Smart single fiber active cladding alignment fusion splicer launched

Connectivity and splicing technology company, Fujikura Europe, has announced the launch of its latest single fiber active cladding alignment fusion splicer. Designed for FTTX applications, the next-gen smart 41S splicer boasts innovative features in a compact and robust package.

Wirelessly connecting to the CT50 fiber cleaver using Bluetooth technology, the 41S enables a range of pioneering functions that will improve the overall installation time, cost and efficiency for operators. Compared to its predecessor the 22S, the 41S has been upgraded and offers installers the convenience of a five inch color touch panel display, improved v-groove illumination and the benefit of easy splice protector positioning. The machine re-assures users of reliable splice results using CORE loss estimation using Warm Image Splicing Technology.

The issue of poor fiber cleaving due to worn, incorrectly adjusted or damaged cleaver blades is conveniently dealt with. When the 41S detects a high cleave angle or bad end shape, it sends a blade position change instruction to the cleaver. The CT50 cleaver then rotates the cleaver blade automatically to the next position, restoring optimum cleaving performance.

By utilising the low radio power of Bluetooth technology, other equipment nearby will not be interfered with. Operators can benefit from the ‘always on’ technology due to the low power consumption of the Bluetooth, which means that batteries can last for several months.

Neil Bessant at Fujikura Europe, stated: “To ensure optimum results, fibers need to be spliced in a safe, hassle free and efficient manner to avoid unnecessary, extra work for operators. Cleaving fibers using a cleaver without the benefit of wireless connectivity for an operator is a tricky, and often a less than successful game to play. If multiple errors are made it leads to increased costs to replace the fibers, as well as lost time and ultimately a decrease in overall optical performance.

“Our latest addition to the splicing family, the 41S, is flexible, smart and efficient and therefore makes a huge difference to this process. The easy-to-handle qualities of the solution means quick and simple splicing, with performance never being compromised.”

In addition to cleave performance, the smart splicer can also wirelessly monitor battery and power usage of the CT50 cleaver. The 41S comes enabled with a touch screen menu as standard, but also maintains the traditional easy-to-use hard button navigation system. The splicer retains all of the unique features from the current high performance flagship line up of Fujikura splicers, including: quick splice and heat times, fully ruggedized features, and user customizable settings.

The 41S, along with a full range of Fujikura Europe’s fiber optic solutions, will first be displayed at ECOC (European Conference on Optical Communication) in Rome, Italy from the 24th to 26th September 2018.