34 | SWIFT K33A ALL IN ONE FUSION SPLICER
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With the splicer set to Auto Mode the splicing process initiates once the fi ber is placed in
the splicing chamber and the wind cover is closed. The follow-on process below can be
monitored by looking at the display screen of the K33A.
The fi bers loaded in the splicer move into position for the initial fi ber cleaning arc to
remove any debris or dirt on the fi ber. The splicer will the checks cleaved angle, end-face
quality and presence of dust. If the measured cleaved angle is bigger than the preset limit
value or any damage of the fi ber is discovered, an error message appears on the screen
and the splice process stops. Though no error message appears on the screen, visual
inspection on cross section is recommended as the process stops.
Optical fi bers are then aligned core to core after inspection. Deviation on clad axis and
deviation measured on core axis can be displayed on screen.
After the fi bers are successfully aligned the arcing process initiates and the fi bers are
fused together to complete the splicing process.
After splice completes, the estimated loss value is calculated by the software and
displayed on screen. Estimated value of splice loss is subject to various factors related
to error. These factors related to error affect estimation and calculation of estimated
loss value as well. Calculation of estimated loss is based on factors such as MFD. When
estimated loss value exceeds the preset limitation, error message is displayed on the
screen. The error message is also displayed when the spliced optical fi ber is too thick
or thin or when bubbles are generated on the splice joint. Even when there is no error
message displayed it is recommended arc the splice again when the splice result on
screen is not within accepted standards. A splice can be arced up 5 times if needed.
Splice results and their associated properties are saved as follows. 10K splice records are
stored on the K33A.
FIBER SPLICING PROCESS AND LCD DISPLAY VALUES
The sleeve heater is used to shrink an industry standard reinforced shrink sleeve to protect
the new fusion splice and ensure that it remains protected once it is placed into service.
It is important to properly place the shrink sleeve centered over the new fusion splice into
the heating unit in the appropriate location based upon what size shrink sleeve is being
used or is a splice on connector is being used. Once the fi ber is placed into the heater
close the door.
Choose the correct heater mode based on the length of the shrink sleeve or choose
the proper connector type if using an SOC. Position the spliced point in the middle of
the shrink sleeve tube. Then insert the fi ber and shrink sleeve into the heater placing
the sleeve tube at the size based corresponding position based on the shrink tube
size with the reinforcement member facing downward to it lays on the oven fl oor. (ie.-
40mm,60mm, SOC).
If the incorrect heater mode is selected the sleeve tube may not shrink properly or the
fi ber outer jacket may blister.
If using a SOC (Splice-On-Connector) it should be placed
on the right-side edge of the heater in order to line up the right end of the sleeve tube to
the right-side edge of the heater as shown on the picture below (Right picture).
If SOC is
placed in the middle or on the left side, sleeve tube of the SOC does NOT shrink.
K33A SLEEVE HEATER USE
SUBJECT
DESCRIPTION
Applicable Cable Diameter
250um, 900um, 2.0mm~3.0mm
Sleeve
Length 20~60mm
Sleeving Timing
5~150 sec
Heat Temp. Range
130
o
C~200
o
C
(HEATING TYPE)
OPTICAL FIBER
SOC CONNECTOR
