Recoaters

3SAE Technologies offers a compact, simple to use and effective fiber optic recoating tool for all of your fiber optic splicing applications and is configurable for both high index and low index fiber recoating. The NorthLab ProCoater is the ultimate solution for recoating optical fibers with ease and precision. Designed to accommodate a wide range of optical fiber diameters and recoating materials, the ProCoater is your go-to tool for production and research & development applications.

Optical Fiber Recoating for Fusion Splicing and Component Manufacturing: A Technical Summary

Optical fiber recoating plays a crucial role, especially in the realms of fusion splicing and optical component manufacturing. The fundamental aim of recoating in these contexts is to reinstate the protective layer on the spliced fibers or fibers integrated into components, ensuring mechanical integrity and protection against environmental factors. Here’s a focused technical summary:

Purpose: In fusion splicing, the original coating around the splicing area is removed to achieve clean and efficient splicing. After the splicing process, the exposed fiber sections become susceptible to mechanical damages and environmental influences. Recoating reapplies the optical fibers protective coating, ensuring the spliced area maintains performance and durability.

Materials Used: Primarily, UV-curable acrylate compounds are employed for recoating. Their selection is rooted in their superior adhesion, flexibility, and environmental resistance. The specific type of acrylate (be it soft, hard, or dual) is determined by the application’s requirement.

Process:

• Stripping: Prior to recoating, the old coating around the splice or component junction is meticulously removed.
• Cleaning: The bare fiber region is rigorously cleaned, often with specialized solvents, ensuring a contaminant-free surface.
• Recoating: The stripped region is then placed in a recoating mould, where it’s enveloped with the chosen acrylate compound.
• Curing: The newly applied coating undergoes UV light exposure, curing and solidifying it securely around the fiber.  

• Mechanical Defense: Recoating offers an essential protective barrier against potential mechanical strains arising from bending or handling.
• Environmental Shield: It serves as a formidable moisture barrier, preventing potential degradation of the fiber’s transmission capabilities.
• Ease in Fiber Handling: An effectively recoated fiber is easier to manipulate during subsequent component integration, packaging, or deployment processes.

In essence, optical fiber recoating in fusion splicing and optical component manufacturing is indispensable. It safeguards the integrity and functionality of spliced fibers and fibers integrated into components, ensuring they remain robust against mechanical and environmental challenges, ultimately bolstering their long-term performance.