About AFL
Connecting you with solutions designed to maximize your network
AFL provides industry-leading solutions, products and services to the energy, service provider, enterprise and industrial markets as well as a number of emerging markets.
AFL manufactures, engineers and installs fiber optic products and associated equipment. This includes: fiber optic cables, conductor accessories, fiber optic connectivity, fusion splicers, test and inspection equipment.
AFL Solutions and Products
AFL Fiber Optic Cable Selection Guide
From overhead transmission lines to subsea environments, AFL sets the standard in fiber optic cable
AFL's portfolio of fiber optic cable products is unmatched. Beginning with optical ground wire (OPGW), introduced in 1984 as AFL’s flagship product, the line now spans to cabling solutions being used in the world’s harshest environments, including those above ground, below ground and even underwater.
With AFL, it always begins with quality products. Since the first use of fiber optics, AFL has led the way with innovative cable products that deliver exceptional solutions for our customers. Our robust product line is now in service in over 100 countries around the world. Our manufacturing facilities for our cable products include Duncan, SC; North Grafton, MA; Monterrey, Mexico; Swindon, United Kingdom; and Mönchengladbach, Germany.
Flex-Span® ADSS Fiber Optic Cable
Features
- Gel-Filled Tubes are reverse-oscillated to allow slack for mid-span access - up to 288 fibers in cable.
- Pole-to-pole span lengths up to 1100 feet.
- Single jacket design decreases the diameter and weight when compared to double jacket ADSS cable; thus reducing pole loading.
- No separation requirement of ADSS from conductors per National Electric Safety Code (NESC) section 235.
LM-Series OSP MicroCore® Cable
AFL OSP MicroCore® cable series (LM-Series) is designed for outside plant installation in microduct conduit systems. The foundation of the design is the multi-fiber-set, gel-filled buffer tube construction. The kink-resistant buffer tube contains multiple 12-fiber sets of color-coded fibers. Each set within the buffer tube is grouped using dual color-coded binder threads. The dry-blocked core is made up of SZ-stranded buffer tubes around a central strength member. The low-friction, high-strength overall jacketing system protects the cable-core while providing an optimized cable package supporting high-speed, long-distance jetting performance. The unique, high-fiber density geometry yields a cable construction that can accommodate up to 432 fibers and can be blown into microducts ranging in inside diameters from 10 mm to 16 mm.
Featues
- Low-friction outer jacket designed for air-blown installations.
- Robust, kink-resistant buffer tubes reduce time and handling issues associated with enclosure buildouts.
- 300lb installation tensile load rating.
- OD compatible with 10 mm to 16 mm inside diameter microducts.
- Low-cost fiber upgrade migration strategies.
Gel-Free Armored OSP Loose Tube (LE Series Gel-Free SJ SA)
AFL LE-Series Gel-Free Single Jacket Single Armor fiber optic cables incorporate dry water-absorption technology within the fiber-containing buffer tubes along with the protection of steel corrugated armor.
Features
- No epoxy, no Polish
- Low insertion loss
- Fiber can be reinserted up to three times
- 4.8 mm (SC only) cordage compatibility
- VFI accessory to confirm proper installation
AFL Connectors Reference Guide
FASTConnect® Field-Installable Connectors
FASTConnect are factory pre-polished, field-installable connectors that completely eliminate the need or hand polishing in the field. Proven mechanical splice technology ensuring precision fiber alignment, a factory pre-cleaved fiber stub and a proprietary index-matching gel combine to offer an immediate low loss termination to either single-mode or multimode optical fibers. FASTConnect are compatible with 250 μm and 900 μm optical fibers, as well as 4.8 mm (SC only) cordage.
All primary fiber types are supported, and each connector is color coded per industry standard requirements to aid in identification during and after installation. A factory-installed wedge clip (included with each connector) is removed and discarded upon completion of the termination. Incorporated into this device is an innovative, translucent wedge enabling the use of a common VFI to provide a pass/fail signal once physical contact is achieved.
Features
- Core Stability: Non-metallic FRP central core for structural stability.
- Compact Design: Twisted loose tube and filler rope maintain shape and integrity.
- Moisture Protection: Water-blocking filler safeguards optical fibers.
- Enhanced Resistance: Longitudinally applied corrugated plastic-coated steel tape (PSP).
