Simple connection technology and standardized transmission protocols are key features of these polymer fibers. Weidmüller now offers an optimal and unique solution to what is otherwise a complex process for preparing and terminating POF connectors: with a single tool, the HTX-IE POF, it is possible to strip and crimp 1 mm polymer optical fibers specifically designed for PROFINET and EtherNet/IP SC-RJ connectors. A rotating blade precisely cuts the fibers in the ferrule, eliminating the need for further polishing. Weidmüller developed this new tool for processing POF cables according to IEC 60793-2 A4A (1000 μm/980 μm POF). Furthermore, Weidmüller offers a complete range of tools for processing POF cables and fibers: the PSC 80 kit contains everything necessary for preparing and terminating POF connectors according to IP67. This includes a pair of scissors called “Kevlar Scissors”, specially designed for cutting aramid fibers, the multifunctional HTX-IE POF, and the multi-stripax insulated stripping tool® IE POF.
Cost-effective and robust polymer fibers are playing an increasingly important role in industrial automation solutions thanks to their simple connection technology and standardized transmission protocols. However, preparing and terminating SC-RJ connectors has traditionally been an extremely complex and time-consuming process, as achieving a high-quality, safe, and reliable result depended on the user's skill and expertise. To address this, Weidmüller developed a multifunctional tool for cutting, stripping, and crimping POF interfaces, facilitating the quick, reliable, and easy preparation and connection of POF connectors according to IP20 and IP67 standards.
The HTX-IE POF multifunctional tool allows users to perform the complete preparation and termination of SC-RJ (IP20) connectors for Profinet and Ethernet/IP with 1mm POF fibers—all with a single tool. The HTX-IE POF handles both stripping and processing of duplex POF fibers simultaneously. Crimping the connectors and precisely cutting the POF fibers are completed in a single operation. Because the rotating blade cuts the fiber precisely in the ferrule, the time-consuming process of polishing the cut surfaces is no longer necessary. A locator (positioning aid) on the tool handle allows users to accurately position the SC-RJ connector. The HTX-IE POF guarantees highly accurate and repeatable results for reliable, high-quality connections, regardless of the user. The highest category of format, material and surface structure of the tool handles makes it meet the demands of field application.
Weidmüller offers a robust and perfectly harmonized set of tools for processing polymer optical fibers. The multi-stripax® The IE-POF, the HTX-IE POF multifunctional tool and the pair of Kevlar scissors enable the preparation and termination of connectors according to IP67 in just three steps.
First: remove the POF fiber protection; second: crimp and cut; third: crimp the strain relief.
Thanks to its special geometry, the "Kevlar Scissors" cable cutter has been specially designed for cutting aramid fibers. Aramid fibers act as strain relief in fiber optic cables.
The IE-POF tool kit – a complete range of tools – is used for stripping, crimping, and cutting POF fibers and cables. The PSC 80 case contains everything needed for preparing and terminating POF connectors according to IP67 standards, including a pair of Kevlar scissors for cutting aramid fibers, the multifunctional HTX-IE POF tool, and the IE POF multi-stripax insulation stripping tool.
All tools used for POF fiber processing comply with the IEC 60793-2 A4A Fiber standard (1000 μm/980 μm POF).
The preparation and termination of SC-RJ connectors only requires two (IP20) or three (IP67) steps:
Step 1: Remove the protective coating from the duplex fibers. Place the POF fibers in the tool and close it. The POF cables will be stripped during the process.
Step 2: Crimping and Cutting the Duplex Fibers. Place the SC-RJ connectors in the tool's locator. Insert the POF cables into the connectors and close the tool completely. This ensures both connectors are crimped in parallel and cut at the level of both POF fibers in the connectors. The IP20 connector is now complete.
Step 3: Crimping the strain relief (for IP67 connector). Place the duplex connectors and the strain relief in the tool and close it. Mission accomplished! The strain relief is crimped.
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