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Introduction
The price of fiber optic distribution boxes varies a lot, mainly depending on what materials are used. PC+ABS materials are more expensive than ABS, new materials are more expensive than recycled materials, and 304 grade metal parts are more expensive than ordinary metal parts.
In subsequent articles, I’ll break down the impact of materils on the overall cost and product quality. How you can judge the quality of fiber termination box by your eyes and hands touching. And how to get the Fiber optic distribution box that gives you the most bang for your buck. After you read this article, you might think twice about buying a fiber optic distribution box.
Section 1: Why Are Fiber Optic Distribution Boxes Sold on B2C Platforms?
Even though fiber optic distribution boxes are mostly B2B products, you can also find them on B2C platforms. When purchasing fiber optic termination boxes from B2C platforms like online marketplaces, there are several potential pros and cons to consider compared to going through specialized B2B.
Potential Pros
- Pricing Transparency
B2C platforms usually give you the price right away, so you can compare prices from different vendors and different products. This way, you can find the cheapest solution.
- Wide Product Variety
Online marketplaces usually have a lot of different brands and sellers, so you can find many types of termination boxes.
- Customer Reviews
Lots of B2C platforms let customers leave reviews and ratings. That can give you a good idea of how good the product is, how well it works, and if the seller is any good.
Potential Cons
- Limited Technical Support
B2B vendors who specialize in fiber optic products usually offer better technical support, product training, and help you pick the right solution for your needs. You might not get that level of support on B2C platforms.
- Product Quality Concerns
While there are good brands available, there is a higher risk of counterfeit or substandard products on some B2C platforms, which could mess up the performance and longevity of your fiber optic network.
- Lack of Customization Options
B2B sellers might offer custom termination box setups, special cable management features, or solutions for specific applications that you can’t find on B2C sites.
- Bulk Pricing and Volume Discounts
If you’re buying big QTY of products, you can usually get a better deal from B2B vendor. They’ll give you a discount for buying in bulk, and that can be cheaper than buying a bunch of individual units from a B2C platform.
As a buyer, it’s important to consider these factors based on your specific needs, project scale, and budget. While B2C platforms can offer convenience and pricing transparency, specialized B2B vendors may provide more comprehensive support, product quality assurance, and tailored solutions for your fiber optic network infrastructure.
Section 2: Why Don’t Manufacturers Give The Detailed Technical Specifications?
When you’re shopping or inquiry for fiber optic termination boxes, it can be frustrating to find that many vendors don’t provide detailed technical specifications. This lack of transparency can leave you, as a buyer, trying to make sense of incomplete information, which can lead to buying the wrong product and being unhappy with your purchase. Here’s why?
- Broad Market Appeal
Manufacturers often market their products to a wide audience. By keeping the technical data generic, they aim to attract a broader range of buyers without overwhelming them with complex details. This strategy can be particularly effective on B2C platforms where the technical expertise of the customer may vary greatly
- Cost Reduction
Creating detailed, customized datasheets for every product variation can be a lot of work. By making the information more general, manufacturers can save money on documentation, customer service, and technical support.
Section 3: What Are The Key Factors Affecting The Cost of A Fiber Termination Box?
1. Materials
One area where manufacturers might attempt to cut costs is by using lower-quality or cheaper materials in their products. This could include substituting inferior raw materials, reducing the thickness or durability of components, or skimping on essential features or finishes.
(1) Shell Material:
The shell of the optical fiber distribution box is mainly made of plastic. The plastic accounts for the largest proportion of the box, which has a great influence on the cost and quality of the box. At present, PC+ABS is the most suitable material for the housing of fiber optic wiring because it has excellent sealing performance and impact resistance. However, some suppliers claim to use PC+ABS, but actually use ABS, which is cheaper.
A. Comparison of the performance of various plastic materials:
| Materials | Pros | Cons |
| ABS+PC | – Good balance of mechanical properties (impact resistance, rigidity, etc.) – Relatively cost-effective – Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use | – Lower heat resistance compared to pure ABS – May not be as durable as pure ABS in harsh environments |
| PP | – Lowest cost among the options – Lightweight | – Poorer mechanical properties (impact resistance, rigidity) – Lower heat and weather resistance – Less suitable for outdoor applications |
| ABS | – Excellent mechanical properties (impact resistance, rigidity) – Good heat and weather resistance – Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use | – Higher cost compared to PP and ABS+PP |
| PE | – Good chemical resistance – Relatively low cost | – Poor mechanical properties (impact resistance, rigidity) – Lower heat and weather resistance – Less suitable for outdoor applications |
| SMC | – Superior weather resistance and durability – Excellent mechanical and thermal properties | – More expensive compared to ABS, PP, and PE – Heavier than other materials |
B. New materials vs. Recycled materials:
Both use PC materials. But if you use new materials and recycled materials, the price is very different. So, what happens when you use new materials versus recycled materials for a fiber termination box?
