One of the most talked-about innovations in the fiber optic world is collapsible ribbon technology—and for good reason. Across the industry, it’s commonly said that collapsible ribbon can double your splicing density, and in many cases, it does even more than that. This technology involves individual 250µm fibers that are partially bonded at intermittent points. The result? A ribbon that allows for efficient mass fusion splicing while maintaining the flexibility to break out individual fibers as needed—giving technicians more splicing options and freedom in the field.

Let’s explore how collapsible ribbon compares to traditional flat ribbon when it comes to splicing density, using two different tray configurations as examples.

The COYOTE HD Dome Closure is a high-density solution equipped with two different tray styles: a deep profile tray (approx. 1.10" deep) and a thin profile tray (approx. 0.55" deep). Using traditional flat ribbon, the closure can accommodate up to 1,728 fibers. But with collapsible ribbon, that number jumps to an impressive 3,456 fibers. The difference lies in how flexible the ribbon is. Flat ribbon matrices are rigid in all but one direction, requiring deeper trays to store slack and properly route the fibers. Collapsible ribbon retains the ribbon format but behaves more like loose fiber when routing—allowing for compact splicing in shallower trays without sacrificing density.

Now let’s look at closures with smaller trays, such as the COYOTE Dome Closure or legacy products like the RUNT, PUP, 6"x22", or 8.5"x22". These closures commonly use splice trays like Catalog #80806033 (Short, 12 Ct.) and #80805514 (Long, 36 Ct.), originally intended for single fusion splicing. Thanks to collapsible ribbon, those same trays now support both single fusion and ribbon splicing. PLP® has even introduced new splice trays specifically for collapsible ribbon, like Catalog #80813622 (Short, 96 Ct. Collapsible Ribbon / 24 Ct. Single Fusion) and #80813610 (Long, 144 Ct. Collapsible Ribbon / 72 Ct. Single Fusion). These new tray options effectively double the single fusion capacity while also offering collapsible ribbon compatibility—maximizing your closure’s splicing potential.

? Find the COYOTE Dome Closure Kits here: Closure Kits

At Georgia Underground Superstore, our team of fiber optic experts is here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re working with legacy equipment or exploring high-density splicing options with collapsible ribbon, we have the products, knowledge, and support you need to build a stronger network. Reach out to us anytime—we’re always ready to help you get the job done right.

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