Today’s splicing equipment is fast, efficient, and requires minimal maintenance due to advances in splicing technology. However, contamination in the v-groove of the splicer is still a primary source of trouble for the splicing technician. This is especially problematic when splicing with a fixed v-groove fusion splicer. Environmental contamination, such as dust, dirt, and fiber coating debris, as well as, the silica deposits generated during the fusion process eventually find their way to the surface of the v-groove. This contamination will offset the fibers and degrade performance. To help control this problem, a disciplined cleaning regimen and specific tooling is required to ensure the splice is right the first time. To solve cleaning needs, AFL offers the Splicer V-Groove Cleaning Kit. This product integrates eight components into an affordable and effective inspection and cleaning solution for any fusion splicer. Small and lightweight, it fits easily into the Fujikura splicer transit case or it can be carried separately in its own carrying case.

NEOCLEAN-E Simple-to-Use Refillable Design The NEOCLEAN-E uses a simple one push action to quickly and effectively clean contamination from the ferrule end-face of connectors on jumpers or in adapters, reducing cleaning time. It is effective for removing oil, dust, and dirt particulates that can have a negative impact on fiber optic network performance. The replaceable cleaning cartridge can perform 750 cleanings, reducing cleaning cost. Available for SC, FC, ST, E2000, LC and MU connectors with UPC or APC polishes. NEOCLEAN-M Clean MPO/MTP® Connectors with an Easy Push Operation The NEOCLEAN-M is designed to clean MPO and MTP® multi-fiber connectors used in data centers and other high density optical networks. The NEOCLEAN-M uses a one-push operation, which simplifies cleaning of the ferrule end-face of both MPO/ MTP exposed connectors and connectors in adapters. The one-push operation advances the specially designed microfiber tape while effectively and gently cleaning the end-face of the connector. NEOCLEAN-M2 The NEOCLEAN-M2 is designed to clean MPO-16 and MTP-16 multi-fiber connectors used in data centers and other high density optical networks. The NEOCLEAN-M2 uses a one-push operation, which simplifies cleaning of the ferrule end-face of both MPO-16/ MTP-16 exposed connectors and connectors in adapters. The one-push operation advances the specially designed microfiber tape while effectively and gently cleaning the end-face of the connector.

The CLETOP optical fiber connector cleaners from AFL are rugged handheld tools for cleaning fiber optic connector end-faces. The CLETOP cleaners quickly and effectively clean a variety of connectors. CLETOP cleaners are a safe cleaning option without the need for isopropyl alcohol, which is toxic and flammable. CLETOP cleaners have refillable cleaning tapes with 400 cleans per tape, making them ideal for lab and field use. The simple push-button shutter operation makes cleaning connectors quick and easy.

Today’s splicing equipment is fast, efficient, and requires minimal maintenance due to advances in splicing technology. However, environmental contamination, such as dust, dirt, and fiber coating debris, as well as, the silica deposits generated during the fusion process eventually find their way to the optical elements and v-grooves. This contamination will offset the fibers and degrade performance. Thorough cleaning of a fusion splicer’s optical elements and alignment V-grooves is critical to ensure successful trouble-free splicing operations. CS-1 Cotton Swabs are especially useful for such cleaning operations. The small size of the CS-1 swabs ensures accessibility in tight places and will not leach out chemicals or lint and contaminate optical elements.