- Quality and Durability
New materials are often better quality and more durable. They are made specifically for protecting optic fibers and are likely to have better consistency in material properties. This makes for a more reliable and longer-lasting product. On the other hand, recycled materials might vary in quality because of the way recycling works. It can mix sources and potentially introduce impurities or inconsistencies.
- Cost
Recycled materials are usually cheaper than new materials. This is why manufacturers like using them to save money. But sometimes, using recycled materials can end up costing more in the long run. This is because the products made with recycled materials might not last as long or might break more often.
- Performance Specs
There might be differences in performance specs between fiber termination boxes made from new and recycled materials. New materials can be engineered to meet specific technical requirements, ensuring optimal performance for fiber optic connections. Recycled materials, while cheap, might not always meet the same technical standards, potentially affecting the performance of the fiber termination box.
C. Additional requirements:
If the material needs to be both flame retardant and UV resistant, which significantly increases the price. For instance, in Egypt, where there is prolonged sun exposure, UV resistance is especially important to prevent the optical fiber distribution box from becoming brittle and breaking. In coastal cities, resistance to salt is also important. These corrosion-resistant properties must be considered. After all, if the box is not sealed properly, the quality of the signal inside the fiber will go down.
(2). Metal Parts:
The cost of metal parts is also a big part of the overall cost of fiber termination boxes. Some boxes have 304-grade metal parts, which are good and safe and will last a long time. But some boxes have regular metal parts that will rust and have a risk of box falling off.
2. Labor
Another way to save money is to hire workers who aren’t as skilled or experienced, cut back on training, or give people more work than they can handle. This can lead to more mistakes, lower productivity, and maybe even safety problems.
3. Compliance
Some manufacturers might be tempted to cut corners on compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, or environmental guidelines. While this might save money in the short term, it can put customers at risk and expose the company to legal liabilities and reputational damage.
Section 4: Real Case Study: Look at it. Touch it. Anyone Can Judge The Quality
Section 5: How to Make Sure Your Fiber Optic Termination Box is Worth the Money?
When you’re buying fiber optic termination boxes, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. You don’t want to end up with a crappy product, and you want to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Require Detailed Technical Specifications
Before making any purchase, make sure you get the full tech specs for the fiber optic termination boxes. These specifications should include::
| Checklist: | Tick√ |
| Material Composition: Full disclosure of the materials used, ensuring you understand the product’s durability and quality. | |
| Performance Metrics: Detailed information about performance under various conditions, so you can select products that meet your specific needs. | |
| Certifications and Standards Compliance: Clear documentation of our products’ compliance with industry standards, ensuring reliability and safety. | |
| Installation Guidelines: Easy-to-follow instructions to ensure proper installation and optimal performance. |
Mallaxtel’s specification for your reference.
2. Refer to “Real Case” to Check Products
After getting the fiber termination box, check the quality of each component using the method described in the section of “real case”.
Section 6: Mellaxtel’s Advantage
When you’re picking a fiber optic supplier, it’s not just about finding the cheapest price. It’s about making sure you get the reliability, quality, and support that matches your project’s specific needs. Here’s why Mellaxtel stands out in the business:
- Provide detailed technical specifications
At Mellaxtel, we get it. We know how important it is to have all the details when you’re trying to make a decision about what to buy. That’s why we’re all about transparency. We give you all the specs you need to know about our fiber optic termination boxes.
- We make quotes transparent
At Mellaxtel, we believe in being transparent with our pricing. Our team of expert budgeters will use the right materials for your specific needs, which will be clearly listed in the technical specs. Every quote is clear and detailed so you know exactly what you’re paying for—no surprises, just honest, straightforward communication.
- 5 years warranty
Mellaxtel gives you a 5-year warranty on all our products. We stand behind our quality and we’re here to support you for the long-term support.
- Respect your timelines and budget
We understand that time and budget are crucial for any project. Mellaxtel is committed to delivering on time and providing cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. Our efficient production processes and skilled logistics team ensure that we meet your timelines, helping you keep your projects on track and within budget.
Partner with Mellaxtel for Your Fiber Optic Termination Box Needs
When you choose Mellaxtel, you’re teaming up with a leader who knows fiber optic technology inside and out and is all about helping you succeed. Get in touch with us today to find out how our top-of-the-line solutions and rock-solid support can help you beef up your network infrastructure and drive your business forward.
In Conclusion
knowing the price of fiber optic termination boxes is important for making good decisions in the telecommunications industry. By knowing the pros and cons of these products on B2C platforms, the importance of detailed technical specifications, where vendors might cut corners, and a real case to compare the good and bad quality products, you can better navigate the market.
