AFL brings Fujikura 70S fusion splicer to North America

AFL has introduced North America to the Fujikura 70S fusion splicer, which it says it the second of five new products that will be introduced this year. The 70S shares many features with the existing FSM-60S model fusion splicer, but offers much faster splicing in the field and new easy-to-use features, the company claims.

“With this new model, Fujikura has focused improvement in two major areas: speed and reliability,” said Greg Pickeral, product manager, fusion splicing systems for AFL. “To increase efficiency, both the wind protector and tube heater have been motorized. The tube heater clamps the splice protection sleeve from both sides, resulting in shrink time of an impressive 14 seconds.”

The Fujikura 70S fusion splicer also offers several other significant features: the long-life electrodes provide 3000 splices; the high-resolution, 4.73-inch color LCD monitor with 300X fiber magnification provides improved visibility in low-light conditions; and the configurable automation allows the user to customize the automated functions.

A short cleave length of 5 mm allows versatility for splice on connectors or small packaging splicing needs. The Fujikura 70S is fully compatible with the FuseConnect line of splice-on connectors. The sheath clamps are easily removed for FuseConnect installations or for use with fiber holders for standard splicing applications.

The new splicer also features a lithium-ion battery that supports 200 splices and heating cycles with each full charge. It has a six-direction drop-proof design with fully ruggedized rubber casing as well as a dust- and rain-proof housing for superior protection and a transit case design with detachable, built-in worktable.

Video guides for operation and troubleshooting have been incorporated into the splicer software.

AFL introduced the Fujikura 12S in January (see "AFL unveils new Fujikura 12S fusion splicer"). Later this year, Fujikura will add the 19S, a fixed V-groove single fiber fusion splicer, the 12R fiber ribbon fusion splicer, and the 70R four-fiber ribbon splicer.

For more information on splicing equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.