New tape from Teijin Aramid protects fiber-optic cables

Teijin Aramid has unveiled Twaron Tape, which features an aramid fiber matrix construction that enables to protect optical fiber cables with a diameter as small as 1.2 mm. The tape offers 3X to 5X better crush resistance than current aramid fiber protection, the company asserts.

The tape consists of a single, spread Twaron yarn that is impregnated and fixed with a matrix material. This results in significant saving in space and enables optical fiber cables to be very thin, the company asserts. To provide complete coverage and optimal force and crush resistance, it is evenly wrapped around the core of the optical fiber cable.

Twaron Tape D2800 is a robust and flexible patented protection approach helps increase cable production speed, Teijin Aramid says. The tape’s flexibility also enables quicker and more convenient installation and handling, with easier stripping and connectorization of optical fiber cables, the company adds.

The production of thinner cables using Twaron Tape offers several advantages. For example, the production of 1.2-mm cables translates into an increased capacity for optical distribution frames of 30-50% (compared with 1.6-mm cables). Furthermore, the thinner cables demand less cooling power, thereby cutting costs – and emissions – at distribution centers.

Said Christoph Hahn, commercial director at Teijin Aramid, “We are one of the early pioneers of reinforcement technology for fiber-optic cables, and as this market has developed, we have gained an in-depth understanding of the market requirements. We are proud to contribute to this industry by offering our knowledge in high performance aramid fibers to our worldwide partners.”