THORLABS GPX3400 User Manual
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THORLABS GPX3400 User Manual

THORLABS GPX3400 User Manual

Automated glass processors
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Automated Glass Processors
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  • Page 1 GPX3400, GPX3600, GPX3800, GPX3850, GPX3900 Automated Glass Processors User Guide...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Automated Glass Processors Table of Contents Chapter 1 Safety ......................... 1 Chapter 2 Description ......................... 2 2.2.1 GPX3400 ................................2 2.2.2 GPX3600 ................................2 2.2.3 GPX3800 ................................3 2.2.4 GPX3850 ................................3 2.2.5 GPX3900 ................................4 2.4.1 External Workstation Connections ........................6 2.4.2...
  • Page 3 4.6.3 Drawing Tapers ..............................40 4.6.4 Taper Properties ..............................41 4.6.5 Tension Monitor ..............................44 4.6.6 Filament Ramp and System Configuration ......................45 4.6.7 Thermal Core Expansion............................ 47 4.6.8 Fiber Lensing ..............................47 4.6.9 Mode Field Adapters ............................47 4.6.10 Pump Combiners and Couplers ......................... 47 4.6.11 GPXFBT-SFT Fused Biconic Taper (FBT) Processing Add-On Software ...............
  • Page 4 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 8 Specifications ......................80 8.2.1 Gas Supply Specifications ..........................82 Chapter 9 Certifications and Compliance ................... 83 Chapter 10 Warranty and RMA Information ................84 Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................... 85...

  • Page 5: Chapter 1 Safety

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 1: Safety Chapter 1 Safety All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated correctly. Warning The filament in the glass processor furnace generates intense light when it is in operation. It is strongly advised that the user does NOT look directly at it during splicing or tapering operations.

  • Page 6: Chapter 2 Description

    The fiber can be viewed both from fiber side and fiber end. All GPX series glass processors can rotate fibers, making it possible to align PM fibers, eccentric-core fibers, or non- circular fibers. Features 2.2.1 GPX3400 Standard Features • Fiber Splicing and Tapering up to Ø1.25 mm Cladding •...

  • Page 7: Gpx3800

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 2: Description • Fiber Splicing and Tapering up to Ø1.7 mm Cladding • Automated Splice Head • XY Alignment Blocks with Rotary Capability Camera Tower with Ring Illuminator • • Liquid Cooling System (Item # GPXWCS) •...

  • Page 8: Gpx3900

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 2: Description Optional Features • Fused Taper Software Enhancement (Item # GPXFBT-SFT) Fixture with Adjustable Gripper (Item # GPXFBT-FXTA) • • Fixture with Removable Taper Holder (Item # GPXFBT-FXTB) • Software and Fixture Kit with Adjustable Gripper (Item # GPXFBT-KITA) •...
  • Page 9 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 2: Description Accessories Component Description Workstation GPX Glass Processor Workstation Computer, including Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse Vacuum Pump Vacuum Pump for Vacuum V-Grooves (Alternative Model Supplied for 230 V Markets) Power Supply Dual Voltage Power Supply and Cable(s) Regulator for Argon Tank (European DIN 477 Number 6 Also Included) Gas Tank Regulator An Adaptor May be Required in other Areas or Countries...

  • Page 10: External Workstation Connections

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 2: Description System Overview The Vytran Glass Processor has three basic components: a splicing and glass processing workstation, a personal computer (PC), and a gas supply. The splicer workstation is illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 1 GPX3800 Workstation 2.4.1 External Workstation Connections...

  • Page 11: Fiber Holding Blocks

    Chapter 2: Description Power The glass processor workstations are powered from an external dual voltage supply. The GPX3400, GPX3800 and GPX3900 use a 5-pin round connector. The GPX3600 and GPX3850 utilize a 2-pin 24 V and 3-pin 12 V power cord.

  • Page 12: Splice Head

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 2: Description Figure 4 Bottom (Left) and Top (Right) Fiber Holding Block Inserts Fiber Handler Transfer Inserts The fiber handler transfer insert used on the glass processors make splicing faster and easier because it facilitates repeatable fiber positioning when used in conjunction with an LDC401 or LDC401A Large-Diameter Fiber Cleaver. For example, if the operator uses transfer inserts to hold fibers during cleaving, the operator can then transfer each of those cleaved fibers to a glass processor in the same insert that held them during cleaving and ensure that the ends of the fibers will fall exactly in the same place every time.
  • Page 13 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 2: Description Figure 6 Filament Splice Head Filament Tower After the splice head moves to the correct position, the Filament Tower raises in the Y-axis to a predefined height to surround the fibers. A filament assembly, available in many different sizes for various applications, sits atop the filament tower.
  • Page 14 Filament Heater Element Filament Assembly Thorlabs supplies filaments pre-assembled in a filament body as shown in Figure 9. This is called a filament assembly. Different filament bodies are used with different filaments and are distinguished by a version number engraved on the front of the housing.

