Fiber Optic Stripper for Fiber Fusion Machines

Fiber optic strippers are precision tools used to remove coatings from optical fibers, available in mechanical, thermal, and automated versions for fusion splicing applications.Types of Fiber Optic StrippersMechanical Strippers: These are handheld tools designed to remove fiber coatings by cutting or peeling them off. They are suitable for standard telecommunication fibers (125 µm glass cladding, ~250 µm coated diameter) and can also handle specialty fibers with thinner or thicker coatings. Mechanical strippers are simple, portable, and ideal for field use, but require careful handling to avoid nicking the fiber glass . Thermal Strippers: Thermal or heated strippers use controlled heat to soften the fiber coating, allowing it to be removed gently without damaging the glass. Some models offer adjustable temperature and timing settings, making them suitable for laboratory, production, or high-precision applications. Thermal strippers are particularly effective for high-strength splices and fibers with sensitive coatings . Automated and Plasma-Assisted Strippers: Fully automated systems, such as plasma-assisted or burst technology strippers, remove coatings cleanly without contact, minimizing fiber damage. These devices can handle large-diameter fibers (up to 1200 µm) and provide precise window stripping for mid-span applications. Many automated strippers include built-in tensile testers and microprocessor-controlled parameters to ensure repeatability and high-quality splices .Notable ProductsAFL Precision Strip Tool: A battery-powered, handheld thermal stripper that softens and removes fiber coatings quickly with minimal force, ideal for field work. It ensures high-quality splices and ergonomic handling .LASER COMPONENTS Thermal and Plasma Strippers: Offer adjustable temperature settings and automated plasma-assisted stripping for fibers and fiber ribbons, suitable for laboratory and production environments .AutoStrip II System: Uses Burst Technology™ to vaporize fiber coatings chemically-free, with integrated tensile testing and programmable parameters for high-strength, repeatable stripping in production settings .Key ConsiderationsFiber Diameter Compatibility: Ensure the stripper supports the fiber's cladding and coating diameter, ranging from standard 125 µm fibers to large-diameter fibers up to 1200 µm .Stripping Precision: High-quality splices require clean, debris-free fiber ends; thermal and automated strippers provide superior precision compared to manual mechanical tools .Application Environment: Handheld mechanical or thermal strippers are ideal for field use, while automated systems are better suited for laboratory or high-volume production .Integration with Fusion Machines: Some automated strippers can be integrated directly with fusion splicing systems, streamlining the workflow from stripping to splicing . Fiber optic strippers are essential for preparing fibers for fusion splicing, and selecting the right type depends on fiber size, coating type, precision requirements, and whether the application is field-based or production-oriented.