How is Fiber Optic Cable Made?

If you are curious about the production process of fiber optic cables, you’ve come to the right place. This article discusses the different characteristics of this type of cable and its components. This article also provides information about its structure and construction. You will be able to trace the manufacturing process of this cable to its final destination.

Structure

A fiber optic cable is composed of two main parts: a core and a cladding. The core contains the light-conducting material and is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. The cladding contains a plastic coating and strengthens the cable. The cladding also contains the fiber end and is protected from outside influences.

The core is made of glass or other special grade material and is responsible for transmitting light. It is surrounded by a cladding to reduce scattering of light. The cladding also serves to protect the core from contaminants. It can be made of glass or plastic. The cladding also reduces the loss of light to the outside.

In order to prevent cable damage, the fiber optic cable is often surrounded by a metal hose to protect it. The hose also enhances the performance of the cable. It is also fire-retardant and has a minimum radius of curvature up to 10 times the diameter of the cable. This structure is unique and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Components

Fiber optic cable has three essential components: a light source, a connector, and a coupler. The light source is a laser or LED that sends a light beam through the cable. The connectors and couplers allow the light to be sent to and from the receiving end. The end of the fiber-optic cable must be cut and polished to join perfectly.

Fiber-optic cable is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from a single pair to bundles of hundreds or thousands of fibers. The core contains light and is protected by a plastic shielding, called cladding.

Characteristics

Fiber optic cable has a few advantages over traditional copper or coaxial cable systems. Its light-carrying capacity means it can move data over long distances without losing signal. It is also resistant to electromagnetic interference and is less likely to be hacked. Moreover, because fiber optic cables do not conduct electricity, they are safe from hacker attacks.

Fiber optic cable is manufactured from non-metallic strength members, which are similar to those used in electronic cables. These strength members are designed to minimize fiber elongation and contraction during tensile loads. They also act as temperature stabilization elements. Because optical fiber stretches very little before breaking, strength members must be resistant to low elongation and tensile loads. Strength members are chosen according to their impact resistance, which affects their stiffness. For example, steel wire is five times stronger than Aramid yarn, while fiberglass epoxy rods are preferred for all-dielectric construction.

Construction

The construction of fiber optic cable involves a combination of different factors, such as the physical properties of the fiber, environmental conditions and installation methods. The physical properties of the fiber must be balanced against environmental conditions, and the cables must be installed in proper manner to prevent the cable from tangling or breaking during operation. Typical cable loads will place the fiber under tensile stress, causing microbending losses, attenuation increase and fatigue effects. Strength members are used to transfer stress loads and other effects to the cable during installation.

The City Council has approved the construction of fiber optic cable to connect its City Hall and public library. The city also plans to connect the fire stations, Fischer Park, the Civic and Convention Center and the Regional Airport to the fiber ring.

Cost

When you want to install a fiber optic cable, the cost can be one of the biggest concerns you may have. Fiber optics require the use of a lot of materials, equipment, and machinery, and this can increase the overall cost. The process also includes ordering the materials and mobilizing contractors to do the work. The price also depends on the physical obstacles in your property. For example, if you have a historic building or a graveyard on your property, fiber optic cable installation can be a difficult and expensive endeavor.

One factor that affects the price of fiber optic cable is the raw materials. The cheaper the raw materials are, the more money cable manufacturers will save. China and South Korea are two of the most significant suppliers of raw materials for the fiber optic cable industry. These countries supply almost all the materials needed to produce fiber optic cable.