NYFORS releases a new automatic recoater version for flexible, high volume fiber processing
NYFORS introduces a new advanced product solution for automatic optical fiber recoating in laboratory and production environments – the AutoCoater 2™. This versatile recoating system is designed to give the user the flexibility of NYFORS’ proven silicone mould technology, while maintaining the high productivity and cost advantages of an operator skill independent, fully automatic process.
The combination of easily exchangeable silicone recoating moulds and a completely removable injection systems makes the system easy to set up, optimize and rapidly reconfigure for different recoating applications and requirements. With different mould types and diameters available, the operator can choose whether to create a uniform diameter recoating the matches the orginal fiber diameter, recoatings with a cross section slightly smaller than the original fiber coating (undersize) or recoatings with a larger diameter that overlaps the original coating at each end of the recoat area (overcoating).
Moulds are easily interchangeable by the operator in a few seconds with no re-alignment of the system required. The customer-selected recoating compound is automatically injected into the mould from an easily attached 1 oz Nalgene bottle, functioning as the recoater reservoir tank. This bottle as well as the injection pump, supply lines and injection needle may be removed and exchanged as a single unit. This procedure takes less than a minute and completely eliminates the need to purge or cleanse the injection pump and supply lines when changing from one type of recoating resin to another.
The capability to change moulds in a few seconds, and recoating compound in a few minutes, enable fully automatic, operator skill independent recoating also in situations where a high degree of flexibility is required to meet many different recoating needs and specifications.
Short curing times in the order of three seconds or less are achieved through a highly efficient curing system, which is capable of processing both standard high-index and low-index recoating materials. This, in combination with the high degree of system automation, results in very short cycle times of 15 seconds or less – faster than any competing recoating system available.
Two different model configurations allows the customer to choose between linear and rotary high strength tensile testing. Motorized clamps eliminates the need for an external air supply, while the built-in LCD touch screen control gives the operator easy access to all system parameters.
About NYFORS
Nyfors Teknologi AB develops fiber preparation equipment for high strength and specialty fusion splicing applications. Specializing in advanced solutions for fiber pre- and postprocessing, the product range includes: precision fiber cleavers and cleave check interferometers, fiber optical recoaters and tensile testers, and custom manufacturing solutions for e.g. fiber optic gyroscope production.
Behind our products you find unique and original expertise accumulated during more than twenty years of research and development for the fusion splicing industry.
