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THORLABS Vytran FFS2001 Series User Manual
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THORLABS Vytran FFS2001 Series User Manual

THORLABS Vytran FFS2001 Series User Manual

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FFS2001 Series
Fiber Splicer
User Guide

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Summary of Contents for THORLABS Vytran FFS2001 Series

  • Page 1 FFS2001 Series Fiber Splicer User Guide...
  • Page 2 FFS2001 Series Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction ....................... 1 1.4.1 Common Specifications ............................2 1.4.2 FFS2001 Specifications ............................3 1.4.3 FFS2001PT Specifications ............................ 3 1.4.4 FFS2001PM Specifications ........................... 4 1.4.5 FS2001WS Specifications............................. 4 1.4.6 Mechanical Drawings ............................5 1.5.1 Fiber Holding Block and Transfer Jig ........................
  • Page 3 FFS2001 Series 4.2.9 Execute ................................28 4.2.10 Help ................................... 28 4.14.1 Multi-Stage Splice Properties ..........................34 Chapter 5 Fiber Preparation ...................... 39 5.2.1 Setting Up ................................40 5.2.2 Soaking Procedure (Chemo-Mechanical Only) ....................42 5.2.3 Stripping Procedure............................42 5.2.4 Diagnostics ................................ 45 5.3.1 Setting Up ................................
  • Page 4 FFS2001 Series Chapter 7 Recoat ........................59 7.4.1 Positioning the Fiber ............................61 7.4.2 Injecting the Acrylate ............................61 7.4.3 Curing the Coating ............................. 62 Chapter 8 Proof Test (Item #s FFS2001PT and FFS2001WS) ............64 8.2.1 Loading the Fiber ............................... 65 8.2.2 Adjusting the Proof Test Cycle ..........................
  • Page 5 FFS2001 Series 10.6.1 Replace Indicator Bult ............................87 10.6.2 Replace Solvents ............................... 87 10.7.1 Replace Proof Test Grip ............................. 89 Chapter 11 Disposal ........................89 Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................... 90...
  • Page 7 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 1 Introduction Intended Use The Vytran® FFS2001 Series is designed to enable volume manufacturing and R&D splicing of optical fiber components. The systems include stations for doing all the processes required to splice optical fiber, including stripping, cleaning, cleaving, splicing, recoating, and, in the case of the FFS2001PT and FFS2001WS, proof-testing.
  • Page 8 When doubt, please contact Tech Support (techsupport@thorlabs.com) as they are best qualified for diagnosing problems. Improper and/or incomplete maintenance may result in impairment of the operating characteristics of your splicer. Technical Data 1.4.1 Common Specifications Thermo-Mechanical Stripper Accepted Coating Materials...
  • Page 9 Quartz Recoat Diameter Ø280 µm, Ø430 µm, or Ø600 µm UV Source Fourteen UV LEDs a. Depending on your selection of Recoat Mold Assembly (sold separately on www.thorlabs.com) General Specifications Weight 26 lbs (11.8 kg) Power 12 V DC External Power Supply with Universal AC Input Operating System Included Windows®...
  • Page 10 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Proof Testing Maximum Tension 89 N (20 lbs) Mandrel Size Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) Accuracy ±2% a. The proof tester is calibrated using standard weights that are hung off a pulley, so the tension settings are programmed in grams. This maximum tension corresponds to 9.1 kg.
  • Page 11 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Proof Testing Maximum Tension 89 N (20 lbs) Mandrel Size Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) Accuracy ±2% a. The proof tester is calibrated using standard weights that are hung off a pulley, so the tension settings are programmed in grams. This maximum tension corresponds to 9.1 kg.
  • Page 12 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 2 FFS2001PT Mechanical Drawing Figure 3 FFS2001PM Mechanical Drawing Page 6 TTN286373-D02...
