Manufacturers of fiber optic cable sheathing granules

Key manufacturers of fiber optic cable sheathing granules include Zeus, Maillefer, and Nextrom, offering a range of polymer solutions for high-performance cable jackets.

Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

Zeus specializes in polymer-reinforced optical fiber and high-temperature sheathing products. They provide a variety of polymers such as PEEK, PTFE, PFA, ETFE, PVDF, and FEP, designed to protect fibers in extreme environments, offering mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and high-temperature performance. Zeus works with OEMs and cable manufacturers to develop customized polymer solutions for fiber optic sheathing.

Maillefer offers state-of-the-art extrusion technology for fiber optic cable sheathing. Their systems allow the use of a wide variety of plastic materials to produce high-quality jacketing, ensuring excellent centricity, stability, and material efficiency. Maillefer also provides global support, spare parts, and training to optimize production lines.

Nextrom is a global supplier of production technologies for optical fibers and fiber optic cables, including sheathing solutions. They provide equipment and materials for fiber coating, ribbon making, and cable jacketing, supporting both telecom and specialty fiber applications. Other notable suppliers include UnitekFiber, which produces indoor and outdoor fiber optic cables and related components, though their focus is more on finished cables rather than raw sheathing granules.

Types of Sheathing Materials

Fiber optic cable sheathing granules are typically made from thermoplastic polymers that can be extruded into jackets. Common materials include: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – cost-effective, flexible, and widely used for indoor cables.

P

E (Polyethylene) – durable and suitable for outdoor applications. Fluoropolymers (PTFE, FEP, ETFE, PFA) – high chemical and temperature resistance, ideal for harsh environments.

PEE

K – high-performance polymer for extreme temperature and mechanical stress applications.

Applications

These sheathing granules are used in: Loose tube and tight-buffered fiber optic cablesIndoor and outdoor telecom networksHarsh environment installations requiring chemical, abrasion, or high-temperature resistanceSpecialty fibers for sensing and industrial applications By selecting the appropriate manufacturer and polymer type, cable producers can ensure durable, flexible, and high-performance fiber optic cables suitable for a wide range of applications.