  • Page 15: Mirror Tower

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 2: Description Item # Filament Material Application Cladding Diameter (Min/Max) FTAV2 Graphite Splice 80 µm / 250 µm FTAV4 125 µm / 600 µm FTAV5 250 µm / 1000 µm FTAV6 400 µm / 1300 µm FTAT3 Tapering 250 µm / 1500 µm...
  • Page 16 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 2: Description Camera Tower Camera Objective Ring Illuminator ND Filters Figure 11 Imaging Camera Assembly Page 12 TTN047534-D02...

  • Page 17: Chapter 3 Setup

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 3: Setup Chapter 3 Setup 1. Unpack the PC, monitor, and peripherals. Set up the computer using the included instructions from the computer manufacturer. 2. Unpack the glass processor workstation and place it on a workbench. Make sure not to damage any components of the glass processor during handling of the workstation.
  • Page 18 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 3: Setup 6. Clean the outlet of the gas tank thoroughly to remove any debris or deposits, and then install the supplied CGA-580 or DIN 477 Number 6 gas regulator to the gas tank, using the manufacturer-supplied operating and safety instructions.

  • Page 19: Chapter 4 Operation

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Chapter 4 Operation Graphical User Interface The software interface involves a Graphical User Interface, or GUI, which connects to a MySQL database. This section provides a detailed explanation of how to use it to control the machine. The GUI is the main window when working on the glass processor workstation.

  • Page 20: Menu Bar

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.1.1 Menu Bar a. File The File menu contains the following options: Open: Open an existing splice data file. Open Recent: Shows the files opened recently. Save: Save the current settings to the current splice data file.
  • Page 21 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation b. View View enables the user to display or hide the various toolbars, data windows, and guides associated with the GUI (like crosshair and alignment guides). The “Processes Toolbar”, “Macro Toolbar” and “Quick- Open File Toolbar” can only be activated if functions are assigned to them.
  • Page 22 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Selecting Edit Processes Bar will open the popup shown to the left, where the user can define which process will be shown in the Process Bar of the main GUI window. The “Selected Processes” field includes all the processes which will be shown in the Process Bar.
  • Page 23 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Camera properties on the uEye tab are factory set and should not be modified. Image Processing Set-Up should not be changed from factory default values. Selecting Auto Exposure Properties will open the popup shown to the left, where the user can set the brightness of the fiber image in Side and End Views.
  • Page 24 Home to View Distance sets the distance between the splice home and the actual viewing position of the splice head. Time Delays are preset by Thorlabs and should only be changed if instructed by a Service Engineer. Load Fibers Properties - This window sets the fiber holding block’s position when it is ready...
  • Page 25 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Filament Height provides the user with a place to store the Filament Height setting for each of the different filament types, switch between them as required, and adjust the Filament Height setting stored in the machine. Some machines in the GPX series of glass processors support software control of the fan.
  • Page 26 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation The Filament Normalization values in this window are set by the manufacturer. The process will be explained in Section 4.4.2. Analogue Set-Up provides a direct method of viewing readings from the Workstations numerous analogue inputs. On the GPX3900 Dual Power Processor, Low Power mode can be enabled and disabled from the configuration menu.
  • Page 27 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation d. Splice The different splice processes and parameters can be set through this window. For details, see Section 4.4.1. e. Reset The Reset Menu allows the user to initialize, stop, and reset the GPX window. f.

  • Page 28: Command Bar

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.1.2 Command Bar The transmission and receive command bar allows the user to directly enter a command to perform motion control of the motors. The command entered is transmitted either by hitting ‘command() Tx->’ or Enter on the keyboard.

  • Page 29: Process Bar

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation When changing any of these properties, caution is advised. Please contact Thorlabs’ Tech Support if unsure. 4.1.4 Process Bar The processes bar allows the user to execute built-in processes such as “Align,” “Gap,” and “Filament Normalization.”...

  • Page 30: Macro Bar

    Macro Bar. Note that it is possible to make buttons for one or two-line commands in the macro bar as well as buttons for entire macros. Please contact Thorlabs for more assistance. Page 26 TTN047534-D02...

