Ultrasonic cleaning has long been the preferred means of cleaning optical fibers for critical application fusion splicing. Today’s high power glass processing applications are sensitive to contamination and fatigue that results from hand cleaning and demand a thorough, non-contact cleaning alternative. Use of an ultrasonic cleaner ensures ultimate cleanliness and is essential for maximizing post process optical fiber performance and reliability.
The majority of commercially available ultrasonic technology is adapted from equipment designed for cleaning larger objects, and the results are not optimum for optical fiber. The 3SAE Ultrasonic Cleaner XL is a purpose-built ultrasonic fiber cleaner that was designed specifically for fiber optic applications, especially well-suited for cleaning long lengths of optical fiber and other large components. Many years of cleaning experience went into the functional, ergonomic design that ensures consistent cleaning results. Cleaning is accomplished across the length of the bowl using dual transducers that generate a sweeping frequency that is optimized to target the various sizes of particles that adhere to optical fiber after removing the outer protective coating.
Operation of the 3SAE Ultrasonic Cleaner XL is easy and intuitive. Adjustable clamps are located across the width of the bowl which load “up” in a horizontal position and then tilt “down” to lower the optical fiber into the cleaner and facilitate quick loading and hands free operation. The unique wide bowl design easily accommodates cleaning fiber spans or components up to 200 mm in length. Audible and visual indicators signal when the fiber should be removed. The duration of the cleaning can be adjusted quickly and easily to optimize cycle times for different optical fiber types and sizes.
