What's the difference between Fiber Optic Cable and Fiber Optic Filament?

Fiber Optic Cable		Single Strand Fiber Optic

Fiber optic cables are made up of any number of single strand filaments. The diameter of the filaments along with how many filaments are in the cable will determine the overall thickness of the cable.		Individual fiber optic filaments are without a protective covering (Jacket). Single strand fiber optic filaments come in a number of different diameters.
Advantages	Disadvantages	Advantages	Disadvantages
ORDER-CONTROL Fiber optic cable allows you to manage and control the individual strands as your project grows. This is especially useful when creating a star ceiling. By keeping the strands bundled, from the light source to just a few inches from the 'effect', gives your better control and protection of the individual strands. PROTECTION If you need to have a long distance between your light source and the end effect, the cable protects the strands. You save money and repair time. VARIED EFFECTS Certain projects and applications use the filaments in their cable format. This gives you a different effect than just one strand. NO LIGHT LEAKS The cable helps prevent breaks and bends in the individual filaments that cause light 'leaks'. EASY STORAGE The cable can be easily coiled and stored without too much concern for nicking or bending the fiber optic filaments.	MORE TIME To extract a single strand you must first cut away the protective cable. This takes time. EXTRA TOOL You will need a hobby knife to cut the protective cable. MORE EXPENSIVE The additional step of putting the mono-filament into cable adds to the overall cost of the fiber optic filament.	TIME SAVINGS The primary advantage to single strand fiber optic, is easy access. No protective cover to cut away saves time. This time savings can add up during a big project. COST SAVINGS The production of the single strand filament does not require bundling them into cable. This can result in substantial cost savings as opposed to bundled fiber optic filament.	THE LONGER THE SPAN, THE MORE VULNERABLE If a single strand spans any distance (typically from the light source to the end effect) without a protective covering, this leaves the strand vulnerable to damage and breaking. LACK OF ORDER or CONTROL If your project requires hundreds (or thousands) of light points, Single Strand fiber optics can become difficult to manage and control. LIGHT LEAKS If the unprotected strand becomes scratched, 'nicked' or bent, this will create 'light leaks' at these damaged spots. TENDS TO TANGLE The individual filaments tend to bevery 'slippery'. If you're not careful single strand filament can easily become tangled, and knots are common. LOOSE THE END You need to keep track of the end of the strand. I can't tell you how many times I've dropped the end after making a cut, only to spend the next 5 minutes looking for it. TIP: Put the end between your lips after making the cut.
CLICK HERE for End Glow Cable		CLICK HERE for Single Strand Filament