  • Page 31: Quick Open File Bar

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.1.6 Quick Open File Bar This toolbar allows the user to easily access the most commonly used files. Right clicking on the open space on the toolbar will cause the “File List” window will open, allowing the user to add or delete the files from the toolbar.

  • Page 32: 4.1.8 Splice Process List

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Core alignment: This button aligns the cores of the fibers, bringing the cores into alignment, rather than aligning the fibers using their edges. Active alignment : This button aligns the fibers actively using an (external) light source and power meter.

  • Page 33: Camera Image

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.1.9 Camera Image The camera image shown below is a side view (“Front” or “Back”) of a pair of fibers. Front and back views are captured with the help of mirrors on the mirror tower, and feature back-lighting via LEDs in the ring illuminator attached to the Objective Lens.
  • Page 34 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation The “Left Pivot” box enables the user to pivot the left fiber holding block for alignment in the back view. The “Left Rotation” box enables the user to rotate the left barrel for the sake of aligning stress members in PM fiber, aligning cores in eccentric-core fiber, or aligning surface features in non-circular fiber.

  • Page 35: Status Bar

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation The “Right Pivot” box enables the user to pivot the right fiber handler for alignment in the front view. The “Right Block” box enables the user to move the right fiber handler in and out. The number shown is the position of the right block in microns, and the positive direction is defined as “in”...
  • Page 36 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Unused by GPX Series. Unused by GPX Series. This window is a cumulative “on” timer for the filament. This value may be Reset or adjusted through the Filament Normalization Menu item. This window indicates the position of the cursor within the image window in pixels.

  • Page 37: Filament Fusion

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Fusion Splicing Fusion splicing is a process of joining two optical fibers end-to-end using heat. The goal is to fuse the two fibers together in such a way that light passing through the fibers is not scattered or reflected by the splice, and so that the splice and the region surrounding it are almost as strong as the virgin fiber itself.
  • Page 38 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation On-Duration This is the length of time the filament will receive power during the splicing process. Check splice time displayed in Splice Menu. To change the splice time, select the splice time window and enter the desired splice time in seconds. For silica-based fibers, splice times should be between 2 - 15 s.

  • Page 39: Filament Normalization

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.4.2 Filament Normalization Before using a new filament, when starting the equipment, or after a long period of inactivity, it is necessary to perform the filament normalization process. Doing so will adjust some parameters to ensure a high-quality splice. Two key control parameters are the “view to splice distance”...

  • Page 40: Active Xy Alignment

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.4.4 Active XY Alignment The active alignment method should be used for fibers which have a high core eccentricity. In such a case, the edge alignment method cannot ensure proper alignment of fiber cores. Active alignment is a core-to-core alignment which uses output from an optical power meter measuring light from a laser source to maximize the power transmission.

  • Page 41: Multiple-Stage And Multiple File Splicing

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Normally after the “Lens Left” process, a sequence such as, “Auto Exposure”, “End View Focus”, “Auto Exposure”, “End View Process”, would be inserted to align the fiber. If the operator is unhappy with the alignment, the process can be stopped, and the fibers can be manually aligned.

  • Page 42: Basic One Button Splice

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Users can add or remove multiple pre-saved splice files in the Multiple File Splice Properties Window. The system will perform the splicing function according to the sequence of the files in this window. Figure 22 Multiple File Splice Properties Window Steps of a Basic Splice with One Button Process The section will discuss the use of the One Button Splice process.

  • Page 43: Modifying The Splice Routine

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation The next step is to load a set of fibers into the glass processor. Place the fibers into the fiber holding blocks utilizing the transfer inserts described in Section 2.4.2. Then press the Load Fibers button to bring the fibers into the correct viewing position.

  • Page 44: Active Rotation Alignment

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Application Notes This chapter details specialized fusion splicing applications that can be performed on the glass processor. 4.6.1 Active Rotation Alignment The active rotation alignment method can be used for elliptical-core fiber (PM or PZ), PANDA PM fiber, Bow-Tie PM fiber, or a hybrid splice between any of these.

  • Page 45: Taper Properties

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.6.4 Taper Properties The user can precisely define the taper created using the Taper Properties window, which is shown below. It is accessed by opening the “Splice” menu and then clicking on “Taper Parameters.” The first tab in this window (shown in Figure 26) lets the user determine the geometry of the taper.
  • Page 46 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Here are some notes regarding the values in the “Taper Parameters” window. Furnace Offset: This will offset the filament to a desired location for the start of the taper, after the filament has been switched on. Filament Start: This is the power that the filament will initially be set to when the taper is to begin.
  • Page 47 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation A Custom Taper Profile tool is also available. This allows users to graphically define the down and up taper geometry when something other than the standard adiabatic profile is desired. The profile can be changed by clicking and dragging the green anchor points or by modifying the polynomial coefficients directly.

