The use of plastic optic fiber (POF) cables in various industries has increased in recent years. The reason for this trend is that POF cables are available in custom lengths and are cheaper than traditional cables. Additionally, POF cables can be easily shipped, and there are numerous other advantages to discuss in this article.
Along with the advantages, we will also explore the disadvantages of POF cables. We'll identify situations and industries where avoiding the use of POF cables may be advisable. Follow along in this article to determine whether POF cables are suitable for your needs.
POF is composed of low-cost materials, and the associated installation assemblies are also inexpensive. Manufacturing POF is straightforward and cost-effective, and shipping these cables is equally convenient. For small businesses opting to assemble POF rather than manufacturing it, there is potential for significant profit, while buyers can acquire the cable at a reasonable price. Overall, the sale and purchase of POF cables prove advantageous for both parties involved. POF is flexible and durable, capable of bending further without breaking compared to glass cables.
The primary disadvantage of glass cables is their susceptibility to breakage in extreme environments. A plastic optical cable addresses this issue with its robust construction, remaining intact in harsh conditions. Furthermore, data transmission speed is not compromised even under extreme conditions.
Networks utilizing plastic optical fiber can be installed by untrained personnel, including home users. Many gaming enthusiasts opt for Toslink plastic cables during gaming, demonstrating the ease and simplicity of setting up POF cables for electronic devices. This ease of installation extends beyond individual devices to large-scale network setups.
Plastic optical fibers utilize harmless green or red light that is easily visible to the eye. They pose no risk when installed in a household, ensuring safety even around inquisitive children.
For applications involving machines programmed to display red or green lights to indicate correct or incorrect outputs, opting for POF cables is a prudent choice. The light emitted from POF cables is safe for all individuals, with no adverse effects on the skin or eyes, providing peace of mind for users.
POF typically experiences high signal attenuation and dispersion, restricting its use to short distances.
The coverage and distance capabilities of POF cables are limited. Therefore, for applications involving machines that operate over long distances, it is advisable to avoid implementing POF cables. These cables are not designed for use in long-distance networks.
POF cannot withstand extreme temperatures like glass optical fiber can. If your network or automation server operates in extremely cold or hot weather conditions, POF cables may not perform as expected. While they may function adequately in extreme cold, in extremely hot weather, the cables could melt, necessitating replacement as the only viable option.
These are the key advantages and disadvantages of using plastic optic fiber cables. By reviewing this article, you can gain a basic understanding of whether POF is suitable for your project. For more detailed information, feel free to contact us for a personalized report tailored to your needs. Additionally, you can order custom-length POF cables from our website at competitive prices.