FTTH Drop Cable Production: How the Manufacturing Process Works
Surprising fact: in excess of 70% of new U.S. broadband builds now rely on fiber networks that require tight manufacturing control to meet performance goals.
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment manages complete SZ stranding line manufacturing, from selecting brand fibers like Fujikura or Corning® SMF-28e to comprehensive test documentation that guarantee full quality assurance.
Our drop cable designs suit overhead, ducted, and direct-buried installation, with low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH), PVC, and polyethylene (PE) jacket options and arrangements from 1–4 cores. We offer OS1/OS2 and OM2–OM4 grades plus G.652D and G.657 variants, Pantone sheath colors, and logo printing.
Automation and high-precision equipment keep line speed steady and repeatability high. Typical lead times run 4–5 days for orders under 100 km and 7–10 days under 500 km, with an MOQ of 1 km and free-replacement warranty for quality problems.
Keep reading to understand how materials, testing, and support work together to reduce lifecycle cost and match the right product to your network system.
- Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers full manufacturing with lab validation for U.S. deployments.
- A range of jacket options and fiber grades fit varied installation environments.
- Automated production lines provide consistent quality and reliable optical performance.
- Fast lead times, low MOQ, and recognized brand fibers keep procurement predictable.
- Comprehensive test reports and warranty back product reliability and compliance documentation needs.
Specialized FTTH Manufacturing by Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment
When deadlines and performance are critical, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment delivers customized drop cables with full test documentation.
As a focused supplier and manufacturer, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment combines purpose-built equipment with stringent material control. We provide custom builds and services for residential and MDU rollouts. Every order comes with full QA coverage and full test reports.
Our lab runs high-temperature, salt-fog, and vibration tests to verify durability. Jacket options include LSZH, PVC, and PE. Designs cover flat bow-type 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.
- Engineering support for requirements, pilots, and scaling.
- Modern fixtures and calibration reduce variability so every cable meets operator standards.
How We Produce FTTH Cable
At Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment, manufacturing steps are built around network requirements, combining brand fiber choices with rigorous test routines.
Fiber Selection & Brand Options
We select fiber secondary coating line to minimum bend radius, attenuation, and install environment. Options include OS1/OS2 and 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.
Integrating Strength Members
Strength members employ 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 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 stabilizes line speed and dimensional tolerances.
| Member | Dielectric FRP | Metallic Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Use case | Non-conductive runs | Aerial spans, high tensile |
| Advantage | Light, non-corrosive | High strength |
| Installation note | Simple terminations | Requires grounding |
In-Process and Final Testing
Inline geometry/concentricity checks run during manufacturing. Final optical tests verify loss and reflectance. Each order ships with a full 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 4–5 days for < 100 km and 7–10 days for < 500 km. Lot records and FAI approvals provide traceability and compliance for U.S. projects.
Our FTTH Drop Cable Types and Structures
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment offers a compact portfolio of FTTH drop designs that cover tight indoor routes and exposed aerial spans. Each option combines tested materials with field-termination geometry and stable optical performance.
The bow-type flat drop cable keeps a small footprint for risers/ducts. It keeps bend loss low for simple routing in MDU corridors and hallways.
Self-supporting designs for aerial spans
Self-supporting FTTH drop designs include a messenger element to carry tensile loads. Choose FRP (dielectric) for non-conductive runs or steel wire when bonding/grounding and extra tensile strength are required.
Strength member and core layouts
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.
Jackets for Indoor/Outdoor
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 and optical quality before shipment.
| Design | Application | Strength member | Jacket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bow-type flat | Indoor risers, MDUs | FRP (dielectric) | Low-smoke zero-halogen |
| Self-supporting (aerial) | Aerial spans | Steel wire or FRP | Polyethylene |
| Central loose-tube | Higher-count builds | FRP | LSZH or PE |
| Unitube flat | Low count, quick strip | FRP or steel | LSZH or PE |
Production Assets for Speed and Quality
Automation with sensor feedback at Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment cut 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 automated stripper uses PLC + photoelectric control. One cycle is ~1.5 s, 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.
Closed-Loop Control for 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.
| Feature | Capability | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Machine | Auto-strip, ~1.5 s cycle | ~20 terminals/minute throughput |
| Drive | Pneumatic cylinders | Fast/reliable motion |
| Material handling | LSZH/PVC; FRP/steel | Accurate stubs, clean terminations |
| Process control | PLC + photoelectric + inline checks | Stable quality, reduced rework |
- Auto scrap ejection and ergonomic feeders keep the line clean.
- PCPs capture calibration intervals and critical parameters.
- Integrated assets and trained operators help meet FTTH volume goals 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 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 keeps strip and stub lengths within tight tolerances.
Throughput & Cycle Time
Typical operation speed is 1.5s per cycle. This enables steady throughput under continuous line conditions.
Supported jacket and reserved strength lengths
The CLX-BPO2 handles LSZH/PVC 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 match common termination hardware.
Handling FRP and steel wire strength members
The machine cuts FRP/steel strength elements cleanly while protecting neighboring fibers. Custom tooling are available for nonstandard sizes to maintain precision.
- Auto-eject scrap and sensor-triggered start cut idle time.
- Compact size (L40 × W18 × H18 cm), 50W at 110–220V, and 11 kg mass simplify cell integration.
