Step method of mechanical stitching

Mechanical splicing is a method of joining two optical fibers together by using a precision alignment mechanism to position the fibers and a mechanical splice assembly to hold them in place. This is done without the use of heat, adhesive or epoxy. In this article, we will discuss the step method of mechanical splicing.

Step 1: Strip the fiber

The first step in mechanical splicing is to strip the fiber. This involves removing the protective coating from the end of the fiber to expose the bare glass. This can be done using a fiber stripping tool.

Step 2: Clean the fiber

The next step is to clean the fiber. This is done to remove any dust, dirt or other contaminants from the surface of the fiber. This can be done using a lint-free cloth and a cleaning solution.

Step 3: Prepare the splice assembly

The splice assembly consists of a precision alignment mechanism and a mechanical splice holder. The alignment mechanism is used to position the fibers and the splice holder is used to hold them in place. The splice assembly must be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 4: Insert the fiber

The next step is to insert the stripped fiber into the splice assembly. This is done by inserting the fiber into the alignment mechanism until it stops.

Step 5: Secure the fiber

Once the fiber is in the alignment mechanism, the splice holder is used to secure the fiber in place. The splice holder is tightened to hold the fibers securely in place.

Step 6: Check the alignment

After the fibers are secured, the alignment is checked. This is done using a fiber optic microscope to check the position of the fibers in the splice assembly. If the alignment is not correct, the splice holder can be loosened and the fiber can be repositioned.

Step 7: Finish the splice

Once the alignment is correct, the splice holder is tightened to complete the splice. The finished splice is then checked using a fiber optic microscope to ensure that it is clean and free of defects.

Step 8: Test the splice

The final step is to test the splice to ensure that it is working correctly. This can be done using an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) or a light source and power meter.

In conclusion, the step method of mechanical splicing involves stripping and cleaning the fiber, preparing the splice assembly, inserting the fiber, securing the fiber, checking the alignment, finishing the splice, and testing the splice. This method of splicing is simple, quick and reliable, making it a popular choice for many fiber optic applications.