  • Page 13 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 4 FFS2001WS Mechanical Drawing Components The splicer workstation (splicer) is the main component of the FFS2001 Series splicing system. It performs all the splicing process steps: soaking, stripping, cleaving, cleaning, splicing, recoating, and proof testing. The PC and gas supply, as well as peripheral components such as an optical power meter, are connected to the splicer back panel.
  • Page 14 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 5 System Overview The following subsections describe the components of the splicer workstation in the order of use during a splice process. 1.5.1 Fiber Holding Block and Transfer Jig Left- and right-hand fiber holding blocks (FHBs) are used to provide an efficient, convenient, step-by-step method for preparing the fibers prior to splicing.
  • Page 15 FFS2001PM base unit they will have been installed and factory aligned. Various sizes are available to support a range of coating diameters; for details, please see Section 1.4. Replacements can be purchases from www.thorlabs.com and can be installed by the end user.
  • Page 16 FFS2001PM base unit they will have been installed and factory aligned. Various sizes are available to support a range of coating diameters; for details, please see Section 1.4. Replacements can be purchases from www.thorlabs.com and can be installed by the end user. •...
  • Page 17 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction thermo-mechanical method. The soaking station consists of left- and right-hand dunking jigs, solvent container, and indicator lamps. Figure 9 Soak Station Dunking Jig: The dunking jog is used to mount the fiber holding blocks at the soaking station. Vacuum is •...
  • Page 18 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 10 Strip Station • Stripping Slot: The stripping slot is used to position the FHB at the stripping station. Positioning an FHB in the slot automatically activates the internal vacuum, pulling the fiber into the FHB and TMS V-groove. Simultaneously the TMS blades warm up to their preset stripping temperature.
  • Page 19 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 11 Cleave Station Cleave Bushing: The cleave bushings are used to position the FHB at the cleaving station. • Cleave Blade: The polycrystalline diamond cleave blade is used to score the fiber during the tension-and- •...
  • Page 20 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction • Dunking Jigs: The dunking jigs are used to mount the fiber holding blocks at the cleaning station. Vacuum is turned on when an FHB is inserted into the dunking jig in horizontal position. Vacuum turns off when dunking jig is raised to immerse the fiber in the solvent (max.
  • Page 21 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction • Fiber Holding Block Drive Shaft: The drive shafts position the fiber holding blocks in Z-direction and rotate the fiber for PM alignment. • Transfer Jig Bushings: The bushings are used to position transfer jig at the splice station. Splice Station with PM Alignment (Items #s FFS2001PM and FFS2001WS) Figure 14 Rotary Splice Station...
  • Page 22 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Figure 15 Recoat Station • Injection Port: The injection port is used to inject the UV acrylate into the mold cavity. Viewport: The viewport allows the user to watch the UV acrylate as it flows into the mold cavity. •...
  • Page 23 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction • Clamps: The clamps hold the fiber taut between the mandrels and keep it from slipping during the proof test. • Release Button: The buttons are used to release the tension on the clamps, allowing the fiber to be inserted or removed from the mandrel.
  • Page 24 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction • Power Switch: This is a rocker switch used to power up the unit. Power Socket: This is where to plug in the DC power cable coming from the power supply. • 1.5.11 Side Panel The side panel features a service port which makes is possible to do firmware updates without opening up the unit.
  • Page 25 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Declaration of Conformity Rev. A, August 14, 2024 Page 19...
  • Page 26 FFS2001 Series Chapter 1: Introduction Page 20 TTN286373-D02...
  • Page 27 FFS2001 Series Chapter 2: Safety FCC Designation Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
  • Page 28 If no gas pressure is present at the input port the splice process will abort. Use only a Thorlabs-supplied gas line to interconnect the regulator to the splicing system. If an extended length gas line is required between regulator and splicer, please contact Thorlabs for purity requirements and line specifications.
  • Page 29 FFS2001 Series Chapter 3: Installation • True Core Imaging™ for Automatic Fiber Alignment and Accurate Splice Loss Determination • Automatic 3-axis Fiber Positioning System (Item #s FFS2001 and FFS2001PT) Automatic 4-axis positioning system for PM rotation (Item #s FFS2001PM and FFS2001WS) •...
