Fujikura FSM-30PF Factory Fusion Splicer for Specialty Optical Fibers

Fujikura FSM-30PF Factory Fusion Splicer for Specialty Optical Fibers

The Fujikura FSM-30PF is a factory-oriented arc fusion splicer designed for joining specialty optical glass fibers used in telecommunications, photonics, component manufacturing, and research applications. It performs automatic core-to-core alignment using a computer-controlled image-processing system and displays an estimated splice loss after the fusion process.

Unlike a conventional field splicer configured primarily for standard telecom fiber, the FSM-30PF provides extensive control of fiber alignment, arc discharge, fiber overlap, tapering, loss estimation, and related process parameters. Replaceable V-grooves, fiber clamps, and magnetic fiber holders allow the splicer to accommodate compatible bare fibers and coated fibers with different cladding or coating diameters.

The FSM-30PF also includes an in-line proof tester, an integrated splice-protection sleeve heater, 25 programmable splice modes, environmental monitoring, an intentional attenuation-splice function, power meter feedback capability, and RS-232C communication. These features make the platform suitable for controlled factory and laboratory workflows involving standard and specialty optical fibers.

Features and Benefits of the Fujikura FSM-30PF

The Fujikura FSM-30PF provides configurable alignment and fusion control for technical users working with optical fibers that may require more specialized processing than standard field-splicing applications.

• Factory-oriented specialty fiber splicing: Designed for controlled fusion splicing of many types of specialty optical glass fibers.
• Automatic core alignment: Uses computer-controlled image processing to perform core-to-core alignment before fusion.
• Core or cladding alignment: Supports selectable alignment methods for fibers with visible or difficult-to-detect core profiles.
• Replaceable V-grooves and clamps: Allows the fiber-holding configuration to be matched to compatible cladding and coating diameters.
• Bare-fiber or coating clamping: Supports long-cleave bare-fiber clamping and short-cleave outer-coating clamping configurations.
• Extensive arc control: Provides adjustable prefuse, primary arc, secondary arc, intermittent arc, re-arc, cleaning arc, taper, gap, and overlap parameters.
• Splice-loss estimation: Evaluates core offset, core angle, core deformation, mode field diameter mismatch, and other supported factors.
• Eccentricity correction: Compensates for cladding self-alignment caused by surface tension when splicing compatible standard single-mode fibers.
• Power meter feedback: Can use compatible external optical power measurements to stop the arc near the minimum measured splice loss.
• Built-in proof tester: Provides an automatic mechanical in-line proof test that can be enabled or disabled through the menu.
• Integrated sleeve heater: Supports compatible 40 mm and 60 mm single-fiber splice-protection sleeves.
• RS-232C communication: Supports transfer of parameters and splice-result data to compatible legacy computer software.

Specialty Optical Fiber Splicing

The FSM-30PF was developed for applications involving specialty optical fibers and dissimilar fiber combinations. Its configurable arc profile can be adjusted for fibers with different mode field diameters, core profiles, cladding diameters, coating dimensions, thermal behavior, and fusion requirements.

Improved arc-discharge control helps minimize splice loss where a substantial mode field diameter mismatch exists. The gap-set position can be shifted away from the arc center to apply more heat to one fiber, such as the fiber with the smaller mode field diameter.

The splicer can also apply a secondary continuous or intermittent arc and configurable tapering. Because optimum settings depend on the actual fiber combination, arc parameters should be developed and verified using representative fibers and suitable optical measurement equipment.

Automatic Core and Cladding Alignment

The FSM-30PF uses image processing to observe the fibers from X and Y directions. For compatible fibers with detectable cores, core alignment minimizes axial core offset before fusion. Cladding alignment is available for multimode fibers, fibers with invisible cores, and other applications where reliable core detection is not possible.

The system can measure and display core and cladding offsets, cleave angles, and core angles. Optional pause settings allow the operator to inspect the prepared fiber ends after gap setting and review fiber alignment before the fusion arc begins.

A manual operating mode is also available. In manual mode, the operator can control the X and Y alignment motors before initiating the arc. Automatic splice-loss estimation is not performed in this mode.

Replaceable V-Grooves, Fiber Clamps, and Holders

Replaceable precision V-grooves and fiber clamps allow the FSM-30PF to be configured for bare-fiber or outer-coating clamping. The selected V-groove, clamp, and holder must match the relevant fiber dimensions because incorrect components can cause unstable positioning and excessive splice loss.

