ReCoater 2 - series
Short facts
- Consistent, high quality recoating
- Easy mould exchange and replacement
- Handles most fiber dimensions, with custom moulds available
- Uniform diameter, overcoating and undersize recoating capability
- Short curing times
- High and low-index recoating
- Linear or rotary strength testing
Description
The ReCoater™ is used to restore the protective coating on acrylate-coated optical fibers in high strength applications. It is available with two mould options – standard (55 mm) and extended (110 mm) length moulds.
Both mould types are easily exchangeable with no realignment required. With different mould sizes available to meet the needs of different fiber and fiber coating diameters, the operator can also choose whether to create a uniform diameter recoat that matches the original fiber coating diameter, or perform recoating with a cross section slightly smaller than the original fiber coating (undersize), or recoatings with a larger diameter that overlaps the original fiber coating at each end of the recoat area (overcoating). This makes the system easy to set up and optimize for such different applications as undersea optical fiber cable assembly and fiber laser manufacturing.
Injection of the recoating compound is performed manually. While this does require a manual user operation, it also ensures flexibility because the user can immediately switch from one type of recoating compound to another (e.g. from a high-index recoating material to a low-index material) without any need to flush out a recoater reservoir and injection pumping system. This, in addition to the rapidly exchangeable mould sizes and shapes (for uniform diameter and undersize recoating as well as overcoating), ensures the flexibility and adaptability of the ReCoater™.
Short curing times are achieved through an efficient UV LED array, arranged along the length of the mould. Curing times depend on the fiber and fiber coating diameter as well as the properties of the customer-selected recoating resin, but are typically as short as 3 seconds which allows for very fast recoating operations. The highly efficient light source also makes it possible to cure low-index recoating compounds used in fiber laser manufacturing.
With standard length moulds, both a linear proof tester and a rotary tensile tester are available as options. Linear proof tests can be performed up to 22 N, with programmable levels of force, pulling rates and hold time at maximum force. Tensile tests can be performed with rotary mandrels with forces up to 100 N. Linear clamps are carefully designed so that the primary coating is not damaged. Clamping force is software controlled and can be set to different levels.
The ReCoater™ comes in an ergonomic, bench-top design for comfortable operation. The main operator interface is an easy-to-navigate and user-friendly GUI on the touch screen control panel. System software supports storable and user-defined programs for easy process change. Remote monitoring and supervision can be carried out through an Ethernet interface.
Technical Data
| Curing time | Programmable, 3 s typical |
| Light source | UV LED |
| Wavelength | 380-385 nm |
| Mould material | Silicone |
| Mould mounting | Exchangeable |
| Mould length | 55 mm or 110 mm |
| Recoating diameter (µm) | 165, 250, 300, 400 & 900* |
Proof Testing (optional) |
|
| Linear proof test | Programmable, 0-22 N |
| Rotary tensile test | Programmable, 0-100 N |
| Resolution | 0.01 N |
| Hold time | Programmable |
| Pulling speed | Programmable |
| Display units | lbs, kg, N, kpsi, GPa |
Interface & Dimensions |
|
| PC connection | Ethernet and USB flash drive connection |
| Power supply | External 12 V DC, 60 W |
| Compressed air | Not needed |
| Dimensions | 270 mm (W) x 170 mm (D) x 98 mm (H) |
| Weight | 3.9 kg |
NYFORS part number: 22000000
* Custom moulds available.