Following the series' European introduction by Fujikura late last year (see “Fujikura offers 90S core alignment fusion splicer”), AFL now offers the Fujikura 90S single fiber fusion splicer and 90R ribbon fusion splicer in the U.S. (AFL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan.) The splicers offer improved ergonomics over their predecessors, as well as enhancements that automate operation.
“As splicing productivity expectations continue to increase, these new models address many issues that have historically slowed the process,” explained Greg Pickeral, product line manager for AFL’s Fusion Splicing Systems. “The improved sheath clamp design of the 90S and the field replaceable v-grooves in the 90R address the most common causes for production delays during splicing. Productivity gains of 50% have been achieved with the 90S alone.”
Salient features the two Fujikura 90 series splicers share include a touchscreen monitor that enables immediate access to important software functions, a redesigned transit case that offers multiple workstation configurations and more storage space for splicing accessories and consumables, Bluetooth cleaver management that enables tracking and management of two cleavers simultaneously, and a 50% improvement in battery life.
As mentioned in the quote from Greg Pickeral, the Fujikura 90S features a new multi-function sheath clamp that features a dual clamping capability. The design enables proper clamping of loose-jacketed 900-µm without the need to exchange the sheath clamp. New fiber retention clamps secure the completed splice in the v-grooves to enable quicker application of the protection sleeve and transfer to the sleeve heater.
Meanwhile, the Fujikura 90R, which is primarily used with ribbon fiber, has a spare 12-fiber v-groove and electrode assembly that users can exchange in the field to address silica buildup and contamination issues. Such problems can slow the splicing of high-fiber-count cables, says AFL.
The new fusion splicers will be on display in Booth 831 at the BICSI Winter Conference & Expo, February 9–13, 2020, in Tampa.
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For more information on splicers and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.
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