  • Page 30 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software Turn on the external power supply. Turn on the workstation power using the ON/OFF switch located on the back panel. The cooling fans should activate. If not, check to make sure: • the power cord is connected securely, the power applied meets the voltage/frequency requirement listed above, •...
  • Page 31 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software Menu Bar Command Camera Bar Process Bar Macro Bar Buttons Image Captured by the Camera Control Boxes Status Bar Figure 19 FFS3 Graphical User Interface The top of the GUI contains a menu bar, a command bar, a camera bar, a processes bar, a macro bar, and a toolbar containing control buttons.
  • Page 32 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software 4.2.1 File Open: Open a new splice data file. Save: Save the current splice parameters to the current splice data file. Save As: Save the current splice parameters to a new splice data files. Database Options: Enables, Disables, or Resets the Database. The database has preconfigured settings that should not be altered.
  • Page 33 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software 4.2.4 Fiber Preparation Allows access to the Soak, Clean, and Strip parameters. Figure 23 Fiber Preparation Menu 4.2.5 Splice The Splice Menu gives the user access to all of the parameters used in splicing. Additionally, the Splice Menu provides access to the User Macro paths. Figure 24 Splice Menu 4.2.6 Proof Test...
  • Page 34 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software 4.2.7 Recoat Allows the user to adjust the recoater cure duration. Figure 26 Recoat Menu 4.2.8 Reset The Reset menu allows the user to initialize, stop, and reset the unit. 4.2.9 Execute The Execute Menu can be used to perform splicing and tapering functions. For descriptions of these functions, see section 4.8: Main Toolbar.
  • Page 35 The Macro Toolbar contains buttons that execute various macros. Note that it is possible to make buttons for single line commands in the macro bar as well as buttons for entire macros. Please contact Thorlabs for assistance. Quick Open File Toolbar This toolbar allows the creation of buttons for easy access to commonly used splice files.
  • Page 36 Loss estimation: Estimates the loss in a splice, based on the appearance of the cores in the splice region. For a more accurate estimation, you need to have the correct calibration file; please contact Thorlabs for more assistance.
  • Page 37 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software Movement Control Bar The seven boxes in the Movement Control Bar permit the user to move the fiber holding blocks and splice head at will, by clicking on the forward and back arrows. The radio buttons labeled “Fine,” “Medium” and “Coarse” adjust the magnitude of each step.
  • Page 38 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software The “Right Block” box enables the user to move the right fiber handler in and out in the z-direction. The number shown is the position of the right block in microns, and the positive direction is defined as “in” or towards the splice head.
  • Page 39 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software buttons on the GUI will appear grey, and the status bar light will be dull red instead of green. Failure If a process fails for any reason, a popup window will appear and give four options: If you press Abort, the current One Button Process will end.
  • Page 40 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software Figure 34 Splice Properties 4.14.1 Multi-Stage Splice Properties Enabling the Multi-Stage Splice Process Figure 35 Activating Multi-Stage Splice • Go to Splice → Splice Parameters. • The normal default is for Multi-Stage Splice to be disabled. Check the Multi-Stage Splice check box as shown in Figure 35.
  • Page 41 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software Figure 36 Multi-Stage Splice Tab At this time there are no splice stages set. • Click on Add Step. A default set of splice parameters are added. A graphical representation of the splice • parameters is shown on the left side. Figure 37 Adding Stages The parameters that may be set are:...
  • Page 42 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software Parameter Icon Parameter Description Splice stage name: <Label> The argon flow rate for the splice process. The splice time in seconds. The splice power in watts. The velocity at which the fibers are pushed together during fusion. This is the distance that the fibers are pushed together after Hot Push Delay.
  • Page 43 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software Figure 39 Sample Stage 2 • On completion of all of the splice stages the splice process will proceed with the Fire Polish Step. • A Multi-Stage Splice requires a special splice XSLT file to be selected. In Figure 40, the file FFS3 Combo Splice.xslt is selected.