- Cylinder-driven motion and closed-loop control improve line reliability and reduce maintenance downtime.
| Spec | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle time | ~1.5 s (~20/min) | Supports high-volume runs |
| Jacket strip (A) | 17.5–35.0 mm | Compatible with common connectors |
| Reserved stub (B) | 7.0 to 11.0 mm | Supports termination strength |
| Power & size | 110–220V, 50W; 40×18×18 cm | Simple integration |
Using this machine, Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment standardizes prep so field teams receive drop parts ready for quick installation. The CLX-BPO2 helps our production lines meet volume goals without sacrificing quality.
Tailored Specifications for Your Network
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 receive ready-to-install products.
Choose 1–4 core designs with SM or MM fiber. Options include OS1, OS2, and OM2–OM4 plus G.652D/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.
Jacket materials, print legends, and branding
Select LSZH, PVC, or PE jackets to suit route and safety requirements. Custom print legends and logos support inventory and warranty tracking.
Lengths, Packaging & Special Builds
Standard reel lengths are 1/2/4 km with custom reels and packaging to fit storage/handling. Choose bow-type flat or self-supporting designs and steel wire or FRP strength members to fit span and isolation requirements.
| Option | Typical | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Reel 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 supplier, Shanghai Weiye aligns runs to your schedule and delivers documentation that lists final specifications 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.
Environmental and Mechanical Tests
Our lab conducts elevated-temperature exposure, salt fog corrosion, and mechanical vibration to qualify materials and assemblies. These tests simulate field stresses for indoor and outdoor use.
Per-Reel 100% Reports
Every fiber optic cable ships with a 100% test report that logs attenuation, return loss, and geometry where applicable. Final inspection gates stop nonconforming items before they leave the factory.
Traceability & Compliance
Batch records link tests to reels/serials so audits and warranty claims are simple to verify. Documentation follows common customer templates to accelerate approvals and receiving inspection.
- In-line checks plus final inspection reduce field failures and cut warranty events.
- QA packages include spec confirmation and formatted data for rapid review.
- Continuous test trends drive preventive maintenance and improve long-term reliability.
| Trial | Why | Result |
|---|---|---|
| High-temperature | Material stability | Pass at target temperature |
| Salt-fog | Corrosion robustness | Outdoor suitability |
| Mechanical vibration | Resistance to vibration | Improved field reliability |
Pricing and cost drivers for FTTH drop cable
Budgeting for a drop run begins with fiber/jacket selection and is refined by volume and customization.
Typical prices vary widely—from about $30–$1,000 per unit—based on fiber grade, jacket material, reel length, and structural design.
Material choices, fiber grade, jacket type, and structure
The primary cost drivers are fiber optic grade, sheath material, and the chosen structure for deployment.
Self-supporting structures and steel strength elements raise material and labor input. Custom colors, logos, and print legends add setup time and impact pricing on small 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.
- Line changeovers and custom tooling increase lead time and add cost.
- Clear RFQs with schedule alignment let Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment match quotes to delivery windows.
- Framework agreements and indexed pricing stabilize budgets across phases.
| Driver | Price impact | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Optical grade | Large | Balance spec vs. budget |
| Jacket type | Medium impact | Compare LSZH vs. PE for total cost |
| Order length / volume | High impact | Consolidate runs to cut unit cost |
U.S. Lead Times, MOQ & Delivery
Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment makes lead times and logistics clear so planners can align staffing and sites. Predictable windows cut downtime and control costs 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 maintain on-time delivery.
The service team issues production updates and tracking so installation teams can plan arrivals. For compressed schedules, we hold contingency capacity to accelerate critical-path orders.
Why MOQ Matters
The MOQ is one kilometer. This reflects line setup such as wire/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
Site conditions dictate whether a self-supporting aerial, 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 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 require proper depth control per local codes and moisture barriers to protect the fiber core long-term.
Indoor riser/plenum distribution and ONT termination
Indoor riser and plenum routes favor LSZH jackets to meet smoke/flame codes. Flat drop profiles strip cleanly and present controlled strength 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 reduces install time and reduces scrap.
| Scenario | Key feature | Field note |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial | Self-supporting (steel/FRP) | Verify messenger hardware/tension |
| Duct | Low-friction, crush-resistant | Use pull tape and proper lubricant |
| Direct-buried | PE jacket, moisture barrier | Follow local depth and warning tape rules |
| Indoor | 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.
Support from Spec to Service
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 pilot builds. We provide doc templates and clear install 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 support QA acceptance.
- 24/7 availability for status and technical support.
- Warranty includes free replacement for confirmed quality issues.
- Schedule coordination for expedites and urgent changes.
- Config control so shipped items match agreed specs consistently.
| Support area | Scope | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Spec review & pre-production builds | Fewer field issues |
| Testing | Lab + 100% reports | Full traceability |
| Service | Rapid replacement & root-cause | Minimized downtime |
Conclusion
Select Shanghai Weiye OFC Equipment for custom drops, quick lead times, and full traceability.
We provide custom FTTH drops that pair material choices with validated manufacturing and lab testing. Every reel includes a 100% test report and documented trials to support field acceptance in the United States.
A robust production line, including CLX-BPO2 prep assets, 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 performance 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 specs, timeline, and volume. We stand behind every fiber optic and optic cable shipment with laboratory validation and responsive service.