AFL Fiber Termination Selection Guide
Fiber Optic Splice Closures
AFL’s sealed and aerial weathertight splice closures are craft-friendly and designed with the installer in mind—closures that are engineered to protect fiber optic splices in underground or aerial environments (butt, in-line, branch and drop applications). Customers can count on AFL’s closures which are engineered to reduce installation time and labor expense using common hand tools with no heat, gel, adhesives or power tools needed. Capacities up to 864 single-fused and 2592 mass-fused fibers are available.
Apex® X-2 / X-2S Sealed Splice Closure
The Apex X-2 is a sealed splice closure designed for protecting optical fiber splices in both above- or below-grade applications in a butt configuration. The Apex X-2 is capable of up to 576 / 288 single fusion, 1152 / 576 mass fusion with standard ribbon, or 3456 / 1728 (200 μm, 1728 / 864 max for 250 μm) mass fusion with ''rollable ribbon'' fiber types such as AFL's SpiderWeb Ribbon® (SWR®).
Cables are sealed by a unique wedge system spaced evenly around the circumference of the closure's base. Each cable seal is opened by a press-to-release lever and sealing is completed by actuating a single screw for each cable. Each cable is sealed individually, ensuring original craftsmanship when cables may be added at a later date. Up to 6 splice trays are attached and hinge off a central organizer. A plastic slack storage basket resides underneath the trays with ample tie down points for managing tube and fiber slack.
AFL proudly supplies and services the premier fusion splicing product line offered in North America-Fujikura's fusion splicing solutions. Fujikura’s pioneering spirit and keen focus on exceptional quality over the past three decades have established Fujikura as the leader in fusion splicing technology and product value.
The Fujikura 90S+ core alignment fusion splicer solves common problems seen in the field - from splicing poor quality legacy fiber to automated equipment maintenance and upkeep. The Fujikura 90S+ can be used in multiple field splicing applications including bend-insensitive fibers in drop cables, long-haul terrestrial and submarine LEAF® fibers, loose buffer fiber, splice-on connectors, and the list goes on. The speed and accuracy of the 90S+ make it suitable for certain production and specialty environments where high output, tight packaging, and low loss requirements are required.
Regardless of your scenario, the Fujikura 90S+ is designed to keep you in the field with an extended battery life of 300 splice and heat cycles. With its multiple automated and easy-to-use features, the 90S+ alleviates the need for traditional operation tasks such as frequent arc calibrations, cleaver blade rotations, cleaver usage tracking, and manual splicing operations. A redesigned work tray, cooling tray, and optional cable clamp make the 90S+ kit more versatile than its predecessors in adapting to varying work conditions and environments.
When splicing loose buffer fiber, additional sheath clamps are not needed. The standard universal sheath clamp now handles both loose and tight buffer fibers. The new Active Fusion Control (AFC) technology improves splice losses for fibers that possess a poor cleave angle. Combined with Active Blade Management between the splicer and cleaver, the Fujikura 90S+ contains a robust set of splicing features that will reduce the likelihood of poor splice installations or repairs.
The Fujikura 90R is the mass fusion splicer workhorse of the splicing world. As data demand continues to rise, the solution to handle the increased traffic is to increase fiber counts. As a result, fiber counts being utilized in enterprise data centers, campus, and metro networks have grown enough to make single fiber splicing too costly and timely. High density cabling made possible by SpiderWeb Ribbon® (SWR®) and others like it are spurring ribbon splicing activity in places that have traditionally used loose fiber.
The 90R is the answer to these changes in splicing demand. With automated splice start, tube heater, wind protector, cleave tracking, and blade rotations for up to 2 cleavers at a time, this splicer frees up operator time for other fiber preparation steps. New to the 90R, you can keep your splicer in the field longer with field replaceable V-grooves. When V-grooves can no longer be cleaned after extended use, or are accidentally damaged, you can resume splicing in minutes by installing the spare set included with your 90R kit. Put our 90R to the test by contacting us to see its capabilities first-hand.
The 45S cladding alignment fusion splicer is changing the way people splice fiber in small to mid-fiber count applications. This Fujikura splicer debuts a landmark improvement to the fusion splicing process with the ability to prepare and load both fibers simultaneously. The hand-held fiber coating stripper, the SS-05, is capable of stripping two 250 ìm coated fibers in the same pass, along with the CT-16A cleaver adapter plate which can likewise accommodate two bare fibers for cleaving. After preparation, the 45S patented sheath clamps enable loading both fibers simultaneously into the splicer with one fiber in each hand. The user can press down on the sheath clamp base to close it while positioning the fiber in the v-grooves. This enables one-handed operation.
