FiberFin

Transforming the World to Polymer Optical Fiber

Contact FiberFin

Hot Plate Termination

Hot Plate Termination

TERMINATION TECHNIQUES

Hot Plate Termination
Melting POF Fiber for termination
Process
The heating pad or mirror plate of the hot plate device, operates in the temperature range of 150 °C to 200 °C. When the connector comes in contact with the heating pad it melts the resin in POF fiber and fills the voids of the chamfer in the connector. The end of the POF fiber conforms the mirror finish of the Hot Plate heating pad surface.

Advantages
• Speed – Moderate finishing time
• Good finish
• Moderate equipment cost

Disadvantages
• Skill Intensive for consistent results
• 110 volt finishing tools
• Special connectors
• Costs

Necessary Supplies
• Wire cutter 
• Wire strippers
• 10x magnifying glass (minimum requirements)
• A good light source
• A clean work area with 110 volt power
Hot Plate Connectors
• Hot melt connectors are made with a chamfer to accept the melted resin from the access fiber to flow away from the core and the have the connector be flush with the terminal end of the connector

Termination Procedure
• Cut your POF cable to the desired length
• Leave about 10 mm extra for cutting / finishing errors
• Follow the manufacture’s recommendations for strip length.
• Assemble fiber into connector using necessary procedure 
• Plug in the hot plate and let warm up for about 2 minutes
• Place connector assembly in the connector holder.
• Press connector lightly against mirror finish on hot plate (a red light will turn on) and continue to hold for 6-8 seconds (a green light will turn on).
• Continue to hold the connector against the hot plate for at least 4 seconds after the green light turns on to give the connector time to cool and cure. 
• Remove connector and inspect polished surface.
   

.