Some technological aspects of optical fibres cables production

Summary form only given. Because of optical fibre sensitivity to external factors, cable structure must provide water and mechanical protection. All materials used in cable have to guarantee a minimum 30 years cable lifetime, with no degradation of optical and mechanical parameters. To protect cable against water migration, three dry solutions are introduced. Generally the main changes in cable technology rely on an increase in the quantity of fibres in a cable, and on reductions in the loose buffer tube diameter and the jacket thickness without deterioration of optical and mechanical cable properties. Also the consumption of materials is reduced, with significant lowering of production costs. Results of tensile and temperature tests of optical fibre cables are reported. Positive results for both temperature and tensile tests show that the excess fibre length selected during loose tube extruding and further stranding loose tubes around the central member are correct.