  • Page 48: Tension Monitor

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Caution: Hot Surface The filament and furnace assembly can become extremely hot upon execution of a taper so it must be handled with caution. The GPXWCS Liquid Cooling System is highly recommended for tapering applications. Allow the furnace a few minutes to cool between each taper fabrication. 4.6.5 Tension Monitor The Tension Monitoring System is series included with all Vytran glass processors to provide feedback on the taper...

  • Page 49: Filament Ramp And System Configuration

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.6.6 Filament Ramp and System Configuration All configurations take place on the Filament Ramp tab of the splice properties and taper properties pages. Access this page by clicking on the Splice menu. Select Splice Properties or Taper Properties from the pull-down menu, then the Filament Ramp tab. Figure 31 Filament Ramp Settings Rev.
  • Page 50 Chapter 4: Operation The default setup is shown in Figure 31. If using the GPX3400, GPX3600, GPX3800, GPX3850 or GPX3900 glass processor then you must select the 3300/3400 radio button. Doing so tells GUI software that it must issue lens home commands prior to the start of a taper or splice.

  • Page 51: Thermal Core Expansion

    Users are advised to contact Thorlabs for assistance in these matters. 4.6.9...

  • Page 52: Gpxfbt-Sft Fused Biconic Taper (Fbt) Processing Add-On Software

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.6.11 GPXFBT-SFT Fused Biconic Taper (FBT) Processing Add-On Software The Fused Biconic Taper (FBT) Processing Add-On Software allows the user to perform biconic tapers, meaning stretching the fiber by pulling outward on both fiber holding blocks while the furnace is applying heat to the fiber. This software add-on allows the user to have control on the power distribution along the process as well as shutoff process control.
  • Page 53 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Stage Properties Defines the parameters for each process stage, up to a maximum of 5 stages. During each stage, the user can control the power variation based on tension, displacement, or time, or leave it unchanged. The “Stage Advance Control”...

  • Page 54: Taper Tension Process

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation 4.6.12 Taper Tension Process Using the software add-on, a user can automatically apply a predefined tension on a fiber (or pair of fibers) loaded on a glass processor. This process (shown in Figure 35) requires the user to input the target tension in grams as well as the tension tolerance (typically a value from 1 g to 2 g).
  • Page 55 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Filament Power Control The power delivered to the filament can be controlled in four ways: 1. Tension. The software will reduce the filament power by the amount specified per second when the tension applied to the fiber is below the target value. When the applied tension is above the target value, the system does not modify the filament power.
  • Page 56 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 4: Operation Argon Flow The argon flow rate will depend on the filament used and the power delivered to the filament. Use a constant argon flow rate during all stages. Defining Overall Elongation - Stages To determine the amount of elongation required to achieve a desired fiber diameter for the taper, use the “Biconic Taper Diameter Estimator”...

  • Page 57: Chapter 5 Added Capabilities Of Gpx Series Glass Processors

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors Chapter 5 Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors The GPX Cleave Module controls the integrated cleaver on the GPX3800 and GPX3850 (optionally on GPX3900) Glass Processors. Additional processes are provided to enable the imaging system and cleaver to be automated using the One Button Process function.
  • Page 58 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors Cleave Tension (g): This parameter is the load, in grams, applied axially to the fiber prior to initiating the scribe process. The configuration menu provides both manual and auto-set options for setting the cleave tension. The optimal cleave tension depends on the cross-sectional area of the fiber and its material properties.
  • Page 59 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors Fiber Z offset: The optional Z-axis offset (in mm) that will be applied to both fiber holding blocks. A negative value will move the fiber holding blocks to the left; a positive value will move the fiber holding blocks to the right. Cleaver Z offset: An optional Cleaver Z-axis offset that will be applied to the furnace and cleave blade.

  • Page 60: Gpx Cleaver View

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors The GPX Cleave Module also supports sub-critical cleaving (the scribe is made while the fiber is at a lower tension than would normally be used, then increased until the scribe fracture propagates, and the fiber is cleaved). Figure 38 shows the sub-critical cleave parameters window.

