Fiber Tail Stripping Tools

Tail fibers are stripped using mechanical, thermal, or automated fiber strippers designed to remove coatings cleanly without damaging the glass core.

Mechanical Fiber Strippers

Mechanical strippers are handheld tools with precision slots that match the fiber diameter. They remove coatings by clamping and sliding the coating off the fiber end. Common types include:

• FOS03 Fiber Strippers: Remove primary and secondary coatings by pressing through the coating and sliding it off the fiber end, suitable for 125 µm glass fibers with 250 µm coatings .
• CFS-2 Fiber Cable Cutting Scissors: Three-hole strippers that can handle multiple coating layers and outer sheaths, allowing quick and accurate stripping without damaging the fiber .
• RCS-0425 Fiber Cable Stripper: Adjustable depth strippers for larger insulation layers, useful for specialty fibers .

Thermal Fiber Strippers

Thermal strippers use controlled heat to soften or vaporize the coating, allowing gentle removal:

• Handheld thermal strippers: Adjustable temperature and time settings for precise buffer removal .
• Plasma-assisted or automated thermal units: Remove coatings up to 1200 µm in diameter without contact, preserving fiber strength and cleanliness .

Automated Fiber Stripping Systems

Automated units provide high repeatability and precision, ideal for production environments:

• AutoStrip II: Uses Burst Technology™ to vaporize coatings, offering clean, debris-free stripping with built-in tensile testing and programmable parameters for window or end stripping .
• CMS Combiner Manufacturing System: Integrates thermal plasma technology for high-power fiber combiners, capable of handling fibers from 125 µm to 2,000 µm in diameter .

Key Considerations

• Fiber diameter and coating type: Stripper slots and settings must match the fiber's glass and coating dimensions .
• Avoiding damage: Tools are designed to prevent nicking or scratching the glass core; proper maintenance of blades is essential .
• Layered stripping: Some fibers have multiple coatings (primary, secondary, and jacket), requiring sequential stripping with appropriate tools . In summary, mechanical, thermal, and automated fiber strippers are the primary tools used for tail fiber preparation, with the choice depending on fiber type, coating thickness, and production requirements. Proper tool selection ensures clean stripping, maintains fiber strength, and prevents damage to the glass core.