Why A Good Fiber Optic Cleaver Helps Cut Out Costly Mistakes?

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What
Is Fiber Optic Cleaver?

A
cleave in an optical fiber is a deliberate, controlled break, intended to
create a perfectly flat end face, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
fiber. A fiber
optic cleaver is a tool that holds the fiber under low tension, scores
the surface at the proper location, then applies greater tension until the
fiber breaks. Usually, after the fiber has been scored, the technician will use
a cleaver either bend or pull the fiber end, stressing the fiber. This stress
will cause the fiber to break at the score mark, leaving a 90-degree flat end
if all goes well. So the cleaver doesn’t cut the fiber. In fact, it just breaks
the fiber at a specific length.

 

Two
Types of Fiber Optic Cleavers

We
know that the closer to 90 degrees the cleave is, the more success you will
have with matching it to another cleaved fiber to be spliced or mated by a
connector. So it’s important to use the proper tool with good technique to
consistently achieve a 90-degree flat end. Good cleavers are automatic and
produce consistent results, irrespective of the operator. The user need only
clamp the fiber into the cleaver and operate its controls. Some cleavers are
less automated, making them more dependent on operator technique and therefore
less predictable. There are two broad categories of fiber optic cleavers,
scribe cleavers and precision cleavers.

 

Scribe
Cleavers

A
traditional cleaving method, typically used to remove excess fiber from the end
of a connector before polishing, uses a simple hand tool called a scribe.
Scribe cleavers are usually shaped like ballpoint pens with diamond tipped
wedges or come in the form of tile squares. The scribe has a hard, sharp tip,
generally carbide or diamond, that is used to scratch the fiber manually. Then
the operator pulls the fiber to break it. Since both the scribing and breaking
process are under manual control, this method varies greatly in repeatability.
Most field and lab technicians shy away from these cleavers as they are not
accurate. However, if in skilled hands, this scribe cleaver offer significantly
less investment for repairs, installation, and training classes.

 

Precision
Cleavers

Precision
cleavers are the most commonly used cleavers in the industry. They use a
diamond or tungsten wheel/blade to provide the nick in the fiber. Tension is
then applied to the fiber to create the cleaved end face. The advantage to
these cleavers is that they can produce repeatable results through thousands of
cleaves by simply just rotating the wheel/blade accordingly. Although more
costly than scribe cleavers, precision cleavers can cut multiple fibers while
increasing speed, efficiency, and accuracy. In the past, many cleavers were
scribes, but over time, as fusion splicers became available and a good cleave
is the key to low splice loss, precision cleavers were developed to support
various applications and multiple fiber cleaving with blades that have a much
longer life span.

 

Which
One to Use: Scribe Cleaver or Precision Cleaver?

While
both types perform the functions above, the difference between the two
categories of cleavers is the percentage yield of good cleaves. An experienced
fiber optic technician will achieve approximately 90% good cleaves with a
scribe cleaver, while the precision cleaver will produce 99% good cleaves. The
difference doesn’t seem like much so you may hardly to make a specific
decision. My suggestion is to buy precision cleavers if you plan to use a lot
of mechanical splices or pre-polished splice/connectors. It will pay for itself
in no time. If you decide to use the inexpensive scribe cleavers, you must
learn how to use it properly. Follow directions, but also do what comes
naturally to you when using the device, as they are sensitive to individual
technique. Inspect the fibers you cleave to see how good they are and keep
practicing until you can make consistently good cleaves.

 

To
find pricing, information and more information on the different fiber optic
cleavers currently available, please visit www.fiber-mart.com.