FIBER OPTICS PRODUCTS for FTTx Solutions

Overview

Sumitomo Electric, founded in 1894 and known as world’s leading optical fiber manufacturer, we have long developed innovative new cable products culminating in our ultra high fiber count technology up to 6,912-fiber count cable. Building upon this, we’re now offering our new high fiber density, microduct cables with smaller cable diameter enabling faster installation and reduction of fiber deployment costs. Our ultra-high fiber density cables offer a revolutionary design suitable for both air-blown and pulled installation demonstrating Sumitomo’s world-leading technology.

Key Technology

FREEFORM Ribbon™

FREEFORM Ribbon™ enables dense fiber packing and smaller cable diameters, enabling higher densities in space-constrained situations. In addition, the 12-fiber ribbon “FREEFORM”, which has achieved the world’s highest level of precision, is horizontally and vertically aligned. It provides the same workability as conventional flat fiber ribbons. Therefore, FREEFORM Ribbon™ provides high workability and an optimized fusion splicing process.

FREEFORM 12-fiber Ribbon

High Density

Able to pack higher fiber count compared to conventional ribbon fibers.

Conventional
12-fiber
Ribbon
4 Ribbons
(48 Fibers)
12-fiber
FREEFORM
Ribbon™
8 Ribbons
(96 Fibers)

Mass Fusion Splicing

Splicing 12 fibers fusion at a time saves fusion splicing time dramatically.
80% reduction of time compared to 12 times of single splice.

Easy Connectivity

Ribbon is simply split into single fibers.
Easy compatibility with conventional loose tube cable.

Features and Benefits

01 . More Fibers, Higher Density

High fiber count from
144 up to 864

We have an innovative ultra high fiber count cables lineup from 144 up to 864. Install your fibers efficiently with future demand in mind.

144-fiber to 864-fiber
Greater utilization of existing duct

The diameter of our microduct cables has been dramatically reduced.
For example, compared to a conventional 10.2mm 288-fiber microduct cable, Sumitomo’s microduct cable enables deployment of 432 fibers in the same duct space. This feature demonstrates more efficiency as the number of fibers increases. Conventional 288-fiber cables occupy three ducts to install 864 fibers, but our 432-fiber cables uses only two. Extra duct can be rented out or set aside for future expansion.
The high density packing and smaller diameter, provides a solution to maximize the utilization of existing duct.

Inn.
Diameter
15mm
(0.6 in)

Conventional
288-fiber 10.2mm

1.5x more
fiber

Sumitomo’s
432-fiber 10.5mm

Outer
Diameter
42mm
(1.7 in)

Conventional
3×288-fiber cable = 864 fiber

1 duct
saving

Sumitomo’s
2×432-fiber = 864 fiber

02 . Quick Network Construction

80% reduction of time compared to single splice

Our mass fusion splicer and ultra high density microduct cable combination brings you a dramatic working efficiency. Mass splicing 12 fiber ribbon reduces splicing time by up to 80% compared to single splice.

Single Splicing
1fiber × 12splices
25min

80%
Reduced

Mass Splicing
12fiber × 1splice
5min

*Includes preparation time

Gel-free water blocking design

Gel-free water blocking design makes it easy to install your cables.
Avoid wasting valuable time in cleaning off gel before splicing or termination!

No wiping,
No hand wash

Lower costs, higher ROI

Our ultra high density microduct cable increases ROI by lower installation costs per fiber, lower duct rental fees and lower storage costs.

03 . Wide Range Application

Compatibility with existing network

FREEFORM Ribbon™ can be easily split into single fibers for single splice. And also singles fibers can be ribbonised by ribboniser for mass splicing.
Just connect with your existing work(not ribbon cable) as usual.
We utilize fibers meeting ITU-T G.652.D / G.657.A1.A2 standards, perfect for any application such as FTTx, data centers and 5G infrastructure.

Easy to split and
connect with
single fibers

Able to mass fusion splice with ribbonized single fibers

Pulling/Air-blown dual use

With innovative, lightweight and ultra low friction sheath, our microduct cables can be used not only for air-blowing but also for pulling installation.
Our fibers passing higher proof-test level of 1.5% can have higher resistance against strain for cable pulling.

Pulling installation
Air-blown installation

Specification

200µm

Fiber Count
(No.)
Cable Diameter
(mm)
Min.
Duct Size
(mm)
Min.
Bend Radius
after installation
Min.
Bend Radius
during installation
Tensile strength
144 7.2 10 150 150 500
192 7.6 12 150 155 500
288 9.5 13 150 190 500
432 10.5 14 150 210 500
864 13.5 18 200 270 1000

250µm

Fiber Count
(No.)
Cable Diameter
(mm)
Min.
Duct Size
(mm)
Min.
Bend Radius
after installation
Min.
Bend Radius
during installation
Tensile Strength
144 8.0 12 150 160 500
192 8.7 13 150 180 500
288 10.5 14 150 210 500
432 12.5 18 150 250 500
864 14.9 20 300 300 1000

Projection for rip cord identification
Rip cord
Water blocking tape
Strength member
12-fiber FREEFORM Ribbon™
Low-friction HDPE jacket

FAQ

Is it possible to splice 200µm coated ribbon fibers to existing 250µm ribbon fibers?
Yes. Expand the 200µm ribbon pitch to match the pitch of a 250µm ribbon by using a pitch conversion fiber holder (Sumitomo Electric’s part No. PCH-12).
How to splice FREEFORM 200µm ribbon fibers to FREEFORM 200µm ribbon fibers?
There are two options. One is using the 200μm V-groove mass fusion splicer. And another is using the 250µm V-groove mass fusion splicer along with 200µm to 250µm pitch conversion fiber holder.
How far can we blow it?
Blowing distance directly depends on to the weight of the cable, the friction from the microduct, the pressure applied. Ask us from the “Contact us” button below, if you need further information.
Contact us