Custom tooling are offered for non-standard cross-sections to maintain precision.
- Automatic waste ejection and sensor start reduce idle time.
- Compact size (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 110–220V, 50W, and 11 kg weight simplify cell integration.
- Cylinder-driven motion and closed-loop control boost reliability and lower maintenance interruptions.
| Spec | Rating | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle time | ~1.5 s (~20/min) | Supports high-volume runs |
| Jacket strip (A) | 17.5 to 35.0 mm | Compatible with common connectors |
| Stub (B) | 7.0–11.0 mm | Meets strength and termination needs |
| Power/Size | 110–220V, 50W; 40×18×18 cm | Simple integration |
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.
Custom Specs for Your FTTH System
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment configures every order to meet 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 SM or MM fiber. Options include OS1, OS2, and 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.
Jacket materials, print legends, and branding
Select LSZH/PVC/PE jackets to suit route and safety requirements. Custom legends/logos support inventory and warranty tracking.
Put-Ups, Packaging, and Structures
Standard put-ups are 1/2/4 km with custom reels and packaging to fit storage/handling. Choose bow-type flat or self-supporting designs and FRP or steel members to fit span and isolation requirements.
| Option | Typical | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1, 2, or 4 km | Simpler staging and reels |
| Jacket | LSZH, PE, PVC | Indoor/Outdoor fit |
| 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 straightforward QA on site.
Quality assurance, testing, and documentation
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment builds checkpoints into production so every item ships with recorded acceptance data.
High-temperature, salt spray, and vibration laboratory testing
Our lab conducts high-temperature exposure, salt fog corrosion, and vibration tests to qualify materials/assemblies. These tests simulate field stresses for indoor and outdoor use.
100% test reports for every cable
Every fiber optic cable includes 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.
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 accelerate approvals and receiving inspection.
- Line checks and final inspection reduce field failures and cut warranty events.
- Quality packages include spec confirmation and formatted test data for rapid review.
- Ongoing trend analysis inform preventive maintenance and raise long-term reliability.
| Trial | Why | Result |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature | Material stability | Pass at target temperature |
| Salt-fog | Corrosion robustness | Outdoor suitability |
| 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 vary widely—from about $30–$1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade (G.652/G.657/OM2–OM4), jacket material, reel length, and structural design.
Material choices, fiber grade, jacket type, and structure
The primary cost drivers are fiber grade, jacket 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 and influence price for short runs.
Order length, volume, and customization impact on price
Longer reels and higher volume orders lower unit cost. Short runs often carry setup fees and higher per-unit charges.
- Changeovers and special cutters 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 across phases.
| Factor | Effect on price | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber grade | Large | Balance spec vs. budget |
| Jacket type | Medium | Evaluate LSZH vs PE |
| Length/Volume | High impact | Consolidate runs to cut unit cost |
Lead times, MOQ, and delivery for the United States
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment makes lead times and logistics clear so planners can align crews and sites. Predictable schedules cut downtime and control costs when a rollout is underway.
Typical production windows and capacity planning
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 maintain on-time delivery.
The service team issues production updates and 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 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 choose reel sizes that cut waste and handling. Batch releases can balance inventory holding with frequent, smaller deliveries to job sites.
Installation readiness and application scenarios
On-site conditions determine whether a self-supporting span, ducted 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 recommends self-supporting designs with appropriate members to control sag and tension for long-term reliability.
Duct installations perform best with low-friction sheaths 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 need correct burial depth per local codes and moisture barriers to protect the fiber core long-term.
Indoor riser/plenum distribution and ONT termination
Indoor riser/plenum routes prefer LSZH to meet flame and smoke rules. 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 needs, lightning exposure, and hardware compatibility. Standardized prep from the production line shortens install time and reduces scrap.
| Deployment | Key design | Field note |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial | Self-supporting (steel/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 penetrations |
Our approach ensures a consistent install experience across indoor outdoor transitions. That reduces callbacks, speeds activations, and reliable field performance for your system.
Comprehensive Support & After-Sales
Our team coordinates tests, line schedules, and installation guidance to avoid surprises in deployment.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment provides engineering support from early requirements through approved drawings and pre-production builds. We deliver documentation templates and clear installation notes so field crews work from the same plan.
After-sales service includes fast response, RCA, and corrective action. All products ship with full test reports and traceability to help QA acceptance.
- 24/7 availability for status updates and technical guidance.
- Warranty includes free replacement for confirmed quality issues.
- Schedule coordination for expedites and urgent changes.
- Config control so shipped items match agreed requirements every time.
| Area | What we do | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tech/Eng | Specs + pilots | Fewer field issues |
| QA/Testing | Lab + 100% reports | Traceable quality |
| Service | Rapid replacement & root-cause | 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 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 speeds 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 design 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 specifications, timeline, and volume. We stand behind every fiber optic and optic cable shipment with laboratory validation and responsive support.