Comparison of four basic categories of Optical Fiber Connection

Over the past decade, the optical fiber industry has made great progress. However, there are a lot of end-to-end technologies, products, processes and programs to choose from. It is very difficult to choose a suitable solution in the application, at the same time, it will also affect the speed of work and the effective use of costs. Advances in machine and die-making tolerances, factory automation, and adhesives provide a wide range of options for fiber optic connector technology. It also makes the client operation easier and cheaper. Optical fiber ends are divided into the following four basic categories: 1. Non-epoxy/non-polished
2. Non-epoxy/polishing type <BR> 3. epoxy/polishing type
4. Pigtails
The proper application of these technologies will help reduce the installation cost of the optical fiber network. Because there is no "general-purpose" solution, it is entirely possible and recommended to use multiple technologies in the same network layout. To select an appropriate terminal device during each installation process, the key is to find out the benefits and advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
Many enterprises adopt multiple technologies based on their actual application needs. For example, some enterprises use epoxy/polished optical fiber connectors in indoor installation layout, while non-epoxy/non-polished optical fiber connectors at the egress end. Similarly, non-epoxy/non-polished optical fiber connectors are provided to professional testers to quickly replace fiber connectors that do not meet specifications during testing, this makes sense to quickly complete the detection process.
Two main factors in the cost of Fiber Connector installation are labor cost working hours, training hours and experience) and material cost optical fiber connectors, tools and materials consumed ). Therefore, when you need to pay a higher wage rate, it is very advantageous to adopt a technology that can obtain the minimum training time and equipment installation time.
As the basis for comparison, when selecting the connection technology, consider these factors that affect the installation cost of the terminal. For ease of discussion, it is assumed that all technologies require alcohol and erasers as material consumption, as well as cable preparation tools, transmission times, and essential cables.
Arrangement refers to the preparation time before the first optical fiber connector is installed to the terminal location. This includes distributing necessary tools and dryers, setting the end-to-end areas, and preparing consumable materials.
Installation refers to the time spent connecting the first optical fiber connector to the optical fiber. This includes steps required to remove the buffer layer, adhesive gluing and curing, polishing, and crimping to install and test the terminal in order to obtain a testable end-to-end status.
Materials include cost of Fiber Connector components, as well as material cost of adhesive and sandpaper used for any protection hardware and as essential tools ).
Skill is also a factor, because installation of all optical fiber connectors requires a certain degree of training, and some technologies need to be mastered by skilled technical personnel, other technologies can be operated on the site only after simple training by the installer. High skills usually require higher labor costs when calculated by hours.
Regardless of which Fiber Connector technology you choose, the most important factor to consider is the use of fiber connectors that meet or exceed ANSI/TIA/EIA-568B.3 standards.
In addition, factors that must be taken into account when selecting an optical fiber connection model include user selection, product availability, product familiarity, and performance requirements. These factors may require a combination that does not minimize costs. Non-epoxy/non-polished Optical Fiber Connector
Non-epoxy/non-polished optical fiber connectors make the existing end connection technology the easiest to operate and the fastest. You only need to strip the outer skin of the optical fiber and cut it and insert it into the optical fiber connector. A pre-polished short pin is contained in the ferrule of the optical fiber connector. After these operations are completed, an optical fiber connector with built-in Yang mechanical connection and high-quality face is formed. This Optical Fiber Connector can provide excellent back-to-wave Loss Performance for the on-site optical fiber connector.
These optical fiber connectors are best used for a layout with less than 24 optical fiber cables), such as small building trunk lines or work area egress ends. They are also easy to maintain, repair, and can be moved, increased, and changed on a small scale. If you need to pay a higher salary and have a group of unskilled operators or a group of workers that do not coordinate with each other, You want to quickly train employees and install the equipment. However, the fact is that only a short optical fiber can be successfully connected.
Layout: it takes about five minutes for each polished laying.
Installation: it takes about two minutes to lock and polish each fiber.
MATERIALS: the cost of purchasing Fiber Connector components is not high, and expensive materials such as oven, epoxy resin or adhesive are not required. Because different fiber optic connector models are required, you need a complete set of polishing tools and some jigs, sandpaper and matching liquid consumables, as well as a proper amount of investment capital.
Skills: although non-epoxy or non-polished technologies also require locking mechanisms, the training volume and skill demand will increase as a result of the polishing process. It takes you a little time to develop a "feeling" to learn how to use this technology.
Non-epoxy/polished optical fiber connectors lock the optical fiber to the ring by bending and clamping structure, so that epoxy resin is no longer needed. Subsequently, the excess optical fiber is cut along the end face and polished to develop a practical optical fiber connector. This is a very popular choice, because it can eliminate the two major complaints in the industry: the demand for Hybrid/applied epoxy resin, as well as the requirements for maintenance devices, the oven or lamp also need power supply ).
