As a supplier of fiber optic strippers, one question I often encounter from customers is whether a fiber optic stripper can be used on armored fibers. This is a crucial query, as the answer can significantly impact the efficiency and safety of fiber optic cable installation and maintenance. In this blog, I'll delve into the technical aspects of this question, discuss the compatibility of fiber optic strippers with armored fibers, and provide some practical insights based on my experience in the industry.
Understanding Armored Fibers
Before we can determine whether a fiber optic stripper can be used on armored fibers, it's essential to understand what armored fibers are and why they are used. Armored fibers are fiber optic cables that are protected by an additional layer of armor, typically made of metal or a composite material. This armor provides extra protection against physical damage, such as crushing, abrasion, and rodent bites, making armored fibers ideal for use in harsh environments or areas where the cable is likely to be exposed to mechanical stress.
There are two main types of armored fibers: loose-tube and tight-buffered. Loose-tube armored fibers consist of a central strength member surrounded by multiple loose tubes, each containing one or more optical fibers. The loose tubes are filled with a gel or foam to protect the fibers from moisture and mechanical stress. Tight-buffered armored fibers, on the other hand, have a single buffer layer directly surrounding each optical fiber, providing a more compact and flexible cable design.
The Function of Fiber Optic Strippers
Fiber optic strippers are specialized tools designed to remove the outer jacket, buffer layer, and coating from fiber optic cables, exposing the bare optical fiber for splicing or termination. These tools come in various types and designs, each tailored to specific cable types and stripping requirements. Some common types of fiber optic strippers include mechanical strippers, thermal strippers, and chemical strippers.
Mechanical strippers use a cutting blade or a set of jaws to physically remove the outer layers of the cable. These strippers are typically the most common type and are suitable for a wide range of cable types and sizes. Thermal strippers, on the other hand, use heat to soften the cable coating, making it easier to remove. These strippers are often used for stripping tight-buffered cables or cables with a high-temperature-resistant coating. Chemical strippers use a chemical solution to dissolve the cable coating, leaving the bare optical fiber intact. These strippers are typically used for stripping cables with a difficult-to-remove coating or for applications where precision stripping is required.
Compatibility of Fiber Optic Strippers with Armored Fibers
The compatibility of fiber optic strippers with armored fibers depends on several factors, including the type of armor, the cable construction, and the stripping method. In general, most fiber optic strippers are designed to work with standard fiber optic cables and may not be suitable for use on armored fibers without modification.
One of the main challenges of stripping armored fibers is the presence of the armor layer, which can be difficult to cut or remove without damaging the underlying optical fibers. Some armored fibers have a metal armor layer that is too thick or hard to be cut by a standard fiber optic stripper. In these cases, a specialized tool, such as an Open Cable Cutter, may be required to remove the armor layer before stripping the cable.
Another challenge of stripping armored fibers is the potential for damage to the optical fibers during the stripping process. The armor layer can cause the cable to be more rigid and less flexible, making it more difficult to manipulate the cable without bending or breaking the optical fibers. Additionally, the stripping process can generate heat or mechanical stress, which can damage the optical fibers if not properly controlled.
Practical Considerations for Stripping Armored Fibers
If you need to strip armored fibers, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind to ensure a successful stripping process. Here are some tips to help you strip armored fibers safely and effectively:
- Choose the Right Tool: As mentioned earlier, most standard fiber optic strippers may not be suitable for use on armored fibers. It's important to choose a tool that is specifically designed for stripping armored fibers or that can be modified to work with these cables. Some specialized tools, such as the Wire Stripper Stainless Steel or the Optical Cable Slitter Wire Stripper, are designed to cut through the armor layer and strip the cable without damaging the optical fibers.
- Prepare the Cable: Before stripping the cable, it's important to prepare the cable by removing any excess armor or debris from the cable end. This can help to prevent damage to the optical fibers during the stripping process. You can use a pair of scissors or a knife to trim the armor layer to the desired length.
- Use the Right Technique: When stripping armored fibers, it's important to use the right technique to minimize the risk of damage to the optical fibers. Start by making a small cut in the armor layer using a sharp blade or a specialized tool. Then, carefully peel back the armor layer to expose the underlying cable. Once the armor layer has been removed, you can use a fiber optic stripper to remove the outer jacket, buffer layer, and coating from the cable.
- Inspect the Fibers: After stripping the cable, it's important to inspect the optical fibers to ensure that they are not damaged. You can use a microscope or a fiber optic inspection scope to check the fibers for any signs of damage, such as cracks, breaks, or scratches. If you notice any damage to the fibers, you may need to repeat the stripping process or replace the cable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to use a fiber optic stripper on armored fibers, it is important to choose the right tool and technique to ensure a successful stripping process. Most standard fiber optic strippers may not be suitable for use on armored fibers without modification, and a specialized tool may be required to remove the armor layer before stripping the cable. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this blog, you can strip armored fibers safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of damage to the optical fibers and ensuring a reliable fiber optic network.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with stripping armored fibers or any other fiber optic cable installation or maintenance tasks, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are a leading supplier of fiber optic strippers and other fiber optic tools and equipment, and we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you with your fiber optic needs.
References
- "Fiber Optic Cable Installation and Maintenance Handbook," Second Edition, by R. Dean Anthony
- "Fiber Optic Test and Measurement," Second Edition, by John M. Senior
- "Optical Fiber Communication Systems," Fourth Edition, by Gerd Keiser
