KLOTZ fiber optic
polishing – a key quality criterion
The physical contact between the ferrule ends of a connector is essential to optimum and consistent signal transmission, and requires high-precision polishing. Only the use of high-precision automatic polishing machines can guarantee optimum surface quality.
The polishing stage, in which the ferrule ends are polished using a variety of polishing sheets, sealing pressures and time cycles, is the most complex and challenging step in producing high-quality fibre optic cables. Various polishing processes are necessary depending on the connector type.
For optimum results, the required polishing parameters have been determined for each connector type in extensive testing series:
• Number and duration of polishing cycles
• Hardness of polishing pad per cycle
• Surface roughness of the polishing sheet per cycle
• Connector sealing pressure Quality testing
A video microscope with up to 400x enlargement is used in two-dimensional surface analysis. Automatic fault identification systems find and evaluate the smallest scratches, abrasions, traces of adhesive or contamination. Professional three-dimensional evaluations of ferrule endface geometries are performed using an interferometer.
The device delivers ultra-high-precision measurements of ferrule tip rounding, projections or recesses, and the central positioning of the fibres. All parameters are evaluated to international standards to provide an automatic pass/fail evaluation of the test specimen.
KLOTZ fiber optic
certified quality management system
However, both these categories are only an indirect indication of the key criterion to be tested in an FO cable: optical attenuation, which must naturally be minimized.
All premade optical fibres are tested on our FO test rig, using the optical wavelengths for each fibre type to check optical attenuation. The optical characteristics of the fibre optic cable are documented in line with IEC standards.
The cable’s attenuation values enable its compliance with the “power loss budget”of optical signal distribution to be checked. The measurement report is supplied with the finished cable.
Quality control of all our products is our undertaking of quality to our customers. The “Made in Germany” label, together with the outstanding quality of our products, has brought international prestige to the name of KLOTZ AIS. Reference customers all over the world bear witness to the trust our customers place in our products.
To ensure these high quality standards are safeguarded in the future, we continuously optimize all our production phases by using state-of-the-art testing equipment. Our in-house quality testing ensures that all customers always receive products that are flawless and have been thoroughly function tested.
All areas of KLOTZ AIS are certified under the ISO9001 :2015 standard for quality management systems. Relevant areas are inspected regularly to ensure we consistently maintain our rigorous quality standards.
