Function of Optical Fiber Stripper

An optical fiber stripper is used to carefully remove the protective coatings from a fiber optic cable, exposing the bare glass core without causing damage.

Understanding the Tool

An optical fiber stripper is a precision tool designed to remove the buffer and acrylate coatings from optical fibers, typically reducing a 250µm or 900µm coating down to the 125µm glass cladding. Professional-grade strippers have multiple notches or holes calibrated for different coating layers: a large notch for the outer jacket, a middle notch for the tight buffer, and a small notch for the acrylate coating. Using the correct notch prevents nicks, scratches, or stress fractures that can degrade signal quality and cause connection failure.

Step-by-

Step Usage

Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and handle fiber scraps carefully, disposing of them in a designated container. Prepare the Cable: Cut the fiber optic cable to the desired length using kevlar scissors. If the cable has aramid yarn (Kevlar) strength members, cut them separately to expose the fiber.

Strip the Outer Jacket: Use the largest groove on the fiber stripper to gently cut and remove the outer jacket. Hold the stripper at a 45-degree angle to reduce stress on the fiber. Remove the Buffer Coating: For a 900µm tight buffer, use the middle notch of the stripper.

Strip in small increments (about 6–8mm at a time) to avoid breaking the fiber. For a 250µm coating, use the smallest notch, again taking small cuts. Clean the Fiber: After stripping, clean the exposed fiber with a lint-free wipe and alcohol to remove any residue.

Cut Aramid Fibers: Use kevlar scissors to trim the aramid fibers close to the jacket end, bundling them for easier handling. Inspect the Fiber: Ensure the glass core is free of nicks or scratches before proceeding to splicing or connectorization.

Tips and Best Practices

Take small, controlled cuts rather than trying to remove too much coating at once. Use a spring-loaded stripper with a safety lock and adjustable stopper for consistent results. Practice on spare fibers to develop a steady hand and proper angle, especially if you are left-handed, as most strippers are designed for right-handed use.

For midspan stripping or specialized applications, consider strippers with helical cutting action or thermo-mechanical options that soften the coating before removal. By following these steps and using the correct notch for each coating layer, you can safely strip optical fibers, preserving the integrity of the glass core and ensuring reliable network performance.