Buffer (buffer coating)

A protective layer or tube applied to a fiber-optic strand. This layer of material, usually thermoplastic or acrylic polymer, is applied in addition to the optical-fiber coating, which provides protection from stress and handling. Fabrication techniques include tight or loose-tube buffering as well as multiple buffer layers. In tight-buffer constructions, the thermoplastic is extruded directly over the coated fiber. In loose-tube buffer constructions, the coated fiber