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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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

It is extremely important to ask questions.  When buying from an eBay seller, it’s a good exercise to communicate with them before buying to get a good feel for the seller.

Some questions to ask to help you make a decision:

1) Authorized or Open Market vendor?
Is the seller an approved authorized vendor by the manufacturer?
If not, where do they source their equipment from?

For example, according to their website, Fujikura only authorizes AFL to distribute their splicer products in the USA.  If you see Fujikura splicers sold by other distributors you’ll have to get more details on what they’re offering since they don’t have that direct authorized relationship with Fujikura.  Similarly, Sumitomo Electric USA and also Power & Tel are authorized as Sumitomo Distributors.

2) Warranty?
How long of a warranty is provided and is the product eligible for support?
Who provides the warranty support and any extended maintenance?
Do they replace your product if it goes down?  Repair it?  Send a loaner?
Do they replace your product or provide a loaner with the exact same model?.. or an equivalent?

3) Hardware History (if buying used):
What is the arc count on the splicer?
Has this unit ever been in need of repair in the past?
Has the fiber splicer been used in rugged conditions?

4) Seller Background
Do your typical due diligence checking BBB, asking for references, check eBay history, etc, etc…

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Hopefully these questions will help arm you with the information you need to make the best decision when buying fusion splicers on eBay or other online auctions.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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:

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