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Diamond trenching: how to lay optical fiber.
With the Diamond trenching technique it is possible to carry out an excavation for the installation of optical fiber more quickly than traditional methods and with fewer problems for traffic and roads.
The Swedish company Nextec System has developed an advanced working methodology, striking a balance between installation speed, quality, and durability. The heart of this technology is a micro-trenching machine.
Diamond Micro Trenching: What's the Added Value?
The traditional microtrenching system is a great technology that offers numerous advantages in terms of speed and production capacity. However, this technology still has many drawbacks related to operational issues that cause significant disruption to traffic and backfilling.
Nextec Systema has developed a technology that maintains the advantages of traditional micro-trenching while eliminating its critical aspects. The first step was to use diamond blades instead of carbide "spike" blades. This change resulted in increased productivity, with cutting rates of 1–1.5 ml/minute and the installation of a large number of ducts.
This technology also allows the excavation to be filled during the same work shift.
The advantages of diamond cutting for optical fiber.
It's essential to diversify traditional micro-trenching with carbide discs and diamond trenching technology. First of all, diamond trenching machines operate at an average of 900 rpm, while traditional cutters operate at 200 rpm. The real advantage of using a diamond wheel is the cutting quality: a clean, uniform cut. Diamond wheels leave the trench clean and with solid edges, significantly facilitating the subsequent backfilling process.
Diamond trenching: four essential steps.
Nextec describes its working methodology in four key steps. These are essential for an effective diamond trenching process.
Fiber optic microtrench planning.
- The first crucial step is planning. In this phase, the project is analyzed in relation to the environment and existing infrastructure. The excavation routes are identified and spray-painted.
- For added assurance, the operator is equipped with GPR to ensure the depth of existing systems. Logistics planning and the quantities of materials required for the work are also carried out during this phase.
Diamond trenching: diamond cutting for micro-trenching
The second step is the cutting phase, which is carried out exclusively using diamond blades and/or diamond grinding wheels for asphalt with diameters and thicknesses suitable for the width and depth of the excavation.
La Nord Srl has been manufacturing diamond tools for construction since 1960. If you're interested in learning more about these tools, please email us at sales@lanordsrl.it or use the WhatsApp chat feature on our website. La Nord Srl's diamond asphalt grinding wheels come in standard thicknesses of 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, and 20mm.
As for cable laying, it is possible to install up to 14 ducts (14mm diameter).
Filling trench for optical fiber
The third crucial step is the filling operations. Nextec uses urban-inject, a lime-based liquid with adjustable viscosity. This material penetrates all cavities, enclosing all installed pipes. The compressive strength and load-bearing capacity specifications are also adjustable to meet the needs of customers and road authorities.
The volume of this liquid is mixed by an on-site pump. This significantly reduces the estimated filling quantity and the complex planning and delivery process. The Nextec filling teams consist of two workers, a mixing pump, and a loader. A team composed of this number has the filling capacity of two urban trenchers.
Restoration of the road surface
The final step involves reinstating the road surface. The material used is a thermoplastic blend that doesn't need to be packed once the cut is filled. This is essential for small cuts, because making a 30mm cut isn't easy and there's a high risk of damaging the surrounding surface.
This thermoplastic material is installed at a temperature of 185/200 degrees. This temperature ensures excellent adhesion to the existing asphalt.
Diamond wheels for microtrenching
If you're interested in learning more about these technologies, we recommend reading all the specifications provided by Nextec on their website. As for diamond products, we're available should you require standard or custom microtrench products.
Our diamond tool manufacturing company can guarantee you custom products that precisely meet the excavation width and height requirements prescribed by the client.