The standard V-30PF-125 V-groove supports bare fibers with cladding diameters from approximately 80 µm to 150 µm. The standard CLAMP-30PF-125 secures bare fibers with cladding diameters from 100 µm to 150 µm. The optional CLAMP-30PF-080 is intended for 80 µm bare fibers.

The V-30PF-250 and CLAMP-30PF-250 are designed for fibers with 250 µm outer coatings. Optional V-30PF-400 and CLAMP-30PF-400 components support compatible fibers with 400 µm outer coatings.

Outer-coating clamping is limited to a maximum coating diameter of 400 µm. Thick coatings can introduce fiber angle and insecure clamping. A 900 µm nylon coating cannot be clamped directly in the outer-coating configuration and must be prepared using an appropriate stripping procedure.

Short-Cleave and High-Tensile Splicing Support

Clamping the outer coating enables short cleave lengths and can support high-tensile splice preparation. With the compatible HJS-02 hot jacket stripper and proper spacer, the standard coating-clamp cleave length is 5.0 mm. Other supported coating-clamp cleave lengths range from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm using the appropriate spacer.

Bare-fiber clamping supports cleave lengths from approximately 13.0 mm to 19.0 mm. A typical 16.0 mm bare-fiber cleave length can be prepared using the compatible hot jacket stripper arrangement without an HJS spacer.

The optional CT-03HT cleaver and HTS-11 stripping tool are identified for compatible high-tensile splice preparation. Final tensile performance depends on the fiber, coating, preparation tools, clamping method, cleave quality, arc parameters, and complete validated process.

Configurable Arc Discharge

The FSM-30PF provides detailed control of the fusion process through 25 programmable splice modes. Each mode can store a dedicated combination of alignment, arc, motor, gap, loss-estimation, and inspection settings.

Adjustable parameters include prefuse power, prefuse time, fiber overlap, primary arc power, primary arc time, final fiber gap, gap-set position, secondary arc power, secondary arc duration, intermittent arc timing, cleaning arc duration, re-arc time, taper speed, taper duration, and taper delay.

The system can use a primary arc followed by a continuous or intermittent secondary arc. This flexibility is valuable when specialty fibers require extended heating, gradual mode field expansion, diffusion, tapering, or other controlled thermal processing.

Arc Test and Arc-Power Calibration

The Arc Test function automatically calibrates arc power. It should be performed before beginning a splicing session and after electrode replacement.

During testing, the system evaluates fiber response at multiple arc levels and calculates the required arc-power correction. Testing is repeated until the splicer displays an acceptable result.

Arc Test calibration applies to all stored splice modes without changing the individual arc-power values shown in each mode. This allows the same nominal process parameters to be maintained while compensating for changes caused by electrode condition and the operating environment.

Eccentricity Correction Function

The Eccentricity Correction Function compensates for movement that can occur when surface tension pulls molten fiber claddings into alignment during fusion. If the fiber cores are eccentric relative to the claddings, this self-alignment can shift the cores away from their pre-arc aligned positions.

ECF calculates an intentional pre-fusion core offset that is expected to be removed by cladding movement during the arc. The resulting correction can reduce splice loss when joining compatible standard single-mode fibers with core eccentricity.

ECF and automatic arc-time control should be disabled when splicing dissimilar fibers or similar specialty fibers unless a validated process confirms that these functions improve the result. Their use with unsuitable fiber combinations can produce inconsistent splice loss.

Splice-Loss Estimation

The FSM-30PF provides several loss-estimation modes for different core and fiber profiles. Available modes include cladding-based estimation, standard single-mode estimation, and specialty modes for fibers with clear core images or different mode field diameters.

Depending on the selected estimation mode, the system can evaluate core axial offset, core angle, core deformation, cladding offset, and mode field diameter mismatch. Adjustable estimating parameters include minimum loss, left and right mode field diameter, core-step factor, core-curvature factor, and mode field diameter mismatch factor.

The displayed value is an estimated splice loss generated from image-based measurements. Actual optical loss should be confirmed with suitable external test equipment when verified splice performance is required.

Power Meter Feedback Splicing

The power meter feedback function can monitor optical power during an extended fusion arc and stop the discharge when the measured splice loss reaches its minimum. This function is especially useful for joining dissimilar fiber types that require long arc durations.

The documented configuration supports an HP 8153A or ILX FPM-8200 optical power meter connected through a compatible National Instruments GPIB-232CT-A converter and Fujikura RS232C-02 cable.

A suitable optical source is launched through the fibers while the external power meter monitors transmission. During fusion, the FSM-30PF observes the reported optical level and stops the arc when the power stops improving or begins to decrease.

