September 19, 2025
Fiber patch cords (Fiber Patch Cords) are an indispensable component in modern communication networks and data center construction. With the ever-increasing demand for network bandwidth, the production process for high-quality fiber patch cords is also constantly evolving. The Fiber Patch Cord Manufacturing Machine (Fiber Patch Cord Manufacturing Machine) emerged in this context. Known for its high-precision, automated, multi-stage process, it significantly improves fiber end face processing quality and production efficiency.
Fiber patch cord production is more than simply cutting the fiber and assembling the connector. The processing is highly sophisticated and typically involves multiple steps:
Fiber raw material must first be stripped of its outer jacket and coating, exposing the core and cladding. The stripping machine uses precise control to ensure the stripping length and fiber is intact, while also preventing burrs. Subsequently, ultrasonic or chemical cleaning processes are used to remove microscopic impurities from the fiber surface, laying the foundation for subsequent end face processing.
After stripping, the optical fiber needs to be precisely cut at the specified length. The Fiber Patch Cord Manufacturing Machine utilizes high-precision cutting blades or laser cutting technology to achieve a smooth cut surface, preventing cracks or breaks. This stage, considered the "roughing" of the multi-stage process, ensures the stability of the final end-face's optical performance.
The quality of the fiber end-face directly affects the insertion loss and return loss of the connector. Modern fiber processing machines are equipped with automatic end-face curvature adjustment systems (APC/PC end-face polishing), which precisely control the spherical radius of the fiber end-face for optimal optical contact. The machine automatically adjusts the polishing angle and curvature using preset parameters and high-precision pressure sensors, achieving micron-level smoothness for each fiber end-face.
Automated fiber end-face inspection systems use microscopes or laser scanning technology to comprehensively inspect the fiber end-face for curvature, eccentricity, scratches, and burrs. Real-time feedback is provided to the control system, automatically rejecting unqualified products and ensuring the high reliability of the fiber patch cords shipped.
After end-face processing, the fiber is precisely assembled with the connector and subjected to final inspection using an optical power meter or optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) to ensure that insertion loss and return loss meet standard requirements. The entire process is highly automated, reducing manual errors and improving production consistency.
The curvature of fiber end faces (especially APC end faces) significantly impacts fiber transmission performance. Insufficient or uneven curvature can lead to increased reflection echo and insertion loss, further impacting the stability of the entire optical network. The Fiber Patch Cord Manufacturing Machine utilizes an automatic curvature adjustment system to not only ensure end-face accuracy but also improve processing efficiency, making it particularly suitable for high-volume production environments.