When working with epoxies, MINIMIZE HANDLING where applicable. Proper packaging for your application and application process comes into play here. If you choose/need to work with bulk material, such as 8 oz. kits, there will be significantly more handling. It is...
Place your thoroughly mixed material in the refrigerator (5 to 10ºC) to slow down the cure process and preserve the pot life. Let the mixture stand in the refrigerator for several hours (depending on pot life, overnight might be a possibility). This will permit...
The most direct method to de-gas an unfilled epoxy is to centrifuge. After mixing the epoxy (i.e., in the bi-pack), transfer the epoxy to the final dispensing container, usually a syringe (don’t forget the tip cap). Add the piston to the syringe to capture the...
As most connectors use a heat-cure two-component epoxy it’s very important to ensure the proper mix ratio and following the curing time. Some applications require a 3 step curing process (pre-heat, curing, cooling down) to ensure that the epoxy is properly...
While 2.5 grams might seem small, some modern-day applications are very small, and relatively speaking 2.5 grams is a lot of material, much of which ends up as waste. Fiber Optic Center provides epoxy in two-part bi-packs that are typically 2.5 grams.
Room...
The method of applying epoxy into the connector is another source of variability that can greatly affect the correct amount/volume of epoxy into the connector.
The most common method is the hand syringe and special OD needle size (usually a 19 or 20 Ga needle). This...
Epoxy must be thoroughly mixed and then degassed to remove bubbles. (In the production process, you don’t want to dispense any bubbles inside the ferrule.)
You may have heard the advice to mix epoxy based on time, for example, 1 minute of mixing or 90 seconds of...
When setting up a new bonding process and establishing the curing schedule OR in your production process are experiencing fiber movement and need to adjust curing temperature or time, please find this FOC TIP to help validate your curing schedule:
The starting...
