Optimization of UV-Curing Multiple Elements by On-line Measurements

摘要

The efficient manufacture of quality optical fiber ribbons using inline coloring is achieved by the measurement and control of key process parameters to assure product performance. Typical quality assurance procedures that test product end samples do not assure quality along the entire length of the product. Prysmian and Nextrom have developed key on-line measurements and controls for ribbon lines with in-line fiber coloring. These include the selection and integration of relevant sensors into the line and the development of models to predict the final cure of UV inks to control fiber breakout performance from the ribbon matrix. This approach guarantees that the ink cure is sufficient along the entire length of ribbon (including ramping up and down) to reduce off-line sampling and the potential for scrap. During development trials to increase production capacity via increased line speeds, poor ribbon "break out" was observed. Poor ribbon break out is defined as either ink transfer from the fibers to the matrix material, or worse, sticking of the fibers to each other or the matrix material when attempting to remove individual optical fibers from the ribbon. In the most severe cases, the sticking is such that the fiber coating is completely removed leaving bare glass. This result could be catastrophic with modern mid-span access techniques used to splice single fibers.