Sumitomo Electric Lightwave has introduced the FC-7 fiber cleaver, a handheld, one-step fiber cleaver for use in fusion splicing, field termination, and other precision applications.
The unit is designed to eliminate the typical three- or two-step cleaving process, but allows the user to cleave single or multiple fibers using only one step and one hand, thereby increasing ease, functionality, and efficiency.
The unit automates both the blade and anvil in a light-weight compact design that can be held in the palm of one hand. The one-hand, one-step cleaving process allows the user to take the cleaver to the fiber for taut-sheath splicing or in limited slack applications for quick and easy fiber cleaving. The FC-7 has streamlined the cleaving process by allowing the user to strap the cleaver to the technician's wrist, cleave the fiber in one simple step, let go of the cleaver, and continue with the application without disruption for increased time savings and productivity. The cleaver's case doubles as a tool pouch, which fastens easily to the technician's tool belt.
Sumitomo has designed the FC-7 for optimal versatility by accommodating for fiber holders and various splicers requiring a single-fiber adapter. The FC-7 also features a built-in fiber scrap collector that handles scrap fibers resulting from the cleaving process. Following a completed cleave, the lid is raised allowing the collector to automatically grab and safely store the fibers.
"The introduction of the FC-7, along with our recent first-to-market innovations including TomCat handheld splicers, PureAccess bend-insensitive and locatable drop cables, and our upcoming segmented ribbon cables, offer our customers ways in which to increase productivity, efficiency, and quality in their network applications," says Gary Bishop, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave's director of product management.
The FC-7 cleaver's operation has maintained the specifications for clean, precise cleave quality that ensures low reflectance terminations enabling optimum performance of optical fiber components and systems. The cleaver prevents double scoring of fibers and offers a typical cleave angle of <0.5 degrees. The FC-7 is ideal for use with both single and mass (up to 4-fiber ribbon) splicing of both single-mode and multimode fibers in a portable unit that weighs only 300g and has a footprint and design that optimizes limited workspace.
Sumitomo Electric Lightwave is based in Research Triangle Park, NC. For more information visit www.Sumitomoelectric.com.
