Fiber cleaver is a specialized tool for precise and clean cutting optical fibers for splicing, designed to achieve optimal fusion and low-loss connections. When we need to splice two optical fibers together, we usually use mechanical splicing or fusion splicing. Both methods require the fiber tip to have a smooth end surface perpendicular (90°) to the fiber axis. The optical fiber cleaver can cut the fiberglass to form a good end face. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure high-quality connections. These precision instruments are indispensable in splicing optical fibers. In addition, It usually works with fiber optic fusion splicers to do optimum splicing jobs.
The basic principle of a fiber cleaver is simple. First, the cleaver clamps the fiber at low tension, subjecting the fiber to tensile stress. Second, the fiber surface is scratched with a hard scribing tool at the appropriate location, which produces a sufficiently large surface crack. Then, the cleaver applies greater tension to the fiber, causing the crack to extend across the fiber cross-section. Finally, the fiber breaks. The cleave quality is important in determining the fusion splicing loss. Generally speaking, the precision fiber cleaver is automatic.
Bwnfiber is a leading fiber optic cleave tools and accessories supplier and manufacturer in China. We supply a range of high-precision fiber cleavers for splicing. They can cleave either ribbon or single fiber optic cable. Our fiber cleavers are capable of cleaving fibers with cladding diameters from 125 µm to 3 mm, depending on the model. Meanwhile, our fiber optic cleaver is engineered to attain an exact cutting angle of less than 0.5°. It offers 48,000 cuts. In addition, Bwnfiber is devoted to custom designs. We will tailor products to meet your needs and print your logo. Over the years, our products have covered the USA, UK, France, Turkey, Brazil, Korea, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, etc.
Fiber Cleaver Products
High Precision Fiber Cleaver Tool with 16 Position Blades
High Precision Fiber Optic Cleaver With 48,000 cleaves
Fiber Cleaver with Stainless Steel Pressure Pad
Types of Fiber Cleaver
Scribe Cleavers
Scribe cleavers are the most primitive type of fiber optic cleaver. It is used to remove fiber from the end of a connector before polishing. Scribe cleavers are usually shaped like ballpoint pens with a diamond wedge tip. The scribe has a carbide or diamond sharp tip which scratches the fiber manually. Then the operator pulls the fiber to break it. Although scribe cleavers are cheaper, they are less accurate and precise. However, if used in skilled hands, this scribe cleaver reduces the cost significantly for repairs and installation.
Precision Cleavers
Precision cleavers are the most commonly used fiber optic cleavers. They can do more precise cutting jobs. A precision cleaver uses a diamond or tungsten wheel/blade to provide the nick in the fiber. Then, tension is applied to the fiber to create the cleaved end face. A precision cleaver can cleave multimode, single-mode fiber, or ribbon fibers and provide up to 48,000 single cleaves. In addition, they are a deal for fusion splicing standard 125/250um & 125/900um fibers and preparing fiber for various pre-polished connectors.
Specifications
Cleave angle
The cleave angle is the angle at which the cleaver cuts the optical fiber.
Cleave length
Cleave length is the length of the fiber that can be cleaved.
Number of cleaves
Number of cleaves is the number of cleaves the blade can make before replacement is needed.
Fiber type
The type of fiber that can be cleaved.
Dimensions
The size of the cleaver.
Weight
How much the cleaver weighs?
Features of Fiber Cleaver
Fiber Scrap Collection
Fiber cleaver automatically collects fiber scraps. Then, store the scraps in internal trash bins. It saves cleaning and safe disposal time.
Automatic blade rotation
The optical fiber cleaver can automatically rotate the cleaver blade when cutting the optical fiber. They can easily, fast, and precise cleaves to prevent double scoring of fibers.
FAQ
1. What is the MOQ of the fiber cleaver?
The minimum order quantity is 1pc.
2. How many days is the production cycle?
5-10 days.
3. Can fiber cleavers be customized?
Yes. We can customize precision cleavers according to your needs. In addition, we can print your logos on the product.
