Choose a Fusion Splicer That Best Fits Your Needs

How to Use Removable Chucks In Your Fusion Splicer

• Type of Fiber
• Singlemode vs. Multimode
• Splice Loss Specification
• Fiber Alignment Specification
• Fiber Holding Mechanism
• Compatible with Splice On Connectors

• Able to Store Results
• Provide Splice Loss Estimate
• Amount of Budget for Fusion Splicer
• Portability Desired
• Powered By
• Desired Options

Fusion splicing in many instances is a preferred method of terminating optical fiber. These versatile devices are used for repairing broken fiber, attaching connectorized pigtails, fusion splicing fiber to fiber extensions in long haul applications and terminating fiber with Splice On Connectors (SOC's). Today's Fusion Splicers are more affordable than ever. Our sales people have the technical expertise to help you choose which is correct for your use. Contact us at 1-800-5000-FIS. Outside the U.S. +1 315 736 2206.

HOW IMPORTANT IS ALIGNMENT?

Fiber alignment is a key consideration when choosing a fusion splicer. Precision fiber alignment must be achieved in order to obtain a quality splice. Precision alignment is especially important when splicing singlemode fiber, which has a small core diameter.

WHY SHOULD I CARE?

A quality fusion splicer will align and fuse fibers so precisely that the splice will not significantly impede data throughput along the optic link.

CORE ALIGNMENT SPLICERS (three-axis alignment)

This type of splicer is ideal for fusing singlemode fiber because it provides very precise fiber core alignment which is necessary for small core fibers. Typical splice loss is only 0.02dB when verified with OTDR testing. Core alignment splicers are essential if you are splicing new fiber to older legacy fiber, which tends to have inconsistent core geometry. Core alignment splicers can also be used to enhance the performance of multimode fiber.

CLAD ALIGNMENT SPLICERS (fixed-groove, single-axis alignment)

Commonly used for ribbon splicing, this splicer aligns fiber along a single axis. Internal cameras and a fixed-groove aid in the alignment of the fibers. This type of splicer has a typical splice loss of 0.05dB SM and is suited for multimode fiber or single mode fiber applications.

ACTIVE V-GROOVE SPLICERS (movable V-groove)

Some newer types of clad alignment splicers have an "active" (movable) V-groove. This mechanism provides more precise fiber alignment than a "fixed" V-groove splicer. The accuracy of this new type of splicing machine makes it well suited for single mode fiber splicing, including splicing done in the manufacture of optical components.

BENCH TOP VS HAND HELD

Bench top models are typically larger than hand held models and have a flat bottom that provides a stable platform for fusion splicing, especially for production environments. Bench top models can be powered through AC current, and DC battery models are also available. Bench top fusion splicers may incorporate more features than hand held devices, although this is not necessarily the case. Hand held models are very compact and portable, and they are usually powered by a rechargeable battery. They are ideal for aerial applications, working in confined spaces, or anywhere AC power is not available. Hand held splicers are popular for FTTx, LAN, backbone and long haul installations. Some hand held units have a wide flat base, enabling them to be used as bench top units as well. Performance of a good hand held fusion splicer can be on a par with bench top models.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Heat Shrink Speed - The speed at which different fusion splicers fuse fibers together doesn't vary by very much. What tends to slow down splicing work is the time required for heat-shrinking the splice protection sleeve. If you do a lot of fusion splices, you'll probably want a splicer that offers a dual heat shrink oven, or fast single heat oven. You may even consider a stand-alone heat sleeve oven to increase efficiency.

Information Display - A good fusion splicer will provide you with important splicer information such as system status, splice loss values, diagnostics, maintenance information, arc test results, help menus and more. Choose a fusion splicer that has a display screen that is easy to read under various lighting conditions.

Upgrade Potential " New fibers sometimes come along that require you to change the settings on your fusion splicer to accommodate them. Some fusion splicers offer software upgrades that will do this for you.