When power meter feedback is enabled, the configured arc duration is not used and the splicer does not perform its normal image-based loss estimation after the splice.

In-Line Attenuator Function

The FSM-30PF can intentionally create a controlled high-loss splice for use as an in-line optical attenuator. Instead of minimizing core offset, the system calculates and applies a deliberate axial offset based on the selected target attenuation.

The documented target attenuation range is 1 dB to 15 dB in 1 dB steps. An adjustable factor supports process optimization and fractional target values. The function includes settings for fiber mode, cleaning arc, re-arc duration, final gap, and narrow-gap operation.

The splicer does not estimate the completed loss after an attenuation splice. The actual attenuation should be measured using appropriate calibrated optical test equipment.

Proof Testing and Splice Protection

A mechanical in-line proof tester is integrated into the FSM-30PF. When the proof function is enabled, opening the wind protector after a completed splice initiates the proof-test sequence and returns the Z-axis motors to their home positions.

The built-in tube heater accommodates compatible 40 mm and 60 mm single-fiber protection sleeves. The standard heating timer is 64 seconds and can be adjusted from 64 to 120 seconds in 8-second increments. Heater temperature can be selected from 150 °C to 200 °C in 5 °C increments.

After heating, an internal fan cools the heater and splice protector. The fan continues operating for approximately 12 seconds after the heating cycle has finished.

Splice Memory and RS-232C Communication

The internal memory stores the most recent 30 splice results. Stored information includes the splice mode number, date and time, and estimated loss. Once all memory locations are filled, new results overwrite the oldest records.

The RS-232C interface supports communication at 2400 or 9600 baud. Compatible legacy software can transfer splice parameters between the splicer and a computer or download splice results after each completed operation.

Downloaded data can include the serial number, mode number, mode comment, date and time, cleave angle, core angle, core and cladding offset, estimated loss, splice error, arc count, and total arc count.

Typical Applications

The Fujikura FSM-30PF is suitable for professional applications such as:

• Specialty optical fiber fusion splicing
• Dissimilar fiber splicing
• Fiber optic component manufacturing
• Photonics research and process development
• Mode field diameter transition development
• Optical amplifier and specialty source assembly
• High-tensile fiber splice preparation
• In-line optical attenuator fabrication
• Factory fiber assembly workflows
• Laboratory fusion process optimization
• Optical sensor development
• Telecommunications component production

Product Overview

Brand	Fujikura
Model	FSM-30PF
Product Category	Factory Specialty Optical Fiber Fusion Splicer
Primary Alignment Methods	Automatic core or cladding alignment
Fiber Clamping Methods	Bare-fiber and outer-coating clamping
Programmable Splice Modes	25
Splice Result Memory	30 results
Sleeve Heater	Integrated heater for compatible 40 mm and 60 mm sleeves
Computer Interface	RS-232C
Primary Application	Controlled fusion splicing and process development for specialty optical fibers

 

Fiber Clamping Specifications

Specification	Details
Bare-Fiber V-Groove	V-30PF-125 for approximately 80 µm to 150 µm cladding
Standard Bare-Fiber Clamp	CLAMP-30PF-125 for approximately 100 µm to 150 µm cladding
Optional 80 µm Fiber Clamp	CLAMP-30PF-080
250 µm Coating Configuration	V-30PF-250 and CLAMP-30PF-250
400 µm Coating Configuration	V-30PF-400 and CLAMP-30PF-400
Maximum Outer-Coating Clamp Diameter	400 µm
Coating-Clamp Cleave Length	3.0 mm to 6.0 mm
Bare-Fiber Clamp Cleave Length	13.0 mm to 19.0 mm

 

Arc and Process Capabilities

Capability	Details
Alignment	Selectable core or cladding alignment
Arc Stages	Prefuse, primary arc, secondary arc, and re-arc
Secondary Arc	Continuous or intermittent operation
Cleaning Arc	Programmable from off to 1000 ms
Taper Splicing	Programmable speed, duration, and delay
Gap-Set Position	Adjustable from left through center to right
Loss Estimation Modes	CLAD, SM, A Type, B Type, C Type, and off
Attenuation-Splice Range	1 dB to 15 dB in 1 dB steps
Power Meter Feedback	Supported with documented compatible external equipment

 

