2D FA for Optical Circuit Switching Polishing Solution

As AI-driven data deluge surges forth, traditional electrical switching technology is increasingly constrained by its inherent bottlenecks: low bandwidth, high latency, and high power consumption. Optical Circuit Switching (OCS), leveraging the advantages of all-optical transparent transmission, has emerged as a game-changing solution for advanced data centers. The 2D Fiber Array (FA) component serves as the core enabler for OCS systems to realize efficient switching of array optical signals. Its performance quality hinges crucially on the polishing process — the pivotal manufacturing procedure. Neofibo’s 2D fiber array polishing solution centers on the core objectives of high precision, high consistency and high stability. It overcomes critical process challenges through three major key technological breakthroughs.

2D FA for Optical Circuit Switching Polishing Solution

As AI-driven data deluge sweeps across the industry, traditional electrical switching technology faces increasingly prominent bottlenecks of low bandwidth, high latency and high power consumption. Optical Circuit Switching (OCS) technology, boasting the advantage of all-optical transparent transmission, has emerged as a breakthrough solution for advanced data centers.

The core component enabling efficient switching of array optical signals in OCS systems is the 2D Fiber Array (FA) assembly, and its performance hinges crucially on the core process of polishing.

Neofibo’s 2D fiber array polishing solution targets the core goals of high precision, high consistency and high stability, and resolves process challenges through three key technological breakthroughs.

1.structure:

A 2D fiber array is an optical device fabricated by longitudinally extending a 1D array through processes such as silicon microfabrication, fiber threading and curing. Its core components include V-grooves and spacer plates. The fiber pitch accuracy is controlled within ±0.5μm, enabling high-throughput information transmission. It is widely applied in fields such as optical communication, LiDAR and quantum communication.

2. Dimension:

The dimensional parameters of a 2D fiber array include array configuration, fiber pitch, fiber length and others, detailed as follows:
(1) Array Configuration

Common types: 1×1, 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 5×6, 6×5, 8×8, 12×12, etc.

(2) Fiber Pitch

Standard pitches: 127 μm, 250 μm, 500 μm, 750 μm and other custom sizes.

For fibers with a cladding diameter of 80 μm, the core pitch is available in 81 μm or 127 μm.

(3) Fiber Length

Range: 30~3000 mm.

(4) Overall Dimensions

Overall dimensions vary by manufacturer.

Typical specifications:10mm×2.5mm×2.5mm, 12mm×3.5mm×2.5mm, 12mm×5.7mm×2.5mm.

3.Solution:
Solution 1: Horizontal Swing Surface Polishing Machine + Digitally Displayed Pressure-adjustable Polishing Fixture with Polishing Removal
Solution Advantages:
  • Suitable for mass production polishing with excellent quality stability;
  • Polishing can be finished in two procedures by adopting polishing slurry and polishing liquid of different materials;
  • The device is provided with cumulative timing function, and the polishing time can be freely set in hours, minutes and seconds;
  • The flatness of the 50 mm diameter glass polishing plate is less than 0.005 mm;
  • The polishing removal of the polishing fixture is digitally displayed for fully controllable operation;
  • The polishing fixture features horizontal swinging and autorotation during polishing.
Solution 2: Lifting Press Polishing Machine NEOPL-2000P-C + Counterweight Press Fixture

Solution Advantages

  • Applicable to both R&D samples and mass production;
  • Adopt four-step polishing process with short time for each procedure, delivering high polishing efficiency;
  • The full-process polishing of small-size FA can be completed within 15 to 30 minutes;
  • Polishing parameters are storable, reducing the reliance on experienced operators for consistent polishing quality;
  • The repeatability of vertical displacement is controlled within 0.001 mm;
  • With lifting pressing mode, the lifting position for polishing can be manually read and stored;
  • Custom polishing fixtures are available on demand, with three pressing options: gravity pressing, downward lifting pressing and spring pressing;
  • The specially designed structure effectively reduces shaking and swing of the polishing fixture.
Solution 3: Intelligent Four-corner Press Polishing Machine NPL-2000D + Four-corner Press Plate
Solution Advantages:
  • Suitable for small-batch precision polishing and experimental R&D;
  • Short polishing time for each process step with high polishing efficiency;
  • The polishing pressure is manually adjustable; polishing parameters can be stored in the equipment, requiring no professional operating experience;
  • High process fault tolerance; polishing parameters such as time and pressure can be adjusted stage by stage according to the ferrule condition for process correction;
  • Three V-grooves limit the deflection of the daughter plate, reduce defective loss in protruding fiber polishing, and improve the surface flatness of 2D fiber polishing;
  • Polishing with glass base plate within 0.01mm parallelism;
  • Balanced cost and efficiency; the polishing equipment and consumables feature high versatility with simple equipment maintenance.

