Fibre Optics (Tight and Loose Buffer Tubes)

Fibre optics refers to the subsector of the wire and cable industry where optical fibres are used to transmit information. Optical fibres are transparent, flexible strands made from plastic or glass which transmit data in the form of light particles (photons) which pulse through the cable. Fibre optics are used for long-distance and high-performance data networking, the internet for example.

The glass (or plastic) fibre strands are enclosed in a glass cladding, which is then protected by a buffer tube (tight or loose) and then a final jacketing layer. The buffer tubes are the perfect application for Hytrel®, as they need to create a protective layer around the fibres, whilst also being flexible.

Spotlight on Hytrel®:

• Innately flexible and strong without plasticisers
• Excellent durability
• Excellent abrasion, flex fatigue and cut growth resistance
• Easy processing and colourability with very low wall thicknesses possible
• Low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE)
• Easy peel grade for tool-free confectioning

Back to Polymers in action