  • Page 44 FFS2001 Series Chapter 4: Software Disabling Multi-Stage Splice Open the splice parameters menu and uncheck Multi-Stage Splice. This reinstates the standard splice • parameter window and disables the Multi-Stage Splice tab (although any parameters set in the multi stage splice window are still visible). •...
  • Page 45 FFS2001 Series Chapter 5: Fiber Preparation Chapter 5 Fiber Preparation Before preparing the fiber make sure that the splicer workstation meets the following criteria: • Individual stations of the splicer are prepared, and all surfaces are clean. The inserts in the FHBs, the Graphite V-Grooves, and Cleave Inserts are of the appropriate size for the •...
  • Page 46 ‘wicking’ too far up inside the Jacket of the Fiber, and the appropriate settings can only be determined through experimentation depending upon the type of chemical agent employed and the particular fiber. Contact Thorlabs for assistance if required. Page 40...
  • Page 47 FFS2001 Series Chapter 5: Fiber Preparation • Strip Set-Up: Check the parameters of the ‘Strip Set-Up’ in the ‘Fiber Preparation’ menu of the software interface and adjust as needed. Parameter changes in the software interface are not saved to the configuration file (*.xml) until a file save is executed.
  • Page 48 FFS2001 Series Chapter 5: Fiber Preparation 5.2.2 Soaking Procedure (Chemo-Mechanical Only) Place the right FHB with the preloaded fiber on the right side dunking jig at the soaking station. Inserting the FHB pins into the dunking jig will activate the internal vacuum to the FHB V-groove. With the fiber secured in the FHB, tilt the end of the dunking jig to immerse the fiber into the soaking station.
  • Page 49 125 µm 125 µm 400 µm a. For different cladding diameters than those listed here, please contact Thorlabs Technical Support. TMS blade inserts are available for cladding diameters up to Ø200 µm upon request. For some coatings, the stripping force is unacceptably high even if the operating temperature of the TMS insert is increased or reduced.
  • Page 50 If such a silicone buffered fiber is stripped, the residue should be dissolved using an appropriate silicone solvent and properly rinsed before cleaving the fiber. Thorlabs can suggest manufacturers of suitable silicone solvents that may be appropriate.
  • Page 51 If necessary clean the surface with a mild soap. Bad or missing O-ring on the Contact Thorlabs for a replacement part. underside of the dunking jig. Excessive fiber curl due to Physically straighten the fiber/buffer and apply heat residual deformation of the to relax the residual buffer deformation.
  • Page 52 FFS2001 Series Chapter 5: Fiber Preparation Problem Possible Cause Solution Coating is difficult to Cleaning solution not full. The clean container must be filled to within 1/4" to strip or some 1/8" below the lip. coating remains on Fiber not properly seated in Dirt particles may keep the fiber from properly the fiber.
  • Page 53 Make sure that the area underneath the dunking jig is dunking jig. free of dirt particles. If necessary, clean the surface with a mild soap. Bad or missing O-ring on the Contact Thorlabs for a replacement part. underside of the dunking jig. Rev. A, August 14, 2024 Page 47...
  • Page 54 This should already be setup for your workstation. Refer to the maintenance section or contact Thorlabs if you require further advice on this. Note: Parameter changes in the software interface are not saved into the configuration file (*.xml) until a file save is executed.
  • Page 55 It is possible that repositioning the cleave blade may far back from the fiber. result in a situation where one or both fibers may not cleave. Please contact Thorlabs for assistance. Blade rubs along the FHB is slipping due to dirty...
  • Page 56 The FHBs must move smoothly and freely for the correct tension to be applied to the fiber. If the FHBs have become contaminated it may be necessary to strip down and rebuild them. Please contact Thorlabs for assistance. Cleave tension needs Adjust the cleave tension.
