3M Fiber Optic Polishing User Manual

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3M Fiber Optic Polishing
Total
Solutions
Polishing Needs
for Your
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Innovative
products
for your
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
Connector Type Step See Table for
Remove Glass
Ceramic, Ultra PC, Pre-radiused ferrule
Ceramic, Angle PC
Ceramic, Super PC, Pre-radiused ferrule
1.25 mm LC and MU Connectors
(De-nub)
Remove Epoxy A 30 - 60 200 - 350
Refine B 30 - 120 200 - 350
Refine B 30 - 120 200 - 350
Polish C 15 - 45 150 - 250
Grind Angle A 40 - 120 200 - 350
Radius Ferrule B 60 - 180 200 - 350
Refine B 30 - 120 200 - 350
Refine B 30 - 120 200 - 350
Polish C 15 - 60 150 - 250
Remove Glass
(De-nub)
Remove Epoxy A 30 - 60 200 - 350
Refine B 30 - 120 200 - 350
Polish C 15 - 45 150 - 250
De-nub-Epoxy
Removal
Refine B 30 - 60 100 - 150
Polish C 90 - 120 100 - 150
Recommended Products
A
A
A 30 - 60 75 - 125
TABLE A - De-Nub and Epoxy Removal
Mineral Available Micron Sizes
5 6 9 12 15 30
3M™ Diamond Lapping Films, 661X, 662XW, 661XU, 660XV
3M™ Trizact™ Diamond Lapping Film, 661XA
3M™ Lapping Film, 461X
3M™ Lapping Film, 261X
D BLU ORN*
D GRY
S/C GRY GRY GRY* GRN*
A/O BRN BLU YEL GRN
TABLE B - Refine (Level Connector)
Mineral Available Micron Sizes
0.5 1 2 3 4 6 9
3M™ Diamond Lapping Films, 661X, 662XW, 661XU, 660XV
3M™ Trizact™ Diamond Lapping Film, 661XA
3M™ Lapping Film, 462X, 463X or 452X
3M™ Lapping Film, 261X, 262X or 263X
D MNL LAV PNK BRN
D GRY GRY
S/C GRY GRY
A/O GRN TL PNK
TABLE C - Polish (Finish)
Mineral Available Micron Sizes
0.02 0.05 0.1 0.3
3M™ Lapping Film, 863X or 863XW
3M™ Lapping Film, 263X
3M™ Lapping Films 261X
SiO
2
A/O EGS WHT
A/O OFW
TRL
Time
(sec.)
Until nub is
removed
Until nub is
removed
Recommended Lubricant: DI water
Pressure
(g/conn)
By hand
By hand
*Common for angle grinding
*Common for angle grinding
Available with PSA backing.
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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 Grade Color
298X Aluminum Oxide 0.5 Pink
298X Aluminum Oxide 1 Green
498X Silicon Carbide 3 Gray
598X Cerium Oxide 0.5 Peach
Thermoset MT (Singlemode or Multimode)
Step
Remove Epoxy 15 Silicon Carbide 468X
Step 2 3 Silicon Carbide 468XW
Step 3 3 Silicon Carbide 498X
Repeat Step 3 with fresh abrasive for increased protrusion
Step 4 1 Aluminum Oxide 298X
Step 5 0.5 Cerium Oxide 598X
Micron
Grade
Mineral
Product
I.D.
Description Color
3M™ Lapping Film
3M™ Lapping Film
3M™ Polishing Film
3M™ Polishing Film
3M™ Polishing Film
Gray
Gray
Gray
Green
Peach
Thermoplastic MT (Singlemode or Multimode)
Step
Remove Epoxy 15 Silicon Carbide 468X 3M™ Lapping Film Gray
Step 2 3 Silicon Carbide 468XW 3M™ Lapping Film Gray
Step 3 1 Aluminum Oxide 298X 3M™ Polishing Film Green
Step 4 0.5 Cerium Oxide 598X 3M™ Polishing Film Peach
Micron
Grade
Mineral
Product
I.D.
Description Color
Thermoplastic Angled MT
Step
Remove Epoxy* 15 Silicon Carbide 468X
Step 2 (cut angle) 15 Silicon Carbide 468X
Step 3 3 Silicon Carbide 468XW
Step 4 3 Silicon Carbide 498X
Repeat Step 4 with fresh abrasive for increased protrusion
Step 5 1 Aluminum Oxide 298X
Step 6 0.5 Cerium Oxide 598X
*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.
Description Color
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.
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Electronics Markets Materials Division 3M Electronics
3M Center, Building 21-1W-10 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 www.3M.com/electronics 1-800-251-8634
Please recycle. Printed in USA . Issued: 8/ 07 © 3M 2007. All rights reserved. 5817HB 60-4400-4259-0
3M, Trizact and Novec are trademarks of 3M Company. Used under license by 3M subsidiaries and affiliates.
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