In today’s high-speed networks fibre optics is increasing becoming a major player in new and upgraded networking infrastructures. In addition to this we are also seeing the adoption of fibre into electronics. In previous blog (http://nicab.co.uk/a-blog-on-expanded-beam-fibre-optics/) I discuss how expanded beam fibre is becoming very popular in high end harsh environment devices.
This week I am going to cover the main termination types, from tradition to the latest technologies.
Cold Cure:
As the name suggests the cold cure method uses a combination of chemical Anaerobic Adhesives. This method if the oldest and still very common however, the termination process is slow and takes the installer some time to learn.
Some people find this method extremely hard to do meaning only highly skilled installers can use this method of termination.
Hot Cure:
The same as above however, the process is slightly simplified by using connectors pre-loaded with Hotmelt Adhesive. There is still the skilled polishing process that needs to be performed making this also a high skilled termination method.
Fusion Splicer:
Using the Fusion Splice method is the easiest and most effective way of terminating fibre; however, the initial investment is very high as the equipment required is expensive.
The Fusion Splicer works by taking a pre-terminated fibre pigtail and fusing it to the fibre using heat. Because this method melts the cores together there is no polishing required. Other than the initial use of equipment training most people can easily use the Fusion Splicer to terminate fibre making the installation process quick and easy therefore on sites with many terminations a more cost-effective solution.
I hope this has been informative and hopefully you now know a little more about the process of terminating fibre optics. For more info and advice contact us NOW!
