EoW November 2012

News Technology

Optical fibre production without the compromise

All over the world huge amounts of electronic data are transferred every day more quickly and over longer distances. Data transfer is mainly done via cables with optical fibres. In order to transmit data without loss, optical fibres have to meet the highest quality requirements. Sikora offers a complete series of measuring and control devices that are used in the drawing tower during the production of optical fibres or in further production processes at the manufacture of optical fibre cables. The Fibre Series 6000 monitors and controls the entire drawing process and optimises the productivity of the production. The Fibre Laser 6003 is an innovative device for diameter measurement of bare fibres as well as coated optical fibres. The measuring principle is based on diffraction analysis – a method that does not require optical elements and moving parts. The technology is based on the modern CCD-line technique combined with laser diodes as light sources and intelligent, powerful software. A first gauge head is installed after the preform to measure the diameter and position of the bare fibre. On the basis of the change in position the gauge head calculates the tension by means of an FFT-analysis. The single values of the fibre position are graphically visualised by the processor system Fibre Ecocontrol in the form of a scatter plot and ensure highest accuracy. A second gauge head before the coating measures the cold diameter of the fibre and provides spinning information via FFT of the ovality. For this position, Sikora offers a gauge head with airline detection, the Fibre Laser 6300 Airline. This device additionally detects the smallest airlines from 0.5 micrometres. The second gauge head is typically used for diameter control while the the first gauge head after the preform can

▲ ▲ Production data of the Fibre Series 6000 are visualised at the processor system Fibre Ecocontrol

The devices of the Fibre Series 6000 have diverse interfaces such as RS485, RS232, LAN (Ethernet), four analogue outputs (uni-/bipolar) or optional Profibus-DP as well as alternative industrial field buses such as CANopen, Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet and ProfiNet. their accuracy over the entire life cycle. The optical measuring principle without moving parts assures a mean time between failure (MTBF) of 15 years. Maintenance is not required. For the production of loose tubes or optical fibre cables sheathing lines Sikora offers innovative technologies. The company’s expert team gladly supports you to find the right product solution for your application: sales@ sikora.net Sikora AG – Germany Website : www.sikora.net Factory-calibrated, they keep

realise the control. This is decided by the manufacturer of optical fibres. A third Fibre Laser 6003 measures the diameter after the coating. In the case of a secondary coating an additional gauge head can be installed. 2,500 measurements per second with high single value precision and a short exposure time of 1.2 microseconds always guarantees the highest precision. The unique measuring principle assures an accuracy of 0.05 micrometres at a repeatability of 0.02 micrometres. For continuous quality control a reliable lump detector is essential. With a measuring rate of 3 x 100 kHz the 3-axis Fibre Lump 6003 detects the smallest lumps down to a minimum size of 5μm. Sikora double sensor technology, punctual non-conformities on the surface are detected. The faults are analysed regarding type, dimension, length, quantity and position. The data provided by the gauge heads is recorded and displayed by the processor system Fibre Ecocontrol. At the monitor the diameter of the bare and coated fibre is displayed. The exact position in the measuring field is visualised in the form of the scatter plot. In addition, the vibration frequency of the fibre is displayed. In combination with the

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November 2012