While quite obvious to those in the industry, this basic question is common among those outside of our niche. With that, we’ll do our best to give a high-level overview and definition of the fusion splicer.

Fusion Splicer Definition:

A fusion splicer is a device that uses an electrical arc to weld two pieces of fiber cable together. This process of welding the cables together is called “fusing” or “splicing”. Thus the devices “splice” the cables using “fusion” and are called “Fusion Splicers.”

The process in which this equipment works is as such: Two Strands of fiber are mounted on corresponding fixtures and properly aligned. The fiber ends are inspected under a microscope as the quality of the ends and the proper angle at which they fuse is important to reduce “splice loss”. The machine then splices the two fibers with the electrical arc.

Originally, fusion splicers used nichrome wire to heat each fiber end but now there are advanced techniques more commonly employed including gas flames, CO2 Carbon Dioxide and of course most commonly electrical arcs.

Fusion Splicer Users:
Typical users of fusion splicers and splicing hardware include telecommunications workers, cable companies employees, the military and anyone else who might work with fiber-optics on a regular basis. Regular users of these devices greatly appreciate the increased speed and precision as well as automatic splicing capabilities that come with the latest models.

Fusion Splicer Manufacturers:
The most prevalent manufactures of fusion splicers are Fujikura, Sumitomo and Fitel. The latest devices offered by these manufactured are not inexpensive though, often selling for $10,000 and up.

When it comes to high-volume fiber splicing, you want to be able to operate quickly.  The following are some of the current lineup of the fastest fusion splicers on the market and their associated splicing speeds:

Fujikura FSM-60S:
Fiber Splicing Speed: 9 Seconds
Sleeve Heating Speed: 30 Seconds
Total Splice Time: 39 seconds

Sumitomo Type-39:
Fiber Splicing Speed: 9 Seconds
Sleeve Heating Speed: 30 Seconds
Total Splice Time: 39 seconds

Fujikura FSM-50S:
Fiber Splicing Speed: 9 Seconds
Sleeve Heating Speed: 35 Seconds
Total Splice Time: 44 seconds

For those accustomed to old fusion splicers that take a minute or longer just to splice the fiber these models must be the subjects of their daydreams.

Of course not everybody has day-day splicing requirements or can afford these models which can run between $8000 and $13,000 dollars on the open market from companies like Vibrant-Inc.com (and they run quite a bit more direct retail).

Let me know if I missed any of the other top models when it comes to high-speed fiber and fusion splicers!

The FSM-60S fusion splicer incorporates a user-friendly interface with enhanced features, and is one of the most reliable fusion splicers in the market today. The new durable construction offers better protection from dust, water, vibration and shock

For pricing contact info@vibrant-inc.com

Key Features

• Core to core alignment by PAS (Profile Alignment System) technology
• Rugged construction providing shock, dust and moisture resistance Dual monitor position with automatic image orientation
• Automatic arc calibration and fiber identificatio
• User-selectable fiber clamping method – sheath clamp or fiber holders Auto-start tube heater feature
• 4.1″ TFT color LCD display with anti-reflective coating for excellent visibility in bright sunlight
• Simultaneous battery charge and splicer operation
• Long life battery (up to 160 splice/heat cycles per charge)

For pricing on the Fujikura FSM-60S or parts for this splicer, contact:

Vibrant-inc.com
info@vibrant-inc.com

The FSM-17S offers a host of improvements including a 35 second tube heater, dual position monitor, and a longer battery life. The real time arc calibration feature makes field maintenance easy.

For pricing contact info@vibrant-inc.com

Key Features:

• Suitable for Single fiber splicing
• Cladding alignment with fixed v-groove
• Dual-directional operating system
• Arc-calibration-free system
• Large capacity slot-in battery
• Simple operation steps
• Fiber holder model, FSM-17S-FH also available

For pricing on the Fujikura FSM17S or parts for this splicer, contact:

Vibrant-inc.com
info@vibrant-inc.com

Fujikura FSM-40S Fiber Optic Fusion Splicer offers a core-to-core fiber alignment system, PAS and full automatic operation. The FSM-40S is lightweight, compact and has multiple power supply options.

For pricing contact info@vibrant-inc.com

Key Features:

• Core-to-core fiber alignment system (PAS)
• Fast splicing & Full automatic operatio
• Compact, lightweight and various power supply option
• 2 CCD cameras, No up-down mirro
• High resolution 5 inch color LCD monito
• Simultaneous X & Y axes observatio
• Automatic Arc calibration function for stable arc discharg
• Automatic fiber type identifier and self diagnostic test function

For pricing on the FSM-40S or parts for this splicer, contact:

Vibrant-inc.com
info@vibrant-inc.com

The Fujikura FSM-50R Ribbon Fusion Splicer has an auto load feature that provides fast and easy splicing. The FSM-50R has an improved tube heater with shrinks in about 45 seconds.

