FlexRibbon® Technology

Designed to Maximize Fiber Density and Duct Space Utilization

Prysmian's FlexRibbon® Technology offers more than just high fiber density; it’s engineered for ultimate convenience. Installation and handling have never been easier with fiber counts reaching up to 6,912 in an incredibly compact design. Known colloquially as Intermittently Bonded Ribbon (IBR), Prysmian’s patented FlexRibbon Technology was one of the original designs dating back to 2018. That means Prysmian continues to innovate FlexRibbon to be used with different fiber coatings and multiple cable constructions. In fact, Prysmian has more FlexRibbon designs than any other vendor offering IBR cables. Those designs include microduct, flat cables and flame-rated designs, elevating usability to a new level. Our dedication to innovation means we're constantly rolling out fresh designs. Stay connected with us to discover the latest advancements and learn how our user-friendly technology can enhance your projects!

 

What is FlexRibbon® Technology?  

Conventional flat ribbons consist of 12 optical fibers housed within a rigid structure. While this design allows for mass-fusion splicing, it has certain limitations. In contrast, Prysmian's FlexRibbon® Technology uses intermittent bonds between the fibers, creating a more flexible unit that permits mass-fusion splicing. This innovation effectively addresses the shortcomings of the earlier technology. The result is a ribbon fiber optic cable that can be rolled, folded, or routed in tight spaces without sacrificing performance, offering superior handling, higher fiber density, and faster network deployment. 

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Cables with FlexRibbon® Technology

  • Prysmian’s original FusionLink™ Central Tube Ribbon Cable is available with FlexRibbon® Technology using both 250µm and 200µm
  • FusionLink™ with FlexRibbon is natively dry water-blocking for faster splicing and fewer consumables required
  • Central Tube ribbon cables are notoriously challenged with capacity, but adding FlexRibbons allows for the maximum density within a given tube size, increasing overall efficiency
  • FusionLink™ with FlexRibbon is available for Outdoor, Indoor and Indoor/Outdoor environments.
  • MassLink™ with FlexRibbon® Technology is natively dry water-blocking for faster splicing and fewer consumables required.
  • MassLink with FlexRibbon® is available for Outdoor, Indoor and Indoor/Outdoor environments.
  • Available in Indoor and Outdoor constructions.

EcoSpan™ cable is designed for quick installation on pole lines. It works with high-strength wedge clamps and mass-fusion splicing. Unlike traditional fiber drops, it can safely support spans up to 300 feet under NESC Heavy loading conditions. The cable features up to six 12-fiber flexible ribbons, which facilitate rapid splicing.

  • Available in Outdoor construction.

 

 

The FlexDrop cable with FlexRibbon® technology design is ideal for applications that require a small-diameter, highly flexible cable, particularly when mass fusion splicing is needed. This design accommodates up to two 12-fiber FlexRibbons in its central core, allowing for a compact overall diameter.

  • Available in Outdoor construction.

Ribbon Fiber Cables (RFC) are high-density fiber-optic cables where individual fibers are arranged in a matrix-bonded flat row. This design allows for space savings, high fiber counts, and facilitates rapid, cost-effective mass fusion splicing.

  • Available in Indoor construction.

EcoSpan™ with FlexRibbon® Technology

Prysmian's new EcoSpan™ is a low fiber-count cabling solution designed for rural areas. It combines the convenience of an aerial drop with the capability to support spans up to 300 feet and fiber counts of up to 72. This solution is optimized for quick installation on utility poles and is compatible with high-strength wedge clamps and mass-fusion splicing, allowing for seamless integration with your existing infrastructure. Unlike traditional fiber drops, EcoSpan can safely handle spans up to 300 feet under NESC Heavy loading standards.

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FlexRibbon® Splicing Demo

Prysmian's FlexRibbon® technology is designed to maximize fiber density and optimize duct utilization, allowing the highest fiber count to be packed into the smallest cable. This technology offers the benefits of mass fusion splicing while differing from traditional cables, which hold fibers in a fixed arrangement. In contrast, FlexRibbon keeps the fibers together more flexibly. This video illustrates the splicing process for 250-micron FlexRibbon fibers.

Lexington Fiber Plant

Take a tour of our Digital Solutions plant in Lexington, SC, where we design and manufacture a wide variety of cables for different applications.

FAQs

How does FlexRibbon® differ from traditional ribbon designs? 

FlexRibbon® cables use rollable, intermittently bonded ribbons that can bend and fold easily, offering higher density and improved flexibility than rigid flat ribbons. 

 

What are the benefits of FlexRibbon® technology? 

FlexRibbon® technology increases fiber density, reduces cable diameter, and enables mass-fusion splicing while maintaining ease of installation and network reliability. 

 

How does FlexRibbon® technology work? 

FlexRibbon® technology uses minor bonding points between fibers to form flexible ribbons that can roll and conform to tight pathways without damage, improving duct utilization. Bend-Insensitive fibers, such as Prysmian’s BendBrightXS, are another major unlock for achieving groundbreaking fiber densities in smaller footprints.

 

What key features does FlexRibbon® technology offer? 

It offers flexibility, compactness, and compatibility with high-density network designs, making it ideal for access, broadband, DCI, and AI infrastructure. 

 

What makes Prysmian the top manufacturer for ribbon fiber optic cables? 

As the world's largest cable solutions provider, Prysmian combines innovation, reliability, and scalability. Our ribbon fiber optic cables with FlexRibbon® technology set the standard for high-capacity, future-ready connectivity.

Contact Us

Digital Solutions - US

Mackenzie Ryle

Inside Sales Manager, Digital Solutions

4 Tesseneer Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41076