Furthermore, the 45S sheath clamps are mechanically linked to the wind protector, so after splicing is finished, opening the wind protector also opens both sheath clamps for quick sleeve positioning and transfer to the tube heater. The 45S tube heater shrinks sleeves much faster than its predecessor with a nominal ~20 second heat time for 60 mm sleeves down from ~26 seconds. The simultaneous fiber preparation capability, automated sheath clamp opening, and a faster tube heater, combine to lower the overall fusion splicing cycle time by ~30% or more.
AFL Test and Inspection Selection Guide
OTDRs and Troubleshooters
The FlexScan family of OTDRs automates test setup, shortens test time and simplifies results interpretation - improving efficiency and reducing costs. Integrated light source, power meter, VFL and optional connector inspection tool will ensure technicians have everything they need to locate and resolve optical network issues.
AFL's FlexScan FS300 Quad OTDR is an all-in-one solution for detecting, identifying, locating and resolving single-mode and multimode optical network issues. It is designed for both novice and expert technicians working in a range of environments from data centers to fiber-to-the-home, as well as local and wide area networks. The FlexScan FS300 automates test setup, shortens test time and simplifies results interpretation, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
The FlexScan FS300 includes an integrated VFL, power meter and light source. It can be easily paired to AFL's award-winning FOCIS family of inspection scopes for single-fiber and/or MPO and OptiTip® multifiber inspection, ensuring technicians have everything they need to locate and resolve optical network issues.
With SmartAuto automated multi-pulse acquisition, 37 dB dynamic range and best-in-class dead zones, FlexScan Quad OTDRs test multimode and single-mode networks - including FTTH PONs and POLANs up to 1:64 split ratio - while still detecting and measuring events less than 2 meters apart.
FlexScan® FS200 Single-mode OTDR
AFL's FlexScan FS200 OTDR is an all-in-one solution for detecting, identifying, locating, and resolving single-mode optical network issues. It is designed for both novice and expert technicians working in a range of environments, from FTTH PON to point-to-point networks. It applies industry-standard or user-set pass/fail criteria and displays results using LinkMap color-coded icons to show the health of the network. FlexScans automate test setup, shorten test time, and simplify results interpretation improving efficiency and reducing costs.
The FlexScan FS200 includes an integrated VFL, power meter, and light source. It can be easily paired to AFL's award-winning FOCIS family of inspection scopes, ensuring technicians have everything they need to locate and quickly resolve optical network issues.
FleXpress mode completes dual-wavelength tests in less than 5 seconds - 10x faster than conventional OTDRs! For multi-fiber testing, FS200s automatically control AFL's MFS Multi-Fiber Switch (12-fiber MPO switch) to further reduce multi-fiber test time.
AFL Cleaning and Inspection Selection Guide
AFL has a complete range of fast, easy-to-use tools that inspect and clean fiber endfaces. Using them consistently eliminates the #1 cause of network outages - dirty connectors.
ASCEND® Modular Platform - Take Data Center Capabilities beyond Today’s Limits
With increasing bandwidth demands, you must rise above today’s standards. AFL's new ASCEND® solutions are not built for what you need today, but what you will need tomorrow. The ASCEND platform is a modular, high-density rack-mount solution designed for data center applications. Whether supporting incremental growth or a full-scale deployment, our ASCEND solutions deliver optimal fiber management and ease-of-use.
The ASCEND platform is comprised of four main elements: high density fiber housings, optical cassettes, patch cord assemblies, and trunk cable assemblies.
Connecting America
BABA Certified Product Portfolio
AFL is developing a full range of Fiber-to-The-Home products compliant with BABA standards by expanding its manufacturing operations in the United States and fortifying its supply chain.
AFL is committed to supporting the expansion of broadband access in underserved communities across America. For nearly 40 years, AFL has proudly manufactured fiber optic cable, components, and conductor accessories in the United States, creating thousands of jobs across the nation.
We are proud to offer fiber optic cable and components that meet domestic preference requirements for federally funded projects. AFL offers superior products leveraging our international manufacturing network with a robust supply chain, allowing us to meet our customer's needs.
Build America, Buy America Act – Federal Financial Assistance
The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requires that all of the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure projects are produced in the United States. This is also known as a 'domestic preference'.
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