Non-epoxy/polishing technology is best used for the layout of 24 to 48 optical fiber cables. It can be used for hybrid trunk and fiber-to-desktop projects. This technology is also applicable to scenarios with multiple optical fibers and less optical fibers. If you have a proper labor cost, a reasonable training venue, and a well-trained labor force, this solution is ideal. This solution enables the maximum flexibility of a technology to be realized, as well as a good balance between material and labor costs.
Layout: no hand-held tools, no baking box heating, training venues, and material consumption.
Installation: no matter how many connections are required, each optical fiber installation takes less than one minute.
Material: The maximum cost is required for each set of Optical Fiber Connector components. Because some work, such as polishing, has been completed in the factory, but may require the lowest labor cost. Some Optical fiber connectors require special tools, but these tools are usually hand-held and cheaper.
Skills: you only need a minimum amount of training to learn how to "peel, cut, and connect" programs. The installation process allows you to take advantage of unskilled labor more quickly. If the replacement frequency of technicians is high, or the optical fiber connection terminal is limited, it is best to use epoxy or non-polished optical fiber connectors.
Epoxy/polished Optical Fiber Connector
There are two solutions for this technology: Hot curing, which requires 20 minutes or longer baking in the oven: And quick curing. This solution uses epoxy resin that can be quickly cured, for example, cyanic acrylate. Both solutions can be used to connect multiple optical fiber cables over 48 optical fiber cables at a single position.
When applying such technologies, other optical fiber connectors can be solidified at the same time by creating a production assembly to compensate for the time of the arrangement and solidification extension. Obviously, installing a curing and Polishing Device in each work zone is troublesome and time-consuming. The Quick Curing Adhesive can be used to shorten the curing time to a considerable extent. Generally, they can be completed within two minutes without the use of oven and power. However, such adhesives consume more expensive materials and must be used quickly. If you have a low labor cost and a stable and well-trained installer, this fiber optic connector will be your best choice.
Arrangement: it takes about 10 minutes. Because the adhesive and grinding machine need to be prepared in advance.
Installation: it takes about 25 minutes to install a single optical fiber connector. However, if a large number of fiber optic connectors are installed in a single position, the average installation time of each fiber optic connector is 3 to 5 minutes.
Cost: epoxy/polished Optical Fiber Connector only costs the lowest cost of Optical Fiber Connector components, but also needs to invest in the purchase of curing oven and grinding platform. In addition, the cost of materials such as adhesives, matching fluids, and sandpaper needs to be considered. For the above reasons, if these costs are spent on the manufacture of a large number of fiber optic connectors, it is more economical and cost-effective.
Skills: although these technologies are not difficult to learn, they require a lot of time training, especially the adhesive application and fiber optic connector polishing technology. These skills take time to master and must be understood in production for continuous positive effects. Therefore, if you have a team of well-trained installers with a low labor flow frequency and a low labor cost, this technology is suitable for you. Because it takes time and a high wage rate, this affects the cost-effectiveness of the technology.
Pigtail Fusion
Unlike optical fiber cables connected to the site, some installers weld pigtails to the installed optical fiber cables, which are basically at the end of the connection line ). This technology can eliminate concerns about epoxy resin, manual tools, or curing time. However, pigtails need to be connected to the installed optical fiber by means of splices. Once the fusion connector is connected, you can install the polished fiber connector for the factory.
If you have already invested in a fusion Splicer, it makes sense to use pigtails. The installation process is therefore accelerated, and the results are consistent with those of epoxy/polished optical fiber connectors. Today's lightweight splitters are smaller and cheaper than the previous generation, but it still costs several US dollars. If it takes only a few days or less, it is more cost-effective to rent a melting machine. Because pigtails and plug-in wires are usually produced in batches, the cost of this technology is a little higher than that of epoxy or polished Optical Fiber Connector components, but no assembly is required, you do not need to install the terminal wiring staff. If you need to connect to a large number of optical fibers, this technology is more practical.
Layout: it takes about 5 minutes to install a melting machine in each workplace. Although many melting splices contain built-in battery power supplies, they usually need to be equipped with an external power supply or each machine is equipped with a power extension line ).
Installation: Preparation and fusion take about 2 minutes for each optical fiber.
MATERIALS: The biggest cost is the purchase cost and maintenance cost of the melting machine. However, once the funds required for the device have been invested, the net cost required for each subsequent terminal connection will be reduced. Each joint must be protected by a protective material, which can be heat shrinkable or sealed material and must be separately equipped with pallets. These increase the cost of materials and fixed assets, such as storage space. Pigtails must be purchased separately. If you choose to purchase from multiple suppliers, the cost is usually reduced. However, we should keep in mind that we should purchase the goods from well-known manufacturers and suppliers with good after-sales services. This is a technology with high investment capital and low material cost.
Skills: training and skills are required to use the fusion Splicer. However, Swiss fusion can easily achieve good installation results by placing optical fiber cables on the machine.