Case Study: Miller Tools Developing the MB02 Tool to Support Openreach’s Fibre Rollout.

Openreach, the UK’s primary digital network provider, has embarked on a nationwide mission to deliver ultrafast full-fibre broadband. To accelerate this rollout, Openreach planned to hire 5,000 engineers in 2021 and equip them with the right tools to execute installations effectively. In this effort, Openreach partnered with Ripley Tools, a US-based family business with over 80 years of experience in designing high-quality cable preparation tools for telecom engineers worldwide.

Challenge.

As part of its fast-paced broadband expansion, Openreach faced a critical challenge: its existing cable preparation tool was inefficient and error-prone. This slowed down installations, left room for mistakes, and failed to meet the stringent quality required. Openreach required a specialized tool that could slit AFL Fujikura ribbon fibre optic cables along two sides simultaneously, ensuring speed, safety, and precision. However, no such tool existed in the market at the time.

Solution.

Ripley Tools' UK-based applications engineers collaborated closely with Openreach's Chief Engineer's team to understand their specific needs. Through this partnership, Ripley Tools created a bespoke cable preparation tool—tailored precisely to Openreach's requirements. Within 2-3 weeks, Ripley Tools delivered a 3D-printed prototype developed at Ripley Labs, rapidly progressing through three design iterations based on Openreach's feedback.

The result was a custom tool that provided precision, comfort, and safety, and was also cost-effective and durable. This tool—now the Miller? MB02 Series All-Purpose Cable Slitter—enabled Openreach to perform installations faster and more efficiently by accurately slitting cables along two sides without damaging the internal fibres.

Results.

1. Faster Broadband Installations.

With the MB02 tool, Openreach engineers can now perform fibre-optic cable stripping with enhanced speed and accuracy. The tool allows for both latitudinal and circumferential slitting, streamlining the installation process and improving overall productivity. The simplicity of the tool also minimized training time for the new engineers.

2. Improved Safety and Ergonomics.

Safety was a key design focus for the MB02 tool. Its ergonomic design reduces strain and hand fatigue, while a lock feature enhances safety during use and storage. Moreover, the design ensures that engineers’ hands do not come into contact with the blades, mitigating injury risks.

3. Cost-Effectiveness and Adaptability.

The tool’s adaptability was another advantage, as engineers could use interchangeable tray inserts to accommodate different cable sizes. This eliminated the need for multiple tools, reducing costs and the weight of the equipment carried by engineers.

4. Long-Lasting Durability.

Ripley Tools also ensured the MB02 tool had a long lifecycle by incorporating high-quality materials, such as spring-loaded steel-armoured blades, which can cut cable jackets up to 15.25mm in diameter. This durability helps Openreach reduce product waste and improve sustainability.

Conclusion.

The development of the MB02 cable slitter has been a significant success for Openreach, improving the speed, efficiency, and safety of their fibre-optic cable installations. As Openreach continues its mission to connect the UK to ultrafast broadband, the MB02 tool is a critical asset that enhances the company's ability to meet its full-fibre rollout targets by 2025. Furthermore, this collaboration has strengthened the partnership between Openreach and Ripley Tools, laying the groundwork for future tool innovations.

Future Collaboration.

Following the success of the MB02 tool, Openreach and Ripley Tools have agreed to collaborate further on developing additional tools tailored to various job functions within Openreach, with board-level support for these future initiatives.

https://ripley-tools.com/.../developing-the-tools-to.../

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