DIAMOND SA: 60+ Years of Fibre Optic Precision & Innovation
DIAMOND SA: History and Expertise in Fibre Optic Technology
DIAMOND SA from Losone (Ticino, Switzerland) is one of the few companies worldwide that covers the complete fibre optic connector value chain in a single facility — from ferrule polishing to assembled system. The Swiss roots in precision machining (1958) and the entry into fibre optics in 1979 are the foundation for DIAMOND’s current market position. Inventor of the E-2000® connector, pioneer of Active Core Alignment (ACA) technology, and for decades a partner of critical infrastructure worldwide.
1958: Founded as a Precision Machining Specialist
DIAMOND SA was founded in 1958 in Locarno (Ticino, Switzerland) — originally as a specialist in the precision machining of ultra-hard materials. Its core competence: tolerances at the micrometre scale on materials like ruby, sapphire, tungsten carbide and diamond. Hence the company name.
This metrological heritage is important to understand because it explains why DIAMOND was so successful entering fibre optics two decades later: mastering the smallest tolerances — the core competence of the Swiss watch and precision industry — is exactly the foundation high-precision fibre connectors require.
1979/1980: Entry into Fibre Optics
In 1979 DIAMOND entered the fibre optics industry. The first own connector series followed in 1980 — the company applied its existing precision expertise to the new branch. In the following years what distinguishes DIAMOND today emerged: vertical integration from material to assembled system, geographically concentrated at the Losone headquarters.
1993: The Invention of the E-2000® Connector
In the early 1990s DIAMOND developed the E-2000® connector — an innovation that fundamentally changed connector design for fibre optic networks. The characteristic features:
- Push-pull latching: Engages automatically on insertion, released at the side lever
- Spring-loaded shutter: Protects the end face from contamination and provides automatic laser safety on disconnect
- Interchangeable colour-coded frames: Unambiguous identification and mating-error prevention
- Zirconia ferrule with titanium insert: 2.5 mm standard diameter, highest precision
The E-2000® is today an industry standard in critical infrastructure — carrier networks, data centres, military and security-critical applications.
Active Core Alignment — DIAMOND’s Core Technology
The technological heart of DIAMOND is the patented Active Core Alignment (ACA) technology. During connector assembly the fibre core is actively aligned within micrometre tolerances relative to the ferrule end face — not passively averaged geometrically.
The result: typical insertion loss ≤ 0.1 dB per mated connector — a value standard connectors cannot reach.
Today: Vertical Integration in a 13,500 m² Facility in Losone
DIAMOND today manufactures in a 13,500 m² facility in Losone, exclusively producing fibre optic components. The value chain covers:
- Zirconia ferrule machining and polishing
- Connector assembly with ACA alignment
- Adapter, patchcord and reference patchcord manufacturing
- Backplane connectors (E-2000 PS) for high-density applications
- Harsh-environment solutions (IP65 for outdoor and industrial deployment)
- Mobile Fiber Optic Service (on-site assembly and repair)
Since the press release of 27 April 2026 DIAMOND has discontinued in-house production of the 19″ enclosure technology (splice boxes and distribution housings) — these form factors are now delivered through selected partners. In the DACH region this is Fiber Products GmbH.
DIAMOND GmbH — the German Subsidiary
Since 1986 DIAMOND has been present in Germany with DIAMOND GmbH (Leinfelden-Echterdingen). The German subsidiary is the sales and service location for the DACH region. With the strategic shift in 2026 the DACH supply of the 19″ enclosure technology moves to Fiber Products GmbH; DIAMOND GmbH remains responsible for the DIAMOND connector, adapter and patchcord ranges.
Fiber Products as Authorised Production Partner
Fiber Products GmbH is the authorised production partner of DIAMOND SA. We manufacture modular splice systems in our German facility — populated with DIAMOND E-2000 CompactRJ couplings — and distribute the complete DIAMOND range in the DACH region.
More on the partnership: DIAMOND Splice Boxes & Splice Modules
Application Areas
DIAMOND technology is used wherever low insertion loss, high availability and serviceability over years are critical:
- Telecom backbones: FTTH networks, carrier-grade connections
- Data centres: Backbone and high-density architectures
- Industrial plants: Robust, IP-protected, vibration-resistant
- Railway and public transport: Safety-critical networks
- CERN and scientific large-scale projects: Research infrastructure with highest demands
- Military and security-critical networks: Reliability over decades
FAQ: DIAMOND SA History and Expertise
When was DIAMOND SA founded?
1958 in Locarno (Ticino, Switzerland) as a specialist in the precision machining of ultra-hard materials. In 1979 the entry into fibre optics, in 1980 the first own connector series.
Where is DIAMOND SA based today?
Headquarters are in Losone (Ticino, Switzerland). The German subsidiary DIAMOND GmbH is in Leinfelden-Echterdingen since 1986.
What is Active Core Alignment technology?
A patented DIAMOND technology for active micro-alignment of the fibre core during connector assembly. Result: typical insertion loss ≤ 0.1 dB — substantially better than standard connectors.
What changed in DIAMOND’s product portfolio in 2026?
On 27 April 2026 DIAMOND officially discontinued in-house production of the 19″ enclosure technology (splice boxes, distribution housings). Availability now runs through selected partners — in the DACH region through Fiber Products GmbH. DIAMOND continues to focus on connector and component manufacturing in Losone.
What role does Fiber Products play in DIAMOND’s strategy?
Fiber Products GmbH is the authorised production partner: own manufacturing of modular splice systems with DIAMOND components in Germany, plus distribution of DIAMOND original products in the DACH region. Since the press release of 27.04.2026 we are the central supplier for the 19″ enclosure technology.
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