4. How many cuts can a fiber cleaver make?
Our product guarantees up to 48,000 cleaves.
5. What is the cleave angle of the fiber cleaver?
Our precision cleaver achieves cleave angles typically under 0.5°.
6. What are the types of fiber cleavers?
The most common types include scribe cleavers and precision Cleavers.
Fiber optic cable termination is a physical connection of fiber to a device, and you can use a connector or splicing method to terminate fiber optic cable. It is a necessary step for installing a fiber optic network. It provides easy ways for fiber cross-connection and light wave signal distribution. When terminating fiber, termination errors may reduce signal loss and reduce reflections. Therefore, terminations must be in the correct style to align and connect the fibers as accurately as possible.
There are two methods to terminate fiber optic cable: connectors and splicing. Connectors are temporary, while splicing is permanent. Connectors are normally used to make a temporary joint between two fibers or connect the fiber to network equipment. On the other hand, Splicing is necessary when the cable is too long or different types of cable are needed.
Terminate Fiber Optic Cable by Connector
One fiber optic cable termination type uses a connector to join two fibers to form a temporary joint or permanent splice between the two fibers. This is a temporary way of termination. You can disconnect both fibers at any time. A fiber connector is composed of three main components: ferrule, connector body, and coupling device. The ferrule is used to align and polish optical fibers. The connector body supports the ferrule and sheaths the fibers. The coupling device provides a connection between the connector and the optical device.
There are many styles of fiber optic cable connectors, such as SC, ST, FC, LC, MU, etc. They offer easier termination at a rather lower cost. Therefore, this enables individuals to terminate their fiber optic cables. In addition, there are two methods of connector termination: field termination and factory termination.
Field Termination
Field termination is the addition of connectors in the field with specialized tools. This connector has two types. One is traditional epoxy and polish fiber connectors. Another is a fiber optic fast connector. Epoxy or polish fiber connectors are very conventional and widely used connectors. You simply glued the fiber into the connector with epoxy and polished the ends with a special polishing film. On the other hand, a fiber optic fast connector is one end of fiber bonded into a ferrule, where the end face of the ferrule is polished to a PC/UPC/APC finish. The other end of the fiber is cut and located inside the connector body.
Factory Termination
Factory termination is when the fiber optic cable has been terminated at the factory before shipment. This termination method increases installation efficiency and reduces installation costs. All are tested before being shipped to the installation site. This fiber cable is also called Pre Terminated Fiber Optic Cable. It gives installers more of a “plug-and-play” option.
Terminate Fiber Optic Cable by Splicing
Another type of fiber optic termination is the use of splicing. Splicing is the direct connection of two bare fibers without any connectors. It is a permanent method of termination. Fiber splicing is often used when a fiber optic cable breaks unexpectedly or is extended. This new cable is also called splicing fiber optic cable. Splicing is faster and more efficient than connectors. In addition, it has lower light loss (attenuation) and back reflection.
The two most common methods of fiber splicing are mechanical and fusion. There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of fiber splicing to perform.
Mechanical Splicing
Mechanical splicing uses a small mechanical splice that precisely aligns two fiber optic cables and then secures them mechanically. After the two ends are secured, a snap-type or adhesive cover is used to fasten the splice permanently. The fibers are not permanently joined, just precisely held together so that light can pass from one to another.
Fusion Splicing
Fusion splicing is the most used method of fiber optic splicing. It first uses a fusion splicer machine to align the two fiber ends. Then, an electric arc is used to “fuse” the glass ends together. Fusion splicing produces a reliable joint with low insertion loss and nearly zero back reflection, and thus, is more widely used than mechanical splicing.
Conclusion
Fiber optic cable termination is a necessary step for installing a fiber optic network. Whether you terminate the fibers with connectors or splicing, make a precise connection. In conclusion, you can choose the correct termination method according to the actual situation.
