StremX: The Future of Strength Members in ADSS Cables

The evolution of aerial cable design is accelerating as the demand for high-speed, cost-effective, and resilient telecommunications infrastructure intensifies. Among the most transformative innovations in this space is StremX, a next-generation inorganic fibre developed by Coats. StremX offers a compelling blend of high thermal performance, mechanical strength, and economic benefits.

This deep dive explores how StremX performs in real-world cable applications, the science behind its engineering, and the tangible benefits it delivers across the telecommunications value chain. Whether you are a network architect, cable designer, procurement officer, or infrastructure planner, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing cable materials landscape.

The Importance of Strength Members in ADSS Cable Design

In ADSS cable systems, the strength member is not just another component—it is the backbone that ensures the mechanical stability of the cable under harsh conditions. ADSS cables are installed in aerial environments, often over long spans, where they must endure wind loading, temperature fluctuations, ice accumulation, and even wildlife interference.

Traditionally, these strength members have been composed of high-modulus aramid fibres. These organic polymers are favoured for their high tensile strength, low weight, and excellent dielectric properties. However, the reliance on aramid fibres introduces a significant cost burden, particularly in large-scale deployments like national broadband rollouts or power utility upgrades.

This presents a growing need for innovation—materials that can deliver similar or improved performance at a reduced total cost of ownership. StremX directly addresses this challenge.

Introducing StremX: A New Class of Inorganic Fibre

Coats launched StremX in 2020 with a clear vision: to engineer an inorganic strength member that competes with aramid yarns in key areas. Developed through years of R&D, StremX brings a unique combination of mechanical, thermal, and environmental resilience. Here are the core advantages:

• Thermal Properties Comparable to Glass: StremX retains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, making it especially suitable for outdoor aerial environments with fluctuating heat levels.
• Processability: Designed with manufacturing compatibility in mind, StremX integrates into existing production lines without retooling or adjustments, saving time and capital.
• Fire and Flame Resistance: With higher tolerance to heat and flame, StremX improves safety for installations in high-risk or wildfire-prone areas.
• UV and Rodent Resistance: Its durability against sunlight and animal damage increases service longevity, particularly in remote or unattended installations.
• All-Dielectric Composition: Like aramid, StremX is non-conductive, making it safe for installations near high-voltage infrastructure.

This combination of benefits makes StremX a substitute and a next-generation upgrade in many scenarios.

Case Study: Testing StremX in a 12-Fibre ADSS Cable

A real-world customer validation trial tested StremX in a 12-fibre ADSS cable design, a format commonly deployed in telecommunications infrastructure for mid-span applications.

Original Design Specification:

• Strength Member: Four high-modulus aramid yarns (3160 dtex) with water-blocking coating.
• Target Performance Metric: 1% L.A.S.E. (Load at Specified Elongation).

Modified Design with StremX:

• Strength Member Configuration: 75% of aramid content replaced by StremX HM UBC 300 tex.
• Water-Blocking Properties: Retained through similar coating.
• Performance Outcome: Maintained the original 1% L.A.S.E.

This test demonstrated that StremX can partially replace aramid while maintaining mechanical performance. The tensile characteristics, elongation properties, and durability remained within target thresholds. Moreover, no changes were required to the manufacturing line, highlighting StremX’s process compatibility.

Economic Advantage: Breaking Down the 31% Cost Reduction

Perhaps the case study’s most remarkable outcome was the material cost reduction. While StremX’s pricing is proprietary, comparing it to typical aramid pricing strongly indicates a substantial per-kilogram savings. For telecom operators or contractors managing kilometre-scale cable installations, such savings can lead to millions in cost reductions over a project’s lifecycle.

These savings are particularly valuable in:

• Cost-sensitive markets where affordability determines access.
• Rural or low-density deployments where long spans and low ARPU (average revenue per user) make cost efficiency critical.
• Large-scale rollouts where even a slight unit cost difference is amplified exponentially.

Performance Isn’t Compromised

Savings alone aren’t enough—performance is non-negotiable in mission-critical fibre networks. Fortunately, StremX meets or exceeds key engineering requirements:

• 1% L.A.S.E. Maintained: This critical benchmark ensures that the cable’s elongation remains within safe limits under tension.
• Long-Term Environmental Stability: StremX is built for longevity in open-air environments, with robust resistance to UV radiation, moisture, and pests.
• Production-Friendly: Compatibility with existing production lines reduces risk and accelerates deployment for manufacturers.

Target Audiences: Who Benefits Most?

StremX’s versatility and economic value extend benefits across multiple segments of the fibre optic industry:

• Telecommunications Operators
  Particularly those planning FTTH, 5G, or metro network expansions. Reducing per-metre costs while retaining performance is a strategic win.
• Cable Manufacturers (OEMs)
  StremX offers an avenue to differentiate product lines without requiring expensive retooling, allowing faster go-to-market for ADSS variants.
• Rural Connectivity and Government Projects
  Cost-sensitive initiatives in underserved regions can stretch budgets further with StremX, without compromising durability or compliance.
• Power Utilities and Infrastructure Companies
  The material’s dielectric and flame-resistant profile is especially valuable for fibre installations along transmission corridors or across substations.

Strategic Outlook: Where Innovation Meets Practicality

The increasing demand for high-speed broadband, accelerated by trends like remote work, Internet of Things, and smart grid deployments, makes reliable and scalable cable solutions more essential than ever. Against this backdrop, materials innovation becomes a pivotal lever for progress.

StremX is more than just an alternative material—it is a strategic asset in cable engineering. It brings together the trifecta of:

• Lower material cost
• Uncompromised mechanical performance
• Operational ease of integration

Whether building urban smart infrastructure or connecting the next million homes in rural territories, selecting strength member materials can profoundly impact your rollout success. With data-backed proof of performance and a compelling commercial case, StremX represents the future-ready choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can StremX fully replace aramid in all ADSS cable types?
Evidence supports up to 50% substitution without compromising performance in 12-fibre ADSS designs. Complete replacement may be viable in specific low-tension applications, but it should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Has StremX undergone real-world validation?
Yes. StremX has been tested in customer-controlled cable trials and simulated field conditions. The case study highlighted in this document is a representative example of its robustness in actual manufacturing and deployment settings.

Q: What should cable designers consider before switching to StremX?
Designers should evaluate local environmental conditions, mechanical load requirements, and regulatory standards. Coats’ technical support team can assist with design simulations and custom performance modelling.

Q: How can I request more technical data or product samples?
Reach out to Coats via:
pm_product_managers@coats.com
www.coats.com

Integrating StremX into your cable designs could yield long-term advantages beyond the balance sheet if you’re navigating the complexities of next-generation fibre deployments. From improving cost structures to enhancing cable resilience in challenging environments, the case for innovation is clear.