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Fiber stripping and coating

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 19 Aug 2021

Use this reference to prepare product questions for CJC FIBRE. Check interfaces, capacity, protection and installation requirements against the current product documentation.

Fiber stripping is the precise removal of protective coatings from optical fibers, using mechanical, thermal, chemical, or plasma-based methods to expose the bare glass for splicing or connectorization.

Overview of Fiber Stripping

Fiber stripping involves removing the coating or buffer from an optical fiber without damaging the underlying glass. This is essential for splicing, connectorization, or creating fiber Bragg gratings. Stripping can be performed at the fiber end (end stripping) or in the middle of the fiber (window stripping) to expose a short section of bare fiber for specialized applications.

Types of Fiber Coatings

Optical fibers are typically coated with materials such as acrylate, PVC, polyimide, carbon, or gold. Coatings protect the fiber from mechanical stress, moisture, and microbending. Some fibers have multiple layers, including tight buffers (e.g., 900 µm) or larger jackets for cable protection.

Stripping Methods

Mechanical Stripping: Uses precision blades or hole-based strippers to remove coatings. Tools are often color-coded for different fiber diameters and can handle standard telecommunication fibers (125 µm cladding, 250 µm coating) as well as specialty fibers. Thermal Stripping: Applies controlled heat to soften the coating for removal.

Some tools allow adjustable temperature and time settings, ensuring clean stripping without damaging the fiber. Chemical Stripping: Uses solvents to dissolve the coating. While effective, chemical methods require careful handling and disposal, and are less common in modern automated systems.

Plasma-

Based Stripping: Non-contact method using gliding plasma to remove coatings, including stubborn materials like carbon or polyimide. This method reduces the risk of scratches or microfractures and can strip multiple fibers simultaneously.

Tools and Equipment

Handheld Strippers: Simple mechanical or thermal tools for small-scale or laboratory use. Automated Stripping Units: Provide precise end or window stripping for high-volume production, often with adjustable stripping lengths and no need for chemicals. Fiber Grippers and Guides: Ensure secure handling of the fiber during stripping to prevent microfractures.

Specialized Kits: Include multiple blade sets, fiber guides, and assembly tools for different fiber diameters and coating types.

Key Considerations

Fiber Diameter: Strippers must match the fiber's cladding and coating diameter for clean removal. Coating Material: Different coatings require specific stripping methods; polyimide and carbon coatings are more challenging than standard acrylate. Precision: Avoiding scratches or nicks is critical to maintain optical performance.

Application: End stripping is common for connectorization, while window stripping is used for sensors or gratings. Fiber stripping is a critical step in fiber optic preparation, and selecting the appropriate method and tool ensures high-quality, reliable optical connections while protecting the integrity of the fiber.

Fiber stripping and coating - CJC FIBRE CONSULTANTS [PDF]

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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