Splicing fiber optic cable is a new type of functional optical cable that joins two different optical cables together through mechanical or fusion splicing. This splicing fiber cable offers improved durability and minimal loss. Fiber splicing is often used when a fiber optic cable breaks unexpectedly or is extended. In addition, it can also join two different cable types, or attach a fiber pigtail. Through fiber splicing, fiber optic technicians can extend the length of the fiber to make it long enough for use in a required cable run. In addition, splicing is also used to repair severed fiber optic cables that are buried underground or to rejoin fiber optic cables when inadvertently broken.
While the other method of joining fibers is called termination or connection, splicing is faster and more efficient. It is most commonly used in the field but has applications in cable assembly houses. In addition, it is used to restore fiber optic cables when a buried cable is accidentally severed. Splicing has lower light loss (attenuation) and back reflection than terminations or connections.
Methods of Splicing Fiber Optic Cable
The two most common methods of fiber splicing are mechanical and fusion. There are many factors to consider when choosing which type of fiber splicing to perform.
Mechanical Splicing
Mechanical splicing uses a small mechanical splice that precisely aligns two fiber optic cables and then secures them mechanically. After the two ends are secured, a snap-type or adhesive cover is used to fasten the splice permanently. The fibers are not permanently joined, just precisely held together so that light can pass from one to another. Splicing loss is typically 0.3 dB or 10%. Mechanical splicing is usually used when splices need to be made quickly and easily.
Fusion Splicing
Fusion splicing is the most used method of fiber optic splicing. It first uses a fusion splicer machine to align the two fiber ends. Then, an electric arc is used to “fuse” the glass ends together. Fusion splicing is more expensive but has a longer life than mechanical splicing. In addition, it can achieve very low-loss light optical transmission. The typical loss is 0.1 dB. Fusion splicing produces a reliable joint with low insertion loss and nearly zero back reflection, and thus, is more widely used than mechanical splicing.
Benefits of Splicing Fiber Optic Cables
1. Compared to using connectors, splicing not only provides a stronger and more reliable joint but also introduces much lower insertion loss.
2. Splicing can be used to mix several different types of fiber optic cables, for instance, connecting a 48-fiber cable to six 8-fiber cables.
Steps to Splice Fiber Optic Cables
1. Prepare the Tools and Materials
Before you begin splicing fiber optic cable, you’ll need to gather the tools and materials: fiber cable, fiber fusion splicer, protective sleeve, heat shrink tubing, stripping tool, cleaver, etc.
2. Prepare the Fiber Cable
The first step in splicing fiber optic cable is to prepare the fiber cable. Start by stripping the cable to reveal the bare fibers. Then, use a cleaver to cut the fiber to the correct length. Ensure that glass offcuts are safely disposed into an optical fiber sharps container. The offcuts can be a dangerous hazard if not properly discarded.
3. Clean the Fibers
Use an alcohol pad to clean the ends of the fibers. This removes any dirt, oil, or other contaminants. Make sure to clean the fibers thoroughly and allow them to dry completely.
4. Load the Fibers into the Fusion Splicer
Once the fibers are clean, they can be loaded into the fusion splicer.
5. Perform the Splice
Perform the splice. The fusion splicer uses a high-powered arc to fuse the fibers, creating a permanent and highly secure bond. Most fiber fusion splicers will automatically align the fibers and detect/signal once a splice has been correctly performed.
6. Protect the Splice
Once splicing is complete, it is important to protect the spliced joints to prevent any damage. Use a protective heat shrink sleeve to secure the splice.
7. Test the Splice
Finally, it’s important to test the splice. You can use an optical power meter and a visual fault locator to test the splice.
FAQ of Splicing Fiber Optic Cable
What are the methods of splicing fiber optic cables?
Mechanical splicing and fusion splicing.
Why use fiber optic splicing?
Fiber splices are typically employed for one of four reasons: to repair a damaged cable, extend the length of a cable, join two different cable types, or attach a pigtail.
Where are splicing fiber optic cable applications?
Splicing fiber optic cables exist across industries, such as Computer Networking, Telecommunications, Medical, etc.
