3SAE PentaPod Fusion Splicer (PFS)

Features

• Specifically designed to accurately splice end-caps to fibres for R&D and production environments.
• The PFS can also be used to perform bundle-to-fiber splices of various diameters, and dissimilar fiber sizes.
• 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™.
Fibres, bundles and end-caps are fixtured in removable, interchangeable carriages that can be customised to specific applications.
• Accurate control of the vertical alignment of the ROF with respect to the components being spliced 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.

Introduction

The rapid evolution of fiber laser technology and the increasing need for high-power fiber laser component manufacturing call for a specialized, economical, and high-performance fusion splicer. This device should exceed the capabilities of conventional production fusion splicers and glass processing equipment, catering to both production and research environments while meeting the exacting standards of fiber laser fabrication.

Introducing the 3SAE PentaPod Fusion Splicer (PFS), a groundbreaking tabletop fusion splicer that overcomes the limitations of current angle-critical fusion splicing processes. It is designed to meet the most stringent requirements in high-power fiber laser component production. This semi-automated fusion splicing station offers an unparalleled range of positional adjustments compared to traditional splicers. The PFS is engineered for large-scale production, consistency, precision, and user-friendly operation, all while maintaining exceptional splice quality.

At the heart of the PFS are 3SAE's patented PentaPod® alignment stages, featuring 12 distinct positional axes that provide unprecedented control over the splicing material. The system also incorporates the latest 3rd generation Ring of Fire® heat source, which generates a highly controllable plasma field that fully envelops the component being spliced. This ensures uniform circumferential heat distribution, resulting in a consistent and repeatable fusion splicing process.

The 3SAE PentaPod Fusion Splicer distinguishes itself from existing technologies through its combination of precision mechanical design, high-contrast optics, absolute control of relative positional and angular alignment, and a next-generation, highly stable ROF® plasma source. Furthermore, the incorporation of new splice scanning technology enables detailed analysis of splice quality, further enhancing its capabilities and setting a new standard in the field of fusion splicing.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 398 (W) x 305 (D) x 250 (H) mm
• Weight: ~13.6 kg
• Power Source: (1) 24VDC, 8.3A
• Control / Operation: Included high -performance Windows PC
• Glass Diameter: 125um to 2.5mm
• Slice Programs: > 100
• Splice Data Storage: Gigabits