  • Page 57 This quick surface hot treatment reflows the existing deposits without generating new concentrations. Setting Up During purchasing Thorlabs personnel will have advised on your application and configured Splice Files to suit. Be sure to have the appropriate Splice File loaded for the fiber combination to be processed. 6.2.1 Splice Settings Splice Parameters: Check the parameters of the ‘Splice Parameters’...
  • Page 58 FFS2001 Series Chapter 6: Splicing the Fiber • Fire Polish Parameters can be found in the ‘Splice’ menu of the GUI, under Splice Parameters > Fire Polish. If the power is set to ZERO, then the Fire Polish is OFF. Refer to the table below for typical values. Fiber Diameter Parameter 80 µm...
  • Page 59 FFS2001 Series Chapter 6: Splicing the Fiber Figure 49 Load FHBs into Transfer Jig 6.3.2 Loading the Fibers Before loading the fibers the Splice Head has to be moved into the Load Fibers (Splice) position. Figure 50 Splice Head Positions The Load Fibers Process is always invoked at the start of a One-Button Automatic Splice Process.
  • Page 60 FFS2001 Series Chapter 6: Splicing the Fiber Do NOT use the Splice command, as it will execute a splice immediately without allowing the operator to load the fiber. Load the fibers by carefully placing the transfer jig with its pins into the bushings. Make sure to guide the transfer jig during the placement so that the fibers don’t touch any components of the splicing station besides the Graphite V-groove inserts.
  • Page 61 FFS2001 Series Chapter 6: Splicing the Fiber • Edge Alignment • Active XY Alignment End View Alignment (for PM fibers) • Active Rotation Alignment (for PM fibers) • Edge Alignment: The Edge Alignment method uses image data from the CCD camera to align the fibers in the XY direction with the Z-direction being the fiber line.
  • Page 62 FFS2001 Series Chapter 6: Splicing the Fiber Figure 53 Filament in Splice Position Fire Polish If Fire Polish is not activated (Fire Polish Power is set to zero), the Filament will turn off after the preset splice time (On Duration) has elapsed. If Fire Polish was selected, the Filament remains on and the Splice Head will traverse back and forth cleaning the Splice Region.
  • Page 63 Thorlabs personnel can advise on the correct methods of performing splices to avoid this issue. • Use only Thorlabs supplied or recommended gas lines and regulators, and use the specified grade of Argon purity. Other gas lines or regulators may contain contaminants, which could reduce splice strength. •...
  • Page 64 FFS2001 Series Chapter 6: Splicing the Fiber Problem Possible Cause Solution Pre-loss is high. Coating particles adhering to In order to preserve splice strength use the Load fiber prevent proper seating Fibers routine before removing the FHBs from the in the positioner V-grooves. splice station.
  • Page 65 Prior to handling the UV acrylate material, be sure to read the Material Safety Sheet for your material. MSDS for UV acrylate material purchased from Thorlabs can be found by visiting www.thorlabs.com and searching for the Thorlabs’ Item #.
  • Page 66 FFS2001 Series Chapter 7: Recoat Priming the Remote Manual Injection System The following procedure is required to prime the remote manual injection system: 1. Make sure to have lens tissue and cleaning solution (acetone or alcohol) available prior to proceeding. 2.
  • Page 67 FFS2001 Series Chapter 7: Recoat 7. Watch the injection port for signs of recoat material. Make sure to collect the recoat material as it comes out of the mold injection port. Do not allow recoat material to run down the face of the mold and under the mold plate.
  • Page 68 30 seconds for mold assemblies with well-matched fiber sizes to around 70 seconds for Ø125 - Ø250 µm fibers using the Thorlabs Item # RM600UV mold assembly with the low-index Thorlabs Item # PC373 recoat material. If you would like to use the low-index material with your FFS2001 series system, we recommend contacting Thorlabs for assistance.
  • Page 69 Align mold to single piece of stripped fiber stretched between FHBs in transfer jig. Contact Thorlabs for splicer servicing. Material flows By far the most common cause of recoat problems. Recoat mold plates are dirty.
