3M offers complete solutions for fiber
optic connector polishing – with a full
line of high performance precision
abrasives, backed by the technical
service and support of our experienced,
knowledgeable fiber optics specialists.
We’re ready to help you generate the
finish you need on a wide variety of
connectors. We can optimize your
polishing operation to produce
cost-effective results. Call the 3M Fiber
Optic Applications Laboratory today to
learn more: 866-866-0922. Or visit us
on the web: www.3M.com/electronics
unique
polishing system
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New!
Enhanced
Life
3M™ Lapping Film
Precisely graded minerals are coated on a high strength, 3 mil polyester backing to provide
a uniform, consistent finish. Available in silicon carbide film for glass and epoxy removal, and
in aluminum oxide for leveling and polishing steps. Available in 0.05 - 30 micron grades, with
or without PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) backing.
3M™ Diamond Lapping Film 661X / 668X
This standard Diamond Lapping Film is comprised of tightly graded diamond minerals uniformly
coated on a polyester film backing. It is able to cut and polish hard ceramic ferrules and glass fibers
at the same rate and to the same level. Used to radius ferrule connectors or to refine the finish in
preparation for the final polish. Available in 0.1 - 30 micron grades, with or without PSA backing.
3M™ Diamond Lapping Film 661XU / 661XU-PSA
Tightly graded diamond mineral is precision coated on a polyester film backing. This durable
construction provides consistent processing and superior finishes throughout the life of the product.
Available in 0.5, 1, 3 and 6 micron grades, with or without PSA backing.
3M™ Diamond Lapping Film - Type H - 662XW / 666XW
Designed for radiusing and leveling operations that require added durability. Diamond Lapping Film
- Type H has a thicker diamond coating with a higher diamond concentration and a tougher resin for
an increased cut rate and longer life. Type H lasts 2 to 3 times longer than standard DLF. Available
in 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 6 and 9 micron grades, with or without PSA backing.
3M™ Diamond Lapping Film 660XV
This long life, precision coated 3M™ Diamond Lapping Film is the most durable and newest in 3M’s
Diamond Lapping Film product family. It combines a high cut rate with a great finish, and is designed
for use on slower rpm polishing machines. Available in 1, 3, 6, and 9 micron grades.
3M™ Lapping Films are available in
sheets, discs and rolls for use on any
type of polishing equipment. These films
are especially designed for use in factory
or field applications.
3M™ Trizact™ Diamond Lapping Film 661XA / 661XA-PSA
Micron graded diamond particles contained in a precisely microreplicated structure provide longer
life, aggressive cut and superior finish over standard lapping film products. Available in 0.5, 2 and
9 micron grades, with or without PSA.
3M™ Lapping Film 863X, 863XW / 869X, 869XW
These products are precision coated on a 3 mil backing for the final step in polishing fiber optic
connectors. 863XW has a higher mineral content than 863X, providing easier breakdown and
faster polishing. Available with or without PSA backing.
3M™ Polishing Film 291X, 491X, 591X / 298X, 498X, 598X
Comprised of micron graded mineral that has been coated onto a fibrous (flocked) polyester
film backing. Designed to break down into a slurry during use with water for MT-style fiber optic
connectors. Available plain or with PSA. (961M/968M are available with no mineral coating.)
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Selection Guide
3M’s Technical Service Representatives
suggest using these polishing guidelines
for polishing ceramic singlemode or
multimode fiber optic connectors. In the
top chart, locate your connector type, then
refer to tables A, B and C below to select
one of the options for each step. These
recommended sequences provide typical
starting points. Your actual sequences
may vary depending on your polishing
equipment and finish requirements.
GRY (Gray)
GRN (Green)
BRN (Brown)
YEL (Yellow)
ORN (Orange)
OFW (Off-White)
PNK (Pink)
BLU (Blue)
LAV (Lavender)
TL (Teal)
MNL (Manila)
EGS (Eggshell)
WHT (White)
TRL (Translucent)
Mineral Key
A/O = Aluminum Oxide
S/C = Silicon Carbide
D = Diamond
SiO2 = Silicon Dioxide
Polishing Processes for Ceramic Fiber Optic Connectors
3M™ Polishing Film helps you consistently meet geometry and fiber height requirements in your MT
connector polishing operation. Precisely graded minerals coated on a fibrous backing enable you to
generate fiber protrusion and attain the proper ferrule geometry.
3M Polishing Film can provide:
• Control of fiber protrusion • Less cleaning than a slurry process
• High throughput • Low rejects
Suggested Process for Polishing MT Fiber Optic Connectors
3M Technical Service Engineers recommend using the following sequences for polishing
MT fiber optic connectors. These sequences provide typical starting points. Your actual
process may vary depending on your polishing equipment and finish requirements.
