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QUESTION: Do you have guidance for developing a fiber optic polishing process?
ANSWER:
While there are many details to consider when developing a fiber optic polishing process, it comes down to 5 basic steps:
Step 1. Define your objectives, especially...
QUESTION:
What industries need a fiber optic SMA today?
ANSWER:
If you remove the communications applications and markets for fiber optic connectors, what is left?: something less than .1% of the market. What are the applications?
Medical: laser...
It’s fair to say most assembly houses test the optical loss of a single mated pair using a launch cable connected to the DUT with the far end of the DUT plugged directly into the power meter via the adapter cap. To complete the test, the DUT is flipped and
...
QUESTION:
Is there a real need for 3D printing polishing film beyond sandpaper?
ANSWER:
There is a need for 3D printing polishing film. This fine-grit, abrasive material provides a smooth, mirror-polish finish – well above and beyond sandpaper.
As...
QUESTION: How many categories are there for buffered fibers?
ANSWER:
As one looks at individually buffered fibers there are two general categories. First a loose tube which is typically a large rigid tube whose ID is many times the diameter of the coated...
QUESTION:
Where can I get some information on SMA connector over polishing?
ANSWER:
For other types of actively used connectors, SMA for example, the design intent of this connector has a specific pre-polish length and final after-polish length of...
QUESTION:
Which epoxies cause allergic reactions and which do not?
ANSWER:
Almost all epoxies used in the fiber optic industry are two-part epoxy systems consisting of a resin and a hardener or activator. All the chemicals in these two-part epoxies...
QUESTION:
How can I identify crystallization in epoxies?
ANSWER:
If you put a glass of water in the freezer for a few minutes, you’ll see ice crystals begin to form as the water changes to ice (its solid state). Similarly, crystals often form in epoxies....
QUESTION: What happens if you undermix epoxy?
ANSWER:
In fiber optic cable assembly applications, most epoxy package sizes are quite small – just a few grams – so undermixing is typically not an issue. While mixing the resin and hardener (Part A and...
QUESTION: Why is it important to measure Insertion Loss and Return Loss?
ANSWER:
It’s quite simple: Your customers demand it. Your customers need to know that you’ve tested every fiber optic jumper and cable and have acquired accurate IL/RL measurements...