For pricing contact info@vibrant-inc.com

Key Features:

• Suitable for Ribbon Fiber Splicing
• FSM-50R12 : Splicing up to 12-Fiber Ribbon
• FSM-50R8 : Splicing up to 8-Fiber Ribbon
• Cladding Alignment with fixed v-grooves
• Dual-directional operating system
• Arc calibration-free system
• Automatic fiber loading system
• Large Capacity slot-in battery
• Simple operation steps

For pricing on the FSM-50R or parts for this splicer, contact:

Vibrant-inc.com
info@vibrant-inc.com

The Type-37 Micro-Core is a lightweight, portable, automatic instrument for creating low-loss optical fiber splices. It is highly portable at only 9.0 lbs and can derive power via an internal AC power module or internal 12V DC battery module.

For pricing contact info@vibrant-inc.com

Key Features:

• Core Alignment (High-Resolution Direct Core Monitoring)
• On Board Splice Protection Heater
• 5.6” Color LCD Monitor
• 340x Fiber Magnification
• 30 mph Wind Protection
• User Friendly Software With Help Features
• Operation By AC Power or 12V Li-ion Battery
• Tool-free Maintenance for Changing Electrodes
• Back mount Monitor Option Available
• Fast Fiber Protection Sleeve Heater

For pricing on the Type-37 or parts for this splicer, contact:

Vibrant-inc.com
info@vibrant-inc.com

Sumitomo’s Type-39 Fusion splicer is the first splicer to have a Dual-Automatic Heater System, with Auto Start Heater and Auto Start Splice functions. It’s the fastest splicer on the market. Its advanced design accomodates the built-in dual heating system and simultaneous operation. The Type-39 has a heater cycle time of only 30 seconds and a splice cycle of only 9 seconds.

For Pricing contact info@vibrant-inc.com

Key Features:

• RoHS Compliant
• Dual Independent Splice Protection Heaters, Patent Pending
• 5.6” Switchable Color Monitor for Front to Back or Back to Front Operation
• Auto Splice Start
• Auto Heater Start
• Auto Fiber Profiling Detection
• Complete Splice in less than 40 Seconds
• Built-in LED for V-Groove Illumination
• User-Friendly Menu Selection System
• 24-Hour Technical Support via 888-SPLICER

For pricing on the Type-39 or parts for this splicer, contact:

Vibrant-inc.com
info@vibrant-inc.com

The FSM-50S Fusion Splicer is the new standard in fiber splicers featuring 9 second splice time and 35 second tube heating time. The 50S Arc splicer is a modern marvel of splicing with its sleek profile, light packaging and terrific performance. The 50S is optimal for field use.

For Pricing contact info@vibrant-inc.com

Key Features:

• PAS Core to Core Fiber Alignment System:
  The Performance Alignment System platform in effect
• Dual-Directional Operating System:
  Ergonomic reverse monitor allows for terrific ease of use.
• Calibration-Free Arc System:
  No longer deal with time-consuming arc calibration, the FSM50S automatically calibrates on its own.
• Optional Large Capacity slot-in batteries
  Offering two types of slot-in batteries: BTR-06S and BTR-06L
• 9 Second Splice Time:
  New stepping motor and top notch computer processing allow for a 9 second splice with SM fiber.
• 35 Second Tube-Heat Time:
  With FP-03 protection sleeve, achieve 35 second tube-heat time thanks to Advanced Heater Design.

Standard Package Includes:

FSM-50S Arc Fusion Splicer
ADC-11 AC Adapter Battery Charger, DC Inlet
CC-12 Carrying Case
MC-02 Monitor Cover
ACC-XX AC Power Cord
ELCT2-20A Spare Electrodes
Instruction Manual for FSM-50S

Optional Items:
(although many companies like Vibrant-inc.com bundle some of these items in, such as Vibrant-inc.com)

BTR-06S or BTR-06L Detachable Battery Pack
DCC-10 Battery Charge Cord
DCC-12 Cigarette Lighter Socket Type DC Power Cord
DCC-13 Alligator Clamp Type DC Power Cord
JP-04 J-Plate
WT-06 Working Table
WTS-06 Working Table Support
MGS-05 Magnifying Glass
CT-20 Series High Precision Fiber Cleaver
PS-02 Primary Coat Stripper
JS-01 Nylon Jacket Stripper
SH-7 Tube Heater
HR-1 Alcohol Dispenser
FP-03 / 03 (L=40), FPS01 Series Protection Sleeves, Fiber Sleeves

For pricing on the FSM-50S Fusion Splicer or parts for this splicer, contact:

Vibrant-inc.com
info@vibrant-inc.com

Fujikura FSM-30S Singlemode / Multimode Fiber Fusion Splicer offers fully automatic operation, programmable tube heating cycle and a splice loss control function.

For pricing contact info@vibrant-inc.com

Key Features:

• Fully automatic operation once fibers are set in the fixture
• Observation of both X and Y axis simultaneously
• Atmosphere, humidity and temperature compensation functions provided
• Mechanical proof test provided
• Automatically stores the last 100 splice losses together with dates. Optional built-in memory card slot for storing additional splices.
• Mode field diameter mismatch compensation splicing programs. Suitable for splicing two different fibers.
• Splice loss control function
• Arc power is optimized automatically by an integrated arc power test
• Programmable tube heating cycle
• Dust detection

For pricing on the FSM-30S or parts for this splicer, contact:

Vibrant-inc.com
info@vibrant-inc.com