3SAE PentaPod Fusion Splicer (PFS)

Overview

3SAE PentaPod Fusion Splicer (PFS) is the world’s first table-top fusion splicer that provides capabilities that overcome the limitations of current angle critical fusion splicing processes to meet the most demanding requirements for the high-power fiber laser component fabrication. The PFS is a semi-automated fusion splicing station that provides a far greater range of positional adjustment than conventional splicers. The PFS was specially designed for volume production, repeatability, precision, and user-friendly operation while maintaining unprecedented splice quality.

The PFS leverages 3SAE’s patented PentaPod^® alignment stages that offers 12 separate positional axes allowing unprecedented control of the material being spliced and the latest 3rd generation Ring of Fire^® heat source which provides a highly controllable plasma field that completely encapsulates the component being spliced and provide uniform circumferential heat distribution facilitating consistent and repeatable fusion splicing process. With the combination of a precision mechanical design, high contrast optics, absolute control of relative positional and angular alignment, and a next generation highly stable ROF^® plasma source, sets the 3SAE PentaPod Fusion Splicer apart from any existing technologies. Additionally, new splice scanning technology provides a detailed analysis of the splice quality.

Key Capabilities

Specifically designed to accurately splice end-caps to fibers for R&D and production environments
Can also be used to perform bundle-to-fiber splices of various diameters, and dissimilar fiber sizes
The unique, patented PentaPod^® alignment stages are compact, rigid, and stable
Both the fiber and end-cap stages provide individual alignment in X, Y, and Z as well as Pitch, Yaw, and Theta yielding 6-axes of motion control per side
±6 mm of relative linear alignment (X, Y, Z axes) with positional accuracy < 0.1 µm
±6° of angular alignment (Xϴ, Yϴ, Zϴ axes) with positional accuracy < 0.01°
Ring of Fire^® implementation provides superior thermal stability for applications from 125 µm to 2.5 mm fiber diameter
Sophisticated machine vision with two orthogonal (X and Y) live views of the splice during the splicing process
Splice scanning technology provides detailed analysis of splice quality and facilitates 3SAE’s Curvature Based Thermal Splice Calibration™
Fibers, bundles and end-caps are fixtured in removable, interchangeable carriages that can be customized to specific applications
Highly flexible splice process allows continuous control of arc temperature and fiber placement during the splice
Pre and post splice data export for convenient splice tracking and data analysis

Specifications

Dimensions	398 (W) x 305 (D) x 250 (H) mm
Weight	~13.6 kg
Power source	(1) 24 VDC, 8.3 A
Control / operation	Included high-performance Windows PC
Glass diameter	125 µm to 2.5 mm
Splice programs	> 100
Splice data storage	Gigabits

Applications: Fiber splicing, Glass processing

Fiber types: SMF, MMF, Fiber laser, Shaped cladding, Large diameter

Markets: Aerospace / Military / Defense, Fiber optic lasers, Manufacturing, Academia

Included in standard package

3SAE PentaPod Fusion Splicer (PFS), SPL-01-0001

PC with all necessary software, 23″ monitor and accessories
Left and right fiber holder carriages
Accessory kit including 1.5 mm ball nose driver, spare electrode set, electrode cleaning disc, IPA bottle
All necessary PC and PFS interconnect cables
Power supply
Electronic user’s manual
PFS hard transport case
Manufacturer’s 1-year parts and labor warranty
Fiber holders sold separately

Accessories

ACC-01-0250	PFS End Cap Holder, 1 mm-3 mm (non-vacuum)
ACC-01-0251	PFS End Cap Holder, 3 mm-7 mm (non-vacuum)
ACC-01-0268	PFS End Cap Holder, 6 mm-12 mm (non-vacuum)
ACC-01-0315	PFS Carriage Holder
ACC-01-0254 / 0255	PFS Fiber Holder, 250 µm (Left / Right)
ACC-01-0256 / 0257	PFS Fiber Holder, 400 µm (Left / Right)
ACC-01-0271 / 0272	PFS Fiber Holder, 550 µm (Left / Right)
ACC-01-0258 / 0259	PFS Fiber Holder, 700 µm (Left / Right)
ACC-01-1507 / 1508	PFS Fiber Holder, 850 µm (Left / Right)
ACC-01-0260 / 0261	PFS Fiber Holder, 1000 µm (Left / Right)
ACC-01-0262 / 0263	PFS Fiber Holder, 1500 µm (Left / Right)
ACC-01-0264 / 0265	PFS Fiber Holder, 2000 µm (Left / Right)
ACC-01-0266 / 0267	PFS Fiber Holder, 2500 µm (Left / Right)
ACC-01-0253	PFS Hard Transport Case
ACC-01-0147	Power Supply 200W 24V 8.33A 8-pin (CMS/LDS/LFS/LPS/PFS)
ACC-01-1512	Magnetic Copper Electrode Holders (set of 3) for ROF, PFS
CON-10-0022	Electrode Cleaning Discs, Black (Pack of 25)
CON-10-0026	Electrode Set (CMS/PFS/TMS)