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    The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Different Methods of Cross Sectioning Fiber Optic Connectors

    by:
    INTERCONNECT: Ask FOC Ask FOC
    Published: August 9, 2018
    , Last updated: September 18, 2025

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    QUESTION:

    What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods of cross-sectioning fiber optic connectors?

     

    ANSWER:

    All three methods of cross-sectioning fiber optic connectors have advantages and disadvantages highlighted here:

    • High costs of X-Ray and Sonar inspection services in the multiple $1000s per connector versus the $300-600 cost per connector for destructive cross-sectioning. Much more $ investment in equipment for X-RAY and Sonar versus Destructive cross-sectioning.

    • Better internal detail of exactly how the connector was assembled and better detail for failure analysis of destructive cross-sectioning.

    • Although X-Ray and Sonar are NON Destructive they offer limited internal views of critical features of the bare fiber inside connector. This includes the wicking of the epoxy thru the connector, insufficient/excess epoxy applications air bubbles and nicks/fractures in the fiber

    • Destructive Cross Sectioning is available to all companies with limited equipment requirements to monitor internal production and provide rapid failure analysis to prevent ongoing problems and defects in the connector.

    READ THE FULL BLOG ARTICLE HERE: Cross Sectioning of Fiber Optic Connectors: the three methods, advantages and disadvantages

     

    ADDITIONAL CONTENT & RESOURCES:

     

      Answered by AskFOC Technical Team: August 9, 2018

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    © 2018 Fiber Optic Center, Inc. Article Title: The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Different Methods of Cross Sectioning Fiber Optic Connectors Author: FOC FAQ Published: August 9, 2018

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    About the Author
    FOC FAQ Fiber Optic Center has a team of technical experts and marketing strategists with decades of years in the field. This team contributes to the fiber, cable and specialty industries coverage through news, alerts, reports and general media information.
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    About Fiber Optic Center, Inc.
    Fiber Optic Center, Inc., (FOC), is an international leader in distributing fiber optic components, equipment and supplies and has been helping customers make the best cable assemblies in the world for over two decades. Several areas of specialization and expertise, in which they are the industry leader, make them the preferred choice for many of the world’s fiber professionals. In these key technology areas, FOC is "at least as technical as the manufacturer" about the products they sell. Striving to "make the business part easy," they offer outstanding and personal customer service, low or no minimum purchase order values, and from-stock delivery on industry-leading products and technology. FOC is the industry connection to the most innovative optical products, technologies and technical experts who integrate their manufacturing knowledge and vast experience into customers' worldwide operations. @FiberOpticCntr

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    Fiber Optic Center, Inc., 23 Centre Street, New Bedford, MA 02740-6322
    Toll Free in US: 800-IS-FIBER or 800-473-4237 . Direct 508-992-6464. Email: sales@focenter.com or fiberopticcenter@focenter.com

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