subject: Overview Of Optical Fibers [print this page] Optical fibers are a preferred medium for communication and networking solutions because they have the ability to be bundled into cables and are extremely flexible. These traits make optical fibers great for long-distance telecommunication, and the technology is fast, efficient and becoming more available worldwide.
For short distances, networks can be created in office buildings to save space with cable ducts. Optical fibers can carry significantly more data than ten times the same amount of electrical cable.
During the manufacturing process, optical fibers need to be built by machines that are extremely accurate. The best-in-class optical fiber polishing machines are designed to run with extreme accuracy, should be capable of small tolerances and are tested to consistently produce high level results with regard to the radius of curvature, internal reflection, undercut and apex offset precision.
Two important factors that should be noted when looking at purchasing a polishing machine are throughput and yield. Yield has to do with quality of fiber manufacturing, and throughput measures the productivity of a given process. The best optical fibers polishers lead the industry with respect to both of these important features. With the ability to adjust speed, timing, and force of fiber manufacturing, all of your specific needs will be met with fiber polishers. The best-engineered polishing machines have been tried and tested with regard to effectively polishing fiber optic connector endings in a reliable fashion that can be repeated over and over again.
The most advanced machines give you an even higher level of tolerance along with greater ease of automation and control. In addition, they will have the ability to design custom polishing equipment exactly to client specifications.
Optical fibers are usually connected by way of splicing, where two individual fibers are combined to form an optical waveguide. This method is commonly known as arc fusion splicing and utilizes a melting process that melts isolated fibers together into an electric ark.
Fusion splicing requires special tools so that the ends of other cables can be fastened inside of a splicing enclosure that can protect both ends. Before fibers are spliced together, their tips are stripped of a protective coating. Then both ends are cut at a perpendicular angle with a precise cleaver.
Some of the more popular features of optical fiber polishing machines include error-free operation and ease-of-use. Many of the best polishing machines come with flash technology that allows for transfer of specific replication processes between different machines. Quality optical fiber machines offer pressure adjustments for different connectors to be inserted inside of the polishing fixture.
For privacy purposes, process modules can be password protected. Easy cleaning is another benefit of using great polishers. The ease with which these optical fiber polishers can be cleaned is often overlooked but in reality, cleanliness of the polishing unit is paramount when precision and accuracy are concerned. Many polishing units come with cable management features, which allow for cables to be routed away from the area where polishing activity is taking place.
All of these characteristics and features are important to consider when dealing with fiber optic polishing machines, splicing, and termination.