  • Page 70 Recoated fiber is adhering to It may be necessary to coat the mold plates with a lift easily or recoated recoat plate and/or top. release agent prior to recoating. Contact Thorlabs for section adheres release agent recommendations and instructions for tightly to mold plate.
  • Page 71 The fiber under test can shatter and send glass particles flying. After failed proof tests, clean up glass debris, as this can cut the skin. Any glass debris should be disposed of in a glass waste container, such as Thorlabs’ Item # FTDU. Rev. A, August 14, 2024...
  • Page 72 FFS2001 Series Chapter 8: Proof Test (Item #s FFS2001PT and FFS2001WS) Figure 55 Proof Test Mandrels and Fiber Splice in Test Position 8.2.2 Adjusting the Proof Test Cycle The ramp rate, cycle time, and/or peak tension setting may need to be adjusted to obtain the desired proof test cycle.
  • Page 73 FFS2001 Series Chapter 8: Proof Test (Item #s FFS2001PT and FFS2001WS) Figure 56 Schematic of Proof Test Load Ramp-Rate Adjustment 8.2.3 Proof Testing Always use the safety shield or wear safety glasses when proof or tension testing fiber. The fiber under test can shatter and send glass particles flying. The proof test is used to determine whether a fiber or fusion splice meets a minimum strength requirement.
  • Page 74 Proof test grips are dirty. high tension levels. alcohol. Proof test grips are work out. Contact Thorlabs to order replacements. When proof testing at high tension levels, the fiber An additional fiber wrap should be wrapped twice around the proof test grips around the mandrel may be to prevent slippage.
  • Page 75 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance • Ensure that the recoat molds are properly cleaned before placing tissues between the plates. Close the tops on the FHBs and splice station, and recoat block. • Storage and Transportation Please retain the original packaging for the FFS2001 Series splicer and use for all transportation of the unit. When packaging the splicer for storage or transportation, the following precautions are necessary.
  • Page 76 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Planned Maintenance Schedule Every Every Cycle Shift Daily Monthly 3 Months 6 Months 1 Year Inspect/Clean       Vacuum V- grooves Inspect/Clean       Cleave Inserts Inspect/Clean ...
  • Page 77 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Standard FHB (Included with Item #s FFS2001 and FFS2001PT) To change the V-groove inserts, back off the four 2-56 set screws in the base of each FHB using a 0.035″ hex key (one full turn counterclockwise should be sufficient). The insert should slide freely side-to side and can easily be removed by “overhanging”...
  • Page 78 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 58 Change Rotary FHB Insert 10.2.3 Adjust Cleave Tension 1. Insert the FHB to be adjusted at the appropriate cleave position on the splicer. Note: Make sure to leave the cleave lever in its released position. 2.
  • Page 79 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 59 Adjust Cleave Tension Strip/Cleave Station 10.3.1 Inspect/Clean Cleave Inserts The cleave vacuum V-grooves, as well as the cleave top insert clamping surfaces, should be inspected regularly for dirt, debris and/or damage. Damage or dirt on these surfaces could cause the fiber to break at the insert when cleave tension is applied.
  • Page 80 Note: Changing strippers means changing the entire TMS insert (both top and bottom). Do not attempt to adjust the blades at the ends of the TMS insert. The stripper blades are precision-aligned at Thorlabs. Any misalignment will result in poor stripping performance and possibly fiber damage.
  • Page 81 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 61 Setscrew Location on Back Side of Stripper Block 3. Open the stripper top. The top insert should lift or slide easily out of its channel. Remove the bottom insert by simultaneously lifting straight up on the protruding ends of the insert. 4.
  • Page 82 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 63 Aligning the Top TMS Insert 5. Tighten the three set screws that hold the top blade assembly. Re-check alignment, and readjust if necessary. Note: The bottom insert is held in place by the electrical contact pins and does not need to be secured with the set screws.
