THORLABS Vytran FFS2001 Series User Manual page 52

FFS2001 Series
Problem
Coating is difficult to
strip or some
,
coating remains on
the fiber.
Cleaning the Fiber
The fiber is cleaned at the ultrasonic cleaning station. This removes any coating particles or residue left on the
glass surface that may reduce splice strength.
5.3.1 Setting Up
The appropriate parameters are stored in the Splice File and may be accessed in the fiber Preparation Menu in
the GUI.
Fiber Preparation Parameters
Check the parameters of the "Clean Time" and adjust as needed. Typical values range from 20 to 180 seconds,
depending upon solvent and inner coating composition. 30 seconds is a good starting clean time.
Note that parameter changes in the GUI are not saved into the Splice File (*.xml) until a file save is executed.
Cleaning Station Preparation
Make sure the cleaning solvent is "topped up." It should be approximately 1/8" to 1/4" below the lip of the solvent
container.
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Possible Cause
Cleaning solution not full.
Fiber not properly seated in
the stripper V-groove.
Fiber getting too much or too
little heat.
Soak Required
Soaking solvent needs to be
changed.
Soaking time too short.
Heating time too long.
Solution
The clean container must be filled to within 1/4" to
1/8" below the lip.
Dirt particles may keep the fiber from properly
seating in the V-groove. Clean the V-groove and make
sure the fiber is fully seated before stripping.
Vary TMS parameters. If increasing Boost Current,
reduce Boost Time to a minimum to reduce the risk
of premature wear to the TMS heater element.
Normally background current should be left as
standard to prevent the Cleave Block from cooling
too much and acting like a heat sink.
Some fiber coatings strip properly only if they are
presoaked in acetone prior to thermo-mechanical
stripping.
The soaking solvent is good for approximately 200
strips. Properly dispose of the old solution. Clean the
soaking container and refill with fresh solvent.
Allow the coating to soak for a longer period to
further soften the jacket. Soak time may be varied
through the GUI.
If the fiber is pre-soaked, a long heating time may dry
out the soft buffer making it difficult to remove. To
avoid this the fiber should be stripped as soon as
possible after the heating element reaches the
proper temperature (indicator on steadily) or the
Boost Current should be reduced.
Chapter 5: Fiber Preparation
TTN286373-D02