  • Page 61: Gpx Cleave Exposure

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors Focus Motor Position (steps): The position of the focus motor when in Cleave View. This value is updated with the position of optimum focus whenever Cleave Focus is executed. Furnace Motor Position (steps): The position of the furnace motor (and hence, the Cleave Blade) when in Cleave View.

  • Page 62: Gpx Cleaver Focus

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors 5.1.4 GPX Cleaver Focus GPXCleaveFocus uses a focus measurement call that will determine which edge of the fiber is visible and the user then determines the optimal focus. 5.1.5 GPX Cleave Home GpxCleaveHome is an XSLT-based process that compiles and executes the homing process via an opto-sensor to...

  • Page 63: Gpx Cleave Backstop Adjust

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors Figure 42 GPXCleaveTensionBase Prompt 5.1.8 GPX Cleave Backstop Adjust GpxCleaveBackstopAdjust provides a visual assist to backstop adjustment. At the start of the process, the edge positions of the fiber (left and right side) in the Y axis are captured. As the backstop is adjusted, the process window displays the measured deflection of the fiber on both sides.

  • Page 64: Typical Process List For Gpx Cleave

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors 5.1.10 Typical Process List for GPX Cleave Figure 45 shows a sample process list for a splice then cleave using the GPX Cleave. It includes the views, focus, and adjustment need to complete the process with the “one button”...
  • Page 65 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors Hot View Imaging Available for the GPX3800, GPX3850 and GPX3900, Hot View Imaging provides the ability to watch the splice or taper in real time through a special filter attached to the Ring Illuminator of the GPX Lens. The Hot View Imaging is turned on via the Filament Ramp tab in the Splice properties menu (Splice>...
  • Page 66 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors When Hot View is On, the lens tower will not automatically go to the home position before the splice. The ideal position is for the lens to be in Center View, thus looking directly down at the fibers during Hot View. A prompt message is inserted into the Process List to instruct the user to put the filter in place and to remove the filter after the splice.

  • Page 67: End View Quality Tool User Interface

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors End View Quality Tool The End View Quality Tool provides a software-magnified view of a fiber end face together with a small collection of measurement tools to assist in verifying fiber quality and measuring fiber artifacts. The tool is available for all GPX series glass processors.

  • Page 68: 5.3.2 Rectangle Tool

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors 5.3.2 Rectangle Tool The Rectangle Tool allows the user to construct a bounding rectangle over the image. The width, height and diagonal measurements are displayed in microns in the overlay. Figure 51 Rectangle Tool Button Figure 52...

  • Page 69: Circle / Ellipse Tool

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors 5.3.3 Circle / Ellipse Tool The Circle/Ellipse Tool allows the user to construct a bounding circle or ellipse over the image. The width and height measurements are displayed in microns in the overlay. Figure 53 Circle / Ellipse Tool Button Figure 54...

  • Page 70: Auto-Locate Tool

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors 5.3.4 Auto-Locate Tool The Auto-Locate Tool automatically determines the diameter and position of a circular fiber. Figure 55 Auto-Locate Tool Button Figure 56 Auto-Locate Tool Page 66 TTN047534-D02...

  • Page 71: Centroid Tool

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 5: Added Capabilities of GPX Series Glass Processors 5.3.5 Centroid Tool The centroid tool automatically determines the centroid of a fiber using the Center of Area method. This will work with any fiber geometry. Figure 57 Centroid Tool Button Figure 58 Centroid Tool...

  • Page 72: Chapter 6 Maintenance

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 6: Maintenance Chapter 6 Maintenance General Care The simple procedures and safeguards outlined in this section will help maintain the glass processor workstation in working condition. Keep the System Clean The system should be kept clean at all times; dirt particles trapped in the furnace and fiber holder blocks can cause problems during operation.

  • Page 73: Cleaning The Fiber Holding Block Insert

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 6: Maintenance The top insert, however, is held in place with setscrews. These two set screws are in the back of the lid and must be loosened before the top insert can be replaced. 6.3.2 Cleaning the Fiber Holding Block Insert Debris in the fiber holding block v-grooves may interfere with fiber positioning.

  • Page 74: Changing The Filament

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 6: Maintenance Filament Replacement Procedure 6.4.1 Changing the Filament 1. Switch the glass processor on and initialize. 2. Home the lens by clicking on the “Lens Home” macro button. 3. Home the fiber holding blocks by clicking on “FHB Home” macro button. 4.
  • Page 75 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 6: Maintenance 7. Remove the two screws that secure the filament to the furnace body using a 5/64" hex key or ball driver (See Figure 63). Figure 63 Removing the Filament Body Screws 8. Remove the filament body and replace with a new one. Be sure to have the filament “V” number inscription facing toward the front (user side) of the unit.

