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Abstract

A method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable involves embedding a traction-resistant axial strength member of at least one wire of precipitation hardened martensitic steel in a rod of thermoplastic material extruded thereabout while forming longitudinal grooves or cavities in the periphery while subjecting the rod and the strength member to an initial axial traction stress, extending them by less than their elastic limits, disposing optical fibers in the grooves or cavities of the rod while still under axial traction stress, and removing the axial traction stress. An extrusion machine has a head terminating in an axial outlet. A fixed member extends around a rotary die supporting the die on bearings internally of the fixed member. The fixed member is fixed to the front face of the extrusion machine and supports a die inlet axially spaced from the front face and the head outlet to ensure that a small controlled amount of plastic material leaks radially at the gap to the exterior. The axial strength member is fed through the extrusion machine head and the rotary die and embedded in the rod of thermoplastic material while grooves are formed in the outer periphery of the rod.

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First Claim