What is the optimal fiber optic polishing film for your connectors?

2 Polishing Film Grades

Another factor that you need to consider when choosing your fiber optic polishing film is the grade, which indicates the particle size of the abrasive material. The grade is usually expressed in microns (μm) or grits, and it determines the polishing speed and quality. The lower the grade, the larger the particle size, and the faster the polishing rate. However, larger particles also create more scratches and defects on the fiber surface, which can affect the optical performance of the connectors. Therefore, you need to balance the trade-off between speed and quality, and use different grades of polishing film for different stages of the polishing process. Typically, you would start with a coarse grade (e.g. 9 μm or 1200 grit) to remove the excess epoxy and glass, and then progressively switch to finer grades (e.g. 3 μm or 4000 grit, 1 μm or 8000 grit, 0.3 μm or 12000 grit) to eliminate the scratches and achieve a smooth finish.

3 Polishing Film Parameters

When polishing fiber end faces, it is important to pay attention to the type and grade of the polishing film, as well as other parameters such as pressure, speed, and time. Pressure should be adjusted according to the type and grade of the polishing film, connector geometry, and material; speed should be optimized to achieve a uniform and efficient polishing without generating too much heat or friction; and time should be monitored and controlled to ensure that the polishing is completed within the specified range. Too much pressure can cause excessive material removal and damage the fiber, too high speed can cause overheating and melting of the epoxy and film, while over-polishing can lead to fiber undercut. Conversely, too little pressure can result in insufficient polishing, too low speed can prolong the polishing time, and under-polishing can leave behind epoxy residue and scratches.

4 Polishing Film Maintenance

For optimal performance and longevity of your fiber optic polishing film, it's important to follow some basic maintenance practices, such as cleaning the film regularly with a soft brush, lint-free cloth, or compressed air. You can also use isopropyl alcohol to remove any stubborn epoxy residue. It's also important to store the film in a clean, dry, and cool place, away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture. Additionally, you should avoid bending, folding, or creasing the film. When the film starts to show signs of wear, tear, or deterioration such as loss of abrasiveness or smoothness, change of color or appearance, formation of cracks, holes, or bubbles, or increase of insertion loss or back reflection you should replace it. Inspecting the film before and after each use and discarding it if it is no longer effective will help ensure the quality and reliability of your fiber optic connectors.

5 Polishing Film Selection

When selecting the optimal fiber optic polishing film for your connectors, you should first determine the connector type and specification, such as single-mode or multimode, flat or angled, standard or high-precision. Then, select the appropriate polishing film type based on the connector type and specification, such as SiC, Al2O3, or diamond. After that, choose the suitable polishing film grade based on the polishing stage and the desired surface finish. Additionally, adjust the optimal polishing film parameters according to the polishing film type and grade. Finally, follow the recommended polishing film maintenance practices based on the polishing film type and condition. By following these steps, you can ensure that you use the optimal fiber optic polishing film for your connectors and achieve superior optical performance and quality for your network.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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