Manufacture of cables with an easily separable channel cover

摘要

Method and apparatus for manufacturing a cable having a channel for receiving energy conductors, e.g. optical fibers, with a channel cover which has a weak bond with the material forming the channel to facilitate removal of the cover. The plastic material which provides the channel and the plastic material which forms the cover are simultaneously extruded around optical fibers in two flows which are separated in advance of enclosing the fibers and which join with a weak bond as the flows meet thereafter. In the apparatus, the extruder has a tubular element through which the fibers are fed and the tubular element divides the plastic material into two separate flows in advance of a die. The tubular member is adjustable in position with respect to the die to balance or equalize the plastics flow.