4.Custom Fixtures and Pressing Principle

(1) Pressure-adjustable Polishing Fixture

  • Compatible with horizontal swing surface polishing machines;
  • Polishing pressure is manually adjustable, and polished workpieces move down in parallel;
  • A digital micrometer monitors the polishing removal in real time; equipped with a wear-resistant base to extend the service life of the polishing fixture;
  • High-precision machining guarantees the angle and flatness of polished workpieces;
  • The fixture can be disassembled and reassembled without affecting polishing accuracy;
  • Custom dedicated fixtures for 2D-FA polishing can be designed with reference to this structure.

(2) Lifting Press Polishing Fixture

  • Compatible with Neofibo lifting press polishing machines;
  • When polishing workpieces are placed in the center, the fixture mounting positions on the polisher are arranged on both sides;
  • Adopting self-weight downward pressing, the polishing surface of the workpiece fits closely with polishing consumables by gravity, ensuring excellent polishing flatness;
  • Three customized pressing modes are optional: spring pressing, downward lifting pressing and counterweight pressing;
  • Dedicated fixtures can be customized according to 2D-FA specifications.

(3) Custom Four-Corner Press Plate

  • Suitable for polishing of protruding fiber FA and two-dimensional fiber arrays;
  • Three V-grooves restrict the deflection of the daughter plate, reduce polishing defects of protruding fibers, and improve the surface flatness of 2D fiber polishing faces;
  • Matched for use with four-corner pressure polishing machines with low planar runout;
  • Polishing adopts glass base plate with parallelism within 0.01 mm;
  • When used together with a height gauge, it can effectively improve the consistency of the polished end face.

5.Key Points of Polishing Process Control

  • Workpiece clamping parallelism: Whether the workpiece can be clamped horizontally directly determines the polishing angle and affects the polishing time. Proper horizontal clamping can greatly reduce the rough polishing duration.
  • Runout direction and displacement control of polishing fixture: During polishing, the three-axis runout of the fixture has a significant impact on the polishing result. Protruding fiber and 2D-FA polishing are more sensitive to fixture jitter along the X and Y axes. Reducing three-axis runout can achieve immediate improvement in polishing quality.
  • Quantification of polishing pressure: Empirical data and targeted polishing parameters shall be obtained according to product characteristics.
  • Surface finish control: Governed by polishing consumables and process parameters. Sufficient fine polishing time is required to eliminate traces left by the previous process. The optimal combination of time, rotating speed and pressure can effectively enhance the finish of the polished surface.

 

Shenzhen Neofibo Technology Limited, founded in 2008 and based in Shenzhen, China, is committed to becoming a professional supplier of fiber optic polishing solutions. Our goal is to make our customers’ fiber connectivity more reliable.

Over the past 17 years, we’ve gathered a team of seasoned fiber optic professionals. Their expertise spans connector polishing and assembly, outside plant installation, transmission systems, datacom, CATV, and testing. Whether you’re a fiber optic scientist working on multi – gigabit, DWDM, or EDFA applications; a maintenance engineer for optical connecting systems; an outside plant contractor handling splicing and testing; a datacom manager dealing with multimode – to – single mode conversion; or an optical fiber component manufacturer in need of high – quality pigtails, consumables, and tools, Neofibo can provide you with proven solutions, products, and services.

Neofibo focuses on the field of fiber optic polishing solutions. We specialize in manufacturing fiber optic polishing machines, designing polishing fixtures for various optical fiber connectors, and offering complete polishing processes and materials for all types of fiber optic connectors.

We can also supply the full range of production equipment for fiber optic patch cords, including fiber optic polishing tools, end – face inspection microscopes, functional inspection and detection devices, raw materials like fiber optic cables and connectors, processing tools, and cleaning consumables.

Beyond products, Neofibo provides technical services and R & D support. We aspire to be your long – term, trusted partner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Does NEOFIBO Offer?
We provide a comprehensive range of high-quality fiber optic products, including patchcord production machines, polishing jigs (compatible with Seikoh Giken, Senko, Domaille standards, or custom-designed), polishing consumables, tools, cleaning supplies, tool kits, testing equipment, and splicing accessories. We are committed to delivering competitive pricing, superior quality, and fast turnaround!

What Are the Shipping Costs?
All listed prices are FOB Shenzhen. You may use your preferred courier; otherwise, we will arrange delivery via FEDEX, DHL, UPS, or another logistics provider (subject to confirmation), with shipping costs billed accordingly.

How Soon Will Goods Be Delivered?
– In-stock items: Dispatched within 1–2 business days after payment confirmation.
– Out-of-stock items: Estimated lead time of 3–10 working days.

How Can I Place an Order?
We offer three convenient ordering channels for our valued customers: online ordering, faxed order forms, or formal purchase orders sent via email.

What Is the Warranty Policy for NEOFIBO Products?
All NEOFIBO products (excluding consumables and items subject to normal wear and tear) come with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. For products with defects in materials or workmanship, NEOFIBO will, at its discretion, repair or replace the item—provided the product is returned to NEOFIBO (at the designated location) with prepaid shipping. This constitutes the exclusive remedy under the warranty.

 

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