Price of Metal Butterfly-Shaped Optical Cable

A meter of metal butterfly-shaped optical cable typically costs between $1 and $6 per foot ($3.30–$19.70 per meter), depending on fiber count, armor, and jacket type.

Price Overview

Metal butterfly optical cables, often armored for protection, are more expensive than standard indoor or outdoor fiber cables. Based on current market data:

• Single-mode fiber (OS2): $0.30–$2.80 per meter for standard cables; armored versions can reach $1.15–$6.50 per meter .
• Multimode fiber (OM3/OM4): $1.50–$6.00 per foot, which converts to approximately $4.90–$19.70 per meter .
• Armored or metal-jacketed butterfly cables: Typically $0.30–$1.00 per meter for steel tape or FRP armored cables, with higher-end custom or high-fiber-count cables costing more .

Factors Affecting Cost

1. Fiber Count: A 2-core cable is cheaper than a 24-core or 96-core cable. Higher strand counts increase material and production costs .
2. Cable Construction: Metal or armored butterfly cables are designed for harsh environments, adding 20–50% to the base cost .
3. Jacket Material: LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) or PE jackets for outdoor use are more expensive than standard PVC .
4. Pre-Termination: Factory-terminated cables cost more but reduce on-site labor and installation time .
5. Wholesale vs Retail: Buying directly from manufacturers or in bulk can reduce costs by 20–30% compared to retail .

Practical Estimate

For a metal butterfly-shaped optical cable suitable for outdoor or industrial use:

• Low-end: $3–$5 per meter for small fiber counts and basic metal armor.
• Mid-range: $6–$12 per meter for 12–24 fiber cores with LSZH or PE jackets.
• High-end: $15–$20 per meter for high-fiber-count (48–96 cores), premium glass, and full metal or steel tape armor . These prices are indicative; exact costs depend on supplier, fiber type, and customization. For bulk orders or specific project requirements, contacting manufacturers like those listed on Alibaba or Made-in-China can provide custom quotes .