  • Page 76: Filament Centering Procedure

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 6: Maintenance 6.4.2 Filament Centering Procedure 1. Switch on and home all motors. 2. Press the Load Fibers button to bring the fiber holding blocks to the load position. 3. Load a fiber into to the left and right fiber holding blocks. 4.

  • Page 77: Procedure

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 6: Maintenance Cleaning the Mirror The fiber image can be distorted by debris that accumulates on the mirror surfaces, and may be dust from the atmosphere, small pieces of fiber coating, fingerprints, or something else. Care must be taken when cleaning the mirror surfaces, as they are all silver coated on the front surface.
  • Page 78 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 6: Maintenance Installing the GPX Cleaver To install the GPX Cleaver, simply place the cleave assembly onto the adapter plate, which has two locating pins. Figure 68 Cleave Assembly Adapter Plate The cleaver is secured by 3 screws. The location of the 3 screws is shown by the red arrows in Figure 69 below. Figure 69 Cleave Assembly Securing Screws With the power of the GPX OFF, plug the USB end into the socket (visible in Figure 68).
  • Page 79 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 6: Maintenance Upon re-installing the GPX Cleaver, you may need to adjust the “Machine Specific Blade Compensation” value under the GPX Cleave Blade Service process. Figure 70 Gpx Cleave Service Properties Window Adjusting the Cleave Blade Height Only a small portion of the cleave blade edge is used to scribe the fiber.
  • Page 80 Image of Argon Gas Port (Left). Flow Meter in Vertical Position (Right) RMA Process Contact Thorlabs for information on requesting an RMA for a purchased GPX series glass processor. Attention When returning the product to Thorlabs, please use the original packaging and pink anti-static bag that the unit came in.

  • Page 81: Chapter 7 Inserts

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 7: Inserts Chapter 7 Inserts Top Inserts The GPX series Glass Processors require fiber holder inserts to be placed in the fiber holding blocks in order to clamp the fibers during the splicing process. Fiber holder top inserts sit in the lid of the fiber holding blocks and come in a variety of groove sizes.
  • Page 82 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 7: Inserts Fiber Holder Bottom Inserts for larger cladding or buffer diameters (Item #'s starting with VHE) come in single- sided and double-sided versions; the specified fiber diameter (in µm) is engraved on the part. These bottom inserts can also be used in the FPS300 Fiber Preparation Station, LDC Series of Fiber Cleavers, and LFS4100 Fusion Splicer.
  • Page 83 Automated Glass Processors Chapter 7: Inserts 4. Holding blocks designed for fibers less than 1000 µm in diameter have vacuum holes, designed to aid in aligning small fiber within the groove, while bottom inserts for fibers of Ø1000 µm or larger do not have these holes.

  • Page 84: Chapter 8 Specifications

    0.02° Rotation Travel 200° Fiber types other than those listed are compatible. Contact Thorlabs’ Tech Support to determine if your fiber type can be used. This is the software monitor readout resolution. The corresponding temperature resolution will depend on the filament being used, and is not measured by the software.
  • Page 85 Thorlabs supplies a high-purity PTFE gas line and a large gas regulator with the GPX. These are for use with a large gas tank (not available from Thorlabs) which has a CGA-580 output port. DIN 477 Number 6 output port connector is also included.

  • Page 86: Gas Supply Specifications

    • Use only the included gas line to interconnect the regulator to the splicing system. If an extended length gas line is required between the regulator and the splicer, please contact Thorlabs for purity requirements and line specifications. Included Splice Files All GPX glass processors come with a selection of splice files pre-installed in the software.

  • Page 87: Chapter 9 Certifications And Compliance

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 9: Certifications and Compliance Chapter 9 Certifications and Compliance Rev. E, May 23, 2023 Page 83...

  • Page 88: Chapter 10 Warranty And Rma Information

    Waste treatment is your own responsibility. “End of life” units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site. It is the user’s responsibility to delete all private data stored on the device prior to disposal.

  • Page 89: Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

    Automated Glass Processors Chapter 11: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at for our most up-to-date www.thorlabs.com/contact contact information. USA, Canada, and South America UK and Ireland Thorlabs, Inc.
  • Page 90 www.thorlabs.com...

This manual is also suitable for:

Gpx3600Gpx3800Gpx3850Gpx3900

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