  • Page 83 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance from the command line. Alternatively, assign the macro “Home Cleave Blade.txt” to the user macro selecting Splice | User Macro Path 1… from the menu bar, and then execute by clicking on the User Macro icon. The cleave blade can also be homed by running the reset macro (click the reset icon).
  • Page 84 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 64 Adjusting the Cleave Blade 10.3.7 Check/Adjust Cleave Blade Forward Move During a cleave, the cleave blade first advances forward to a position just short of the fiber, then begins oscillating back and forth while advancing further forward towards the fiber. The blade should touch the fiber and initiate the cleave roughly in the middle of this oscillation cycle.
  • Page 85 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance 3. Adjust both left- and right-hand macros as required. Save the files after making the appropriate changes. In order for the changes to take effect, power to the system must be cycled off and on. This will cause the new cleave macros to be uploaded.
  • Page 86 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance from the command line. Alternatively, assign the macro “Home Cleave Blade.txt” to the user macro by selecting Splice | User Macro Path 1… from the menu bar, and then execute by clicking on the User Macro icon. The cleave blade can also be homed by running the reset macro (click the reset icon).
  • Page 87 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 66 Cleaning the Mirror (Item #s FFS2001 and FFS2001PT) End View Toggle Mirror (Item #s FFS2001PM and FFS2001WS) If the fiber image is distorted or pieces of dirt are visible on the toggle mirror surface under 10-20X magnification, the mirror surfaces should be cleaned.
  • Page 88 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance 3. Locate the slotted end of the extraction tool over the filament in the splice head with the setscrews facing to the right. Make sure the extraction tool is centered front-to-back and is sitting flush on the splice head. 4.
  • Page 89 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 69 Removing the Foam Insert 7. If the foam is sticky, dirty, and/or has lost its resiliency, it should be replaced. If the foam is dusty, clean it off using canned air. 8. To replace the foam, it must first be compressed into a tight cylindrical shape. Pinching the foam tightly between two (clean) fingers, use the tweezers to roll it tightly into a cylinder.
  • Page 90 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance 1. Open the appropriate splice file for the typical fiber diameter being used: Filament Type Burnback File Normal Filament, Ø125 µm Glass Fiber burnback.ffs Normal Filament, Ø80 µm Glass Fiber burnback80.ffs Note: Do not modify a burnback file. 2.
  • Page 91 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 70 Removing the Recoat Assembly 9. Place the transfer jig with its pins into the bushings at the recoat station and insert the FHBs into the transfer jigs. 10. Open the recoat tops and the FHB tops. 11.
  • Page 92 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 71 Align Recoat Mold 10.5.2 Flush Recoat System The recoat pumping system should be flushed clean every 6 months as part of the recoat material replacement procedure. Before flushing the system, make sure to have lens tissue and cleaning solution (acetone or alcohol) available prior to proceeding.
  • Page 93 Flushing the Recoat System Soak / Clean Station 10.6.1 Replace Indicator Bult Unscrew the red indicator cap, and remove the bulb. Replace only with a Thorlabs supplied or recommended bulb. Replace the indicator cap. 10.6.2 Replace Solvents Warning: Risk of Electric Shock Danger of shock and damage to the unit if it is left connected to the power supply! Turn off power and disconnect the power supply.
  • Page 94 FFS2001 Series Chapter 10: Maintenance Figure 73 Replace Soaking Solvent Cleaning Station The cleaning container is wired into the unit and must be removed carefully. Tightly screw on the top of the cleaning container. While pushing down on the container top, unscrew the flange clamps 1/2 turn to release the container (Figure 74).
  • Page 95 Contact Thorlabs for more 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 96 FFS2001 Series Chapter 12: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to-date contact information. Corporate Headquarters Product Manufacturer Thorlabs, Inc. Thorlabs Vytran Division 43 Sparta Ave...
  • Page 98 www.thorlabs.com...

This manual is also suitable for:

Vytran ffs2001Vytran ffs2001ptVytran ffs2001pmVytran fs2001ws