3M FC, PC3 manual Fig. F6

SECTION F

Polishing Process for Single-mode Connector Return Loss >40dB

6.PERFORM THE 1.5 ϑm FINISH

Insert the ferrule into the jig and lower it gently onto the 1.5 ϑm acetate.

Using medium pressure (equivalent to 1 lb of force), perform four figure 8 strokes. Rotate the ferrule in the jig 180ϖ(Fig. F6) and perform another four figure 8's. Continue to follow this sequence rotating 180ϖevery 4 strokes until 6 sets of 4 figure 8's (24 total) have been performed.

Note: Without rotating the ferrule the radius center may drift. Rotating effectively eliminates this.

Clean the ferrule with a lint-free cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol and inspect the fiber using the 100X view scope. The fiber should be completely smooth and all the epoxy removed as in Fig. F7. If epoxy remains or scratches or rough edges are present on the fiber as in Fig. F8, perform a few more figure 8 strokes on each 180ϖorientation.

Note: If all of the epoxy was removed from the fiber during the first step of polishing, the fiber surface may be heavily scratched and pitted. If this is the case, perform another set of figure 8's on each 180ϖorientation and inspect again.

Note: The 1.5 ϑm diamond film can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and blown dry for reuse. The sheet can be used to polish up to 15 connectors.

Fig. F6

Fig. F7

Fig. F8

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