LM - Polishing Fibre Optic Connectors

ProSciTech offers complete solutions for fibre optic connector polishing ‐ with a full line of high performance precision abrasives, backed by the technical support of our experienced fibre optics specialists. We're ready to help you generate the finish you need on a wide variety of connectors. We can optimise your polishing operation to produce cost-effective results.

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™ 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 aluminium oxide for levelling and polishing steps. Available in 0.05 ‐ 30 micron grades, with or without PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) backing.

3M™ Diamond Lapping Film 661X
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 fibres 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
Tightly graded diamond mineral is precision coated on a polyester film backing. This durable construction provides consistent results 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
Designed for radiusing and levelling 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 newest and most durable film 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.

Selection Guide
3M's technical service representatives suggest using these polishing guidelines for polishing ceramic singlemode or multimode fibre 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.

3M™ Polishing Film helps you consistently meet geometry and fibre height requirements in your MT connector polishing operation. Precisely graded minerals coated on a fibrous backing enable you to generate fibre protrusion and attain the proper ferrule geometry.

3M Polishing Film can provide:

• Control of fibre protrusion
• Less cleaning than a slurry process
• High throughput
• Low rejects