3M™ Polishing Film
Product I.D.Mineral Micron GradeColor
298XAluminum Oxide0.5Pink
298XAluminum Oxide1Green
498XSilicon Carbide3Gray
598XCerium Oxide0.5Peach
Thermoset MT (Singlemode or Multimode)
Step
Remove Epoxy15Silicon Carbide468X
Step 23Silicon Carbide468XW
Step 33Silicon Carbide498X
Repeat Step 3 with fresh abrasive for increased protrusion
Repeat Step 4 with fresh abrasive for increased protrusion
Step 51Aluminum Oxide298X
Step 60.5Cerium Oxide598X
*Remove epoxy in flat fixture
Micron
Grade
Mineral
For multimode, add or replace last step with Final Polish Film 863X or 863XW for 5 seconds.
All products listed above are available without PSA.
Product
I.D.
DescriptionColor
3M™ Lapping Film
3M™ Lapping Film
3M™ Lapping Film
3M™ Polishing Film
3M™ Polishing Film
3M™ Polishing Film
Gray
Gray
Gray
Gray
Green
Peach
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3M Final Polish Products for Fiber Optic Connectors
Fiber Height
Uses
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
863XW
863X
54321
Frequency
Backreflection (-db)
55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64
30
20
10
0
3M™ Lapping Films 863X and 863XW offer a clean break from slurries
3M™ Lapping Film final polish products can deliver high yields, reducing the need for costly rework
in final polishing of ceramic fiber optic connectors. The film easily produces optimal fiber height
and minimal visual defects. It helps finished connectors meet Telecordia GR-326 standards.
These high-performing films feature micron-graded silicon dioxide particles coated on a 3 mil,
high-strength polyester backing. 3M final polish products are part of a complete lineup of lapping
films designed for fiber optic connector polishing. They provide precision polishing alternatives to
messy slurries that require time-intensive cleanup.
Lapping Films 863X vs. 863XW
With a choice of two film variations designed for the final step in the polishing sequence,
3M lets you select the film based on your requirements.
863X and 863XW are available in discs, sheets and rolls. Maximum width: 12 inches.
Film 863X
Performance Characteristics
• Offers superior fiber height control
• Polishes more slowly than 863XW
• More controlled cut rate
Polishing Machine Compatibility/
Backings
• For use on most polishing machines and
fixtures, including machines that run at
higher speeds and higher pressure
• Available with pressure sensitive adhesive
backing. Product ID is 869X
Fiber Height at Number of Uses
Film 863XW
Performance Characteristics
• Higher mineral content than 863X enables
faster polishing
Polishing Machine Compatibility/
Backings
• Designed for use on machines that run at
lower speeds and lower pressures
• Designed for use on fixtures with individual
pressure control that allow connectors to
float independently
• Available with pressure sensitive adhesive
backing. Product ID is 869XW
Backreflection Results
Actual usage could be longer or shorter
depending on equipment, connectors,
and process conditions.
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Using 3M™ Lapping Film 863X/863XW for
your final polishing step helps you easily meet
Telecordia back reflection standards.
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3M™ Novec™ Contact Cleaner for
Fiber Optic Connector Cleaning
3M™ Novec™ Contact Cleaner combines fast, effective cleaning
performance with an excellent safety and environmental profile. Designed
for a variety of assembly level and field maintenance cleaning tasks,
Novec contact cleaner uses an advanced 3M solvent technology
that offers a number of significant advantages over many
conventional spray cleaners, including:
• Fast drying • Low in toxicity
• Streak free • Non-flammable
Novec Contact Cleaner also features an excellent environmental
profile. The product is non-ozone depleting, is exempt from the
U.S. EPA’s and most state and district definitions of a volatile organic
compound (VOC) and contains no nPB or HAPS. It is based on a sustainable
technology and offers an alternative for cleaners containing HCFC-141b or HCFC-225.
• Removes particulates, oils, light grease, silicones,
dust and other soils from connector end faces
• Quick drying and non-corrosive
• Safe for plastics and metals
Performance
The photos below compare identical connectors that were wiped with isopropanol (IPA) and Novec Contact
Cleaner. The Novec Contact Cleaner does not leave residual contamination on the surface that can affect
fiber optic circuit performance.
Ceramic Connector Cleaned with IPA
Ceramic Connector Cleaned with
Novec Contact Cleaner
MT Connector Cleaned with IPA
MT Connector Cleaned with
Novec Contact Cleaner
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For Additional Information
To request additional product information or to arrange for sales assistance, call toll free: 1-800-251-8634.
Address correspondence to: 3M Electronics Markets Materials Division, Building 21-1W-10, 900 Bush Avenue,
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000. Our fax number is 651-778-4244 or 1-877-369-2923. In Canada, phone: 1-800-364-3577.
In Puerto Rico, phone: 1-787-750-3000. In Mexico, phone: 52-70-04-00.
For technical assistance call the Fiber Optics Applications Development Lab Toll-free, 1-866-866-0922
Important Notice: Before using this product, you must evaluate it and determine if it is suitable for your intended application. You assume all risks and liability associated with such use.
Warranty; Limited Remedy; Limited Liability: 3M’s product warranty is stated in its Product Literature available upon request. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. If this product is defective within the warranty period stated above,
your exclusive remedy shall be, at 3M’s option, to replace or repair the 3M product or refund the purchase price of the 3M product. Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable
for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss or damage arising from this 3M product, regardless of the legal theory asserted.