How to peel off the coating of optical fiber cables

Use a precision optical fiber stripper to carefully remove the protective coatings layer by layer without damaging the glass core.

Understanding Fiber Coatings

An optical fiber typically has multiple layers: the outer jacket, strength members (like aramid yarn), a buffer coating, and the acrylate coating directly protecting the glass fiber. Each layer serves a protective function, and stripping must be done in sequence to avoid breaking or scratching the fiber glass core .

Tools Required

• Mechanical fiber strippers: Handheld tools with precision blades for specific coating diameters (e.g., 250 µm, 900 µm) to expose the 125 µm glass cladding .
• Thermo-mechanical strippers: Use heat to soften the coating before removal, reducing the risk of fiber damage .
• Non-contact methods: Hot air or laser ablation for specialized applications .
• Chemical strippers: Solvents or acids for certain coatings, though less common in fieldwork .
• Fiber cutting scissors: For trimming aramid yarn or outer jackets after stripping .

Step-by-Step Stripping Process

1. Prepare the fiber: Cut the fiber to the desired length and ensure it is clean.
2. Strip the outer jacket: Use the largest notch on the fiber stripper to remove the outer protective jacket. Hold the fiber in the correct slot, squeeze the jaws, and slide the jacket off .
3. Remove the buffer coating: Use the middle notch to strip the tight buffer (e.g., 900 µm) down to the primary coating (250 µm). Ensure the fiber is held securely to prevent bending or breaking .
4. Strip the acrylate coating: Use the smallest notch to remove the 250 µm coating down to the 125 µm glass cladding. This step requires precision to avoid nicks or scratches that can cause signal loss .
5. Trim strength members: Cut any exposed aramid yarn or reinforcing fibers with fiber cutting scissors .

Tips and Precautions

• Always use a fiber-specific stripper; generic wire strippers can damage the glass core .
• Work in a well-lit, clean environment to avoid contamination.
• Avoid excessive force; the fiber is fragile and can break easily.
• Inspect the stripped fiber under magnification to ensure no scratches or nicks are present.
• Dispose of fiber scraps safely, as they can be hazardous to skin and eyes. By following these steps and using the correct tools, you can safely and efficiently peel off the coatings of an optical fiber cable for splicing, connectorization, or other fiber optic applications .