SubCom Starts High Fiber Count Cable Build

SubCom has recently announced several forward-looking developments including the company’s high fiber count (HFC) qualification and start of manufacturing, as well as upgrades to its clean room and new laser/sensor welding capabilities.

SubCom has completed the qualification of high fiber count cable utilized in power-efficient and capacity-optimized cable systems. The company’s HFC cable recently completed qualification, and production is underway. SubCom said earlier it will be first to market with the long haul system implementation of their space division multiplexing technology (SDM) and HFC architecture.

The company has also added a new high fiber count loose tube line in a Class 100,000 clean room to ensure the highest quality standards in cleanliness during the fiber handling and loose tube production process. This loose tube line can handle up to 48 fiber spools allowing for a 24FP cable and runs at a speed of 175+ meters per minute. Along with added capacity, this line provides SubCom improved processing controls allowing us to reduce processing variation.

In addition, SubCom continues to utilize LEAN manufacturing to improve processes such as our ability to consistently weld copper and steel to reduce unplanned joints. 3D laser weld alignment sensors and a new weld box with seam tracking provide a more autonomous and stable seam welding process.

“SubCom is committed to providing the highest quality products and services to meet the evolving needs of the subsea cable industry,” said David Coughlan, CEO of SubCom. “We’re proud of our track record of long-term success in getting the wet plant right for the systems we
deploy, and we thrive on satisfying the insatiable demand for data transport.”