Splicing & Cleaving Optical Fibers

We can join the fibers with mechanical or fusion methods. Merging is the accepted method, as it is reliable, fast and cheap. Once you have the Fusion splicer, the only cost is for a protective fiber cover. The fusion splicers that I repaired many years ago (and I don't ask how many years) cost more than $ 40,000 and need calibration much more often than the new models.

Repair of machines similar to the one shown, with cleaver, case, tools etc.

There are two basic types of splicer for single fibers:

Alignment of the core which produces the minimum loss generally from 0.01 to 0.02 Db. This is generally the only acceptable method for telecommunication and cable TV installations.

Coating alignment less accurate, with losses of perhaps 0.03 - 0.05 dB. This method is generally acceptable for short distances, such as fiber in home installations.

At one point, there was a big price difference between the two types, but it got to the point where there is a very small cost difference between the two and I see another trend towards central alignment for everything. . I am continually surprised to see the splicers come together and complain about the useless tools the boss has given them. Repeat the joints several times, in some cases, and in the end result they do not have joints of quality that the equipment and themselves are capable of achieving. The solution is simply to take a few minutes early in the day and clean the equipment. Treat the equipment with care and remember that it is delicate. This short-term investment will be rewarded. It could also make the supervisor smile because of increased production. Hey ... maybe even make a raise.

Things to keep in mind when we are splicing if you want consistent good splices:

Read the instructions on the splicer and cutlass. Reading the instructions is not cheating and can frustrate you and your supervisor.

Keep it in the case when not in use. Dirty air is your enemy.

Do not expect good joints in adverse conditions of dirt, moisture and wind. It may be necessary to create warm, clean and light conditions if you expect good joints.

Keep the dome and heater covers closed unless they are connecting or heating. It has a seal and is almost airtight.

Clean the sewing machine before you start sewing, even if you cleaned it the day before. It may look clean, but it's not a beauty contest to clean it up before you start fixing it. If you arrive in a dirty environment, it will be cleaned several times during the day.

Use an air lamp and a fine brush to clean.

Do not use aerosol cans or propellants that can damage and dirty the mirrors under the electrodes and in the dome.

If the cable is full of splicing gel, check that it is really clean, so as not to roll up the splicing machine.

Clean all rubberized furrows with a sharp piece of wood. Never use metal. A toothpick works well for this. Charge the battery when finished. The splicer shown will make more than 200 amendments and will overheat with a load.

Have a stable and secure place for the splicer during maintenance. If it falls on the floor, it's probably garbage.

Keep the retractable gloves in a closed container (bag with zip closure)

If you drop the concealed sleeve on the floor, leave it there. It is probably dirty.

Never clean the fiber with alcohol after splitting, as this can cause reflections.

Send the splicer (calibrated) when necessary. You will know when it is not working properly.

Clean the cleaver before starting with a fine brush and alcohol, especially if you are using a handle full of gel. Clean the grooves with a piece of wood, like a toothpick. The metal is soft and if you use metal to clean the grooves, scratches.

Close the cleaver between the cleavers to prevent dirt from entering the air.

If you have defective cracks, you will probably need to advance the cleaver wheel to the next setting. You will likely have 400 to 700 stumps in each setting, depending on the cleaver.

And finally, if you drop the cleaver on the ground, its value will be drastically reduced.

Manage the ends of the fibers and empty the scrap container at the end of the day.

SPLICE VARIABLES

Following these rules will allow you to become the great splicer for which you were created.

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