In copper manufacture, the copper conductors are the strength members in many of the cable designs. The optical fibers on the other hand while very high tensile strength glass, are extremely small and highly susceptible compressive and to off axis stress.
When we look at optical fiber processing, we recognize that in both copper and fiber we are basically squirting plastic over a conductor. In one case, an electrical conductor, and in the other an optical conductor. To the untrained eye this looks like the same process. In reality we are actually doing totally different processes. In most copper extrusions we are insulating or coating the copper conductor using a direct contact application of plastic.
READ THE BLOG: Are all cable lines alike?
Additional resources from the FOC team include:
- Category Resource:
- View the Glossary, Acronyms, Military Specifications for Connectors
- Q&A Resource: email technical questions to AskFOC@focenter.com
Have questions about this FOC Tip?
Contact FOC with questions at: (800) 473-4237 / 508-992-6464 or email: FiberOpticCenter@focenter.com and we will respond ASAP.
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