AFL offer RT-02 glue-less ribbonizing tool

April 6, 2020

The tool, developed by AFL’s parent company, Fujikura, streamlines the splicing process by eliminating such time-consuming steps as glue cure time as well as eliminating contamination of splicing equipment.

Stephen Hardy

Rt 02 Ribbonizing Tool Med 5e8b72642fb6f

AFL has unveiled the RT-02, which it asserts is the first ribbonizing tool on the market that features a glue-less process for ribbonizing and splicing 12-fiber ribbons. The tool, developed by AFL’s parent company, Fujikura, streamlines the splicing process by eliminating such time-consuming steps as glue cure time as well as eliminating contamination of splicing equipment.

Technicians can use the RT-02 for ribbonizing 200-µm and 250 µm loose fibers, 200-µm and 250-µm MPO termination, and mass fusion splicing loose fiber cables. Loading in order of the color code sequence is not required, AFL adds. Fibers can be inserted at will and load directly into the fiber holder after inserting all 12 fibers.

“Fujikura has implemented detailed ease-of-use features that must be seen to be appreciated,” explained Greg Pickeral, fusion splicer product manager for AFL. “Those who have ribbonized with traditional methods will really see and feel the difference.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.