Tube Heater Specifications

Specification	Details
Heater Type	Integrated ceramic tube heater
Compatible Sleeve Lengths	40 mm and 60 mm
Heating Timer Range	64 to 120 seconds
Timer Adjustment	8-second increments
Temperature Range	150 °C to 200 °C
Temperature Adjustment	5 °C increments
Cooling	Integrated cooling fan

 

Power and Interface Specifications

Specification	Details
AC Input	100 V to 240 V AC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, 3 A maximum
DC Input	12 V DC, 6 A maximum
AC Fuse	T3.15A time-delay fuse, 20 mm
DC Fuse	T6.3A time-delay fuse, 20 mm
Communication Interface	RS-232C
Communication Speeds	2400 or 9600 baud
Video Output	NTSC service output
Environmental Indication	Temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure

 

Compatible Holders, Clamps, and Accessories

Item	Model or Application
250 µm Fiber Holder	FH-30PF-250H
400 µm Fiber Holder	FH-30PF-400H
900 µm Fiber Holder	FH-30PF-900H
Bare-Fiber V-Groove	V-30PF-125
250 µm Coating V-Groove	V-30PF-250
400 µm Coating V-Groove	V-30PF-400
80 µm Bare-Fiber Clamp	CLAMP-30PF-080
100 µm to 150 µm Bare-Fiber Clamp	CLAMP-30PF-125
250 µm Coating Clamp	CLAMP-30PF-250
400 µm Coating Clamp	CLAMP-30PF-400
Compatible Fiber Cleavers	CT-04B, CT-100B, and CT-03HT
Hot Jacket Stripper	HJS-02
High-Tensile Stripper	HTS-11
Primary Coating Stripper	PS-02
900 µm Jacket Stripper	JS02-900
Replacement Electrodes	ELCT1-25
RS-232C Cable	RS232C-02

 

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Fujikura FSM-30PF receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Testing may include AC and DC power operation, internal monitor condition, controls, X/Y fiber imaging, wind-protector operation, precision motors, focus adjustment, up/down mirror movement, illumination, V-groove positioning, fiber clamps, and fiber-holder stages.

Fusion testing may include gap setting, core and cladding alignment, cleaning arc, primary and secondary arc operation, fiber overlap, re-arc, splice-loss estimation, proof testing, attenuation-splice operation, and tube-heater performance.

Maintenance functions may be used to check fiber-stuff calibration, optical-path cleanliness, motor movement, motor reset, electrode stabilization, arc count, total arc count, environmental sensors, internal memory, and RS-232C communication.

The exact testing scope depends on the installed V-grooves, clamps, holders, electrode condition, available specialty fibers, external power meter equipment, cleaver, stripper, splice protectors, communication accessories, and supporting optical test equipment.

Maintenance and Electrode Considerations

Electrodes should generally be replaced as a pair after approximately 2000 arc discharges. Worn or bent electrode tips can contribute to unstable arc discharge, increased splice loss, fiber separation, or incorrect arc-center detection.

After electrode replacement, the electrode stabilization function performs repeated discharges to condition the new electrode tips. The arc counter should then be cleared, and the Arc Test should be repeated until an acceptable calibration result is obtained.

Routine cleaning of the V-grooves, fiber clamps, objective lens, up/down mirror, wind-protector mirror, fiber holders, and monitor is important for stable image processing and alignment. Suitable high-purity alcohol and approved cleaning materials should be used.

The top cover should be installed during storage and transportation. The motorized Z-units must be returned to their home positions before the cover is secured.

Buyer Considerations

Buyers should confirm the installed V-grooves, fiber clamps, fiber holders, electrode configuration, arc count, total arc count, available splice modes, heater operation, RS-232C interface, and included preparation tools.

The FSM-30PF should not be assumed to support a particular specialty fiber solely from its diameter. Fiber composition, cladding geometry, core visibility, mode field diameter, coating material, tensile requirements, thermal response, and validated arc parameters must be considered.

Only the splicer, V-grooves, clamps, holders, cleaver spacer, hot jacket stripper spacer, electrodes, mirror, fuses, power cords, carrying case, working table, cleaver, stripper, PC cable, software, and other accessories specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, inspection, cleaning, electronic test, RF/microwave, and photonics applications. The Fujikura FSM-30PF supports laboratories, component manufacturers, process engineers, research organizations, production facilities, and specialty fiber technicians requiring configurable fusion-splicing capability.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, installed V-grooves and clamps, electrode condition, arc count, optical-path cleanliness, monitor operation, heater performance, fiber-holder compatibility, included accessories, and testing information before purchase.

Only the equipment and accessories specifically identified in the individual product listing should be considered included.