Fusion Splicing
7-1
7.
Fusion Splicing
7.1. Basic Splicing
7.1.1.
Arc Check
Because fibers melt or fuse at different temperatures, it is necessary to adjust
the arc power to ensure optimum splicing results. Electrode wear can also affect
the splicing results. Therefore, an Arc Check should be performed everyday
prior to initial use of the machine, or when high splice losses are observed.
1. Open the windshield and load fibers. Ensure that the fibers are properly
stripped, cleaned and cleaved. Refer to
“Preparing the Fiber” for detail.
2. Close the windshield.
3. Select
“Arc Check” in the Menu screen and press Enter key.
4. The S178 Ver.2 fusion splicer automatically feeds the fibers and discharges
an arc.
5.
During the arc discharge, the fiber feeding motors of the S178 Ver.2 fusion
splicer remains idle, preventing the fiber ends from butting. As a result, the
fiber ends melt back.
The arc check function inspects how far the fibers melt back and the
centered position of the fiber is located. If the arc check results are good,
the message “RESULT: OK” is displayed in the pop-up window. Press OK
key to return to the Menu screen.
If the results of the arc check fails,
“RESULT: NG Try again” is displayed.
Press Retry and the machine will automatically adjust the arc power, and
then return to the Menu screen.
5. When NG is ahown, repeat the arc check to determine the new values until
they are acceptable. It is necessary to remove the fibers and re-prepare
them again with a new cleave before performing next arc check. If
unsatisfactory results are obtained after four (4) arc check attempts, inspect
the electrodes for wear or damage, and replace them if necessary.
A visual arc check can be made by viewing the arc on the monitor by pressing
key. Electrode discharge
should produce a straight and steady arc. Swaying in the arc indicates that the electrodes require either
cleaning or replacing.
When the
“Data Output” in the “Parameter” of “Setting” menu is set “Active” or “PC”, detailed arc check data is
shown in the result. Pressing Optimize key enables automatic adjustment for the arc power, while Cancel key
does not adjust or complete the arc check.
“
RETREAT AAA(BBB-CCC)
AAA: Melt back value
BBB: Lowest allowable value
CCC: Highest allowable value
POWER DDD(+EEE)
→
FFF
DDD: Recommended arc power
EEE: Compensated value for environment changes
FFF: Current arc power
CENTER GGG (
±
HHH)
→
III
GGG: Current arc center
HHH: Allowable range of arc center
III: Recommended arc center