March 10, 2009 -- At OFC/NFOEC 2009, Seikoh Giken USA Inc.'s fiber optic products division will introduce a pair of new fiber-optic cleaning products. The HandiMate cleaning tool provides a simple, handheld method for removing all types of dust and debris from optical connectors, while the Marathon XF expands the company's line of scratch-free, ultra-long life polishing films.
The latest addition to the company's TechMate line of optical connector cleaning and restoration products, the HandiMate cleaner is billed as a pocket-sized, fully contained cleaning tool that provides a simple, foolproof method for removing all types of oils, dust and debris from optical connector endfaces.
The HandiMate's patented Slide-Guide feature accommodates both 2.5 mm (FC, SC, ST) and 1.25 mm (LC, MU) ceramic ferrules m and allows the user to properly align both PC polished and APC angle polished optical connectors for maximum cleaning of the critical fiber core. The compact, palm-sized tool is for use in both field installations, and in bench top laboratory applications requiring optimum performance. The HandiMate's body is made of an anti-static material, allowing the tool to be used where ESD compliance is required.
Utilizing a proprietary, non-woven microfiber, the HandiMate can be operated as both a dry cleaner for light dust / lint and/or as a wet cleaner for dried on salts / alcohol residue. The tool's cleaning tape advances each time the Slide-Guide is activated, further simplifying the field operation. A small window on the side of the tool indicates when the tape is finished (around 500 or more applications).
The HandiMate SHM-500 is priced at $39.50 in quantities of 10 pieces or less.
Marathon XF is billed "a breakthrough" in long life final polishing films for fiber optic connectors. The latest addition to Seikoh Giken's Marathon Series of ultra long life, final step polishing films, the company says the new product completes the film process required to achieve highly stable, scratch-free polishing results on today's mass production polishers.
Utilizing a proprietary abrasive bonding process, the Marathon XF series final film, when used in conjunction with other Marathon series diamond films, offers process engineers with unsurpassed control over zirconia ferrule finish and optical clarity. Ideal for both Ultra PC and Angle PC polishing, the new film series consistently achieves nanometer levels for pit and scratch performance while exceeding GR-326 industry requirements for fiber height.
Typical final polishing films have to be replaced after one use to prevent surface defects and fiber height issues. The company contends that Marathon XF can be used up to 10 times with no degradation in performance resulting in a dramatic cost reduction for the manufacturer but maintaining ultimate quality.
The company further notes that as performance is a critical metric in any production environment, rework and excessive consumable costs can greatly erode a laboratory's profitability. The Marathon XF series film, when compared to other brands of polishing / lapping films, has been shown to provide cost savings over the life of the film, without compromising or sacrificing quality, according to Seikoh Geiken.
On the Web:
www.seikoh-giken.com
www.ofcnfoec.org