3SAE End-Cap Fusion Splicer (ECS)

3SAE End-Cap Fusion Splicer (ECS)

The rapid developments in fiber laser technologies and the increased demand of high-power fiber laser component fabrication has created the need for a dedicated and cost-effective end-cap splicer. It must be capable of processes outside of those available with standard production fusion splicers and glass processing equipment. These new capabilities must be ideal for production and R&D environments yet sophisticated enough to satisfy the stringent requirements of fiber laser fabrication.

3SAE Technologies End-Cap Splicer™ (ECS) is the world's first portable end-cap fusion splicer that provides capabilities that overcome the limitations of current end-cap splicing processes to meet the most demanding requirements for the high-power fiber laser component fabrication. The ECS was specially designed for volume production, repeatability , precision and user-friendly operation while maintaining unprecedented end-cap splice quality.

The ECS leverages 3SAE's patented PentaPod™ alignment stages and latest 3rd generation Ring of Fire® heat source. With the combination of a precision mechanical design, high contrast optics, absolute control of relative positional and angular fiber-to-endcap alignment, and a next generation highly stable ROF plasma source, sets the ECS apart from any existing technologies. Additionally, a new splice scanning technology provides a detailed analysis of the splice quality and facilitates 3SAE's “Curvature-Based Thermal Splice Calibration™.”

Product Features 

• Specifically designed to accurately splice end-caps to fibers for R&D and production environments.
• The ECS can also be used to perform bundle-to-fiber splices of various diameters.
• The unique, patented PentaPod™ alignment stages are compact, rigid, and stable.
• Both the fiber and end-cap stages provide individual alignment in X, Y, and Z as well as Pitch, Yaw, and Theta yielding 6-axes of motion control (X, Y, Z, Xϴ, Yϴ, Zϴ) per side.
• ±6mm of relative linear alignment (X, Y, Z axes) with positional accuracy <0.1μm.
• ±6°of angular alignment (Xϴ, Yϴ, Zϴ axes) with positional accuracy <0.01°.
• A new implementation of the 3SAE Ring of Fire® (ROF) technology provides superior thermal stability for applications from 125μm to 2.5mm fiber diameter.
• Sophisticated machine vision provides the highest alignment quality and facilitates detailed process evaluation. Two Orthogonal (X & Y) live views of the splice during the splicing process.
• New splice scanning technology provides a detailed analysis of the splice quality and facilitates 3SAE’s Curvature Based Thermal Splice Calibration™.
• Fiber and end-cap are fixtured in removeable, interchangeable carriages that can be customized to specific applications.
• Accurate control of the vertical alignment of the ROF with respect to the end-cap & fiber ensures even circumferential thermal distribution during the splice.
• Highly flexible splice process allows continuous control of arc temperature and fiber placement during the splice.
• Pre & post splice data export for convenient splice tracking and data analysis.
• An optional, integrated active feedback module is available facilitating output beam steering during the splicing process.

Technical Specification

• Dimensions: 398 (W) x 305 (D) x 250 (H) mm
• Weight: ~27lbs
• Power Source: (1) 24VDC, 8.3A
• Control / Operation: Included high -performance Windows PC
• Glass Diameter: 125um to 2.5mm • Slice Programs: > 1000
• Splice Data Storage: Max. 20,000

Standard Package and Accessories

• ECS Main Body
• (1) Left FH Carriage
• (1) Right FH Carriage
• (1) AC Adapter
• (1) AC Power Cord
• (1) Spare set of ROF electrodes
• (1) Electrode Cleaning Disk
• User Manual
• 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
• PC/Monitor with all necessary software, accessories and interconnect cables.

Accessories

• Left ECS Fiber Holders: 250um, 400um, 700um, 1000um, 1500um, 2000um, 2500um
• Right ECS Fiber Holders: 250um, 400um, 700um, 1000um, 1500um, 2000um, 2500um
• Right ECS End-Cap Holders: 1.1-7mm & 5-12mm (all are non-vacuum)
• Vacuum based end-cap holding system for supporting end-caps during splicing (will support most end-caps <10mm in length)
• Hard Transport Case