Working Principle of Armored Fiber Tail Stripper

An armored fiber tail stripper works by mechanically cutting and removing the outer armor, jacket, and buffer layers of a fiber optic cable while preserving the integrity of the inner glass fiber.

Overview

Armored fiber tail strippers are specialized tools designed to prepare armored fiber optic cables for splicing or termination. These cables include multiple protective layers: a polyethylene outer jacket, metal armor (steel or aluminum), aramid yarn strength members, and the fiber's buffer coating. The stripper must remove these layers cleanly without nicking or damaging the delicate glass core .

Working Principle

1. Cable Positioning: The cable is placed into the tool's opening, and adjustable rollers or thumb knobs are used to secure it snugly. This ensures the blade aligns correctly with the armor and jacket .
2. Blade Engagement: The stripper features a precision blade that can be rotated or adjusted for longitudinal (lengthwise) or circumferential (around the cable) cuts. For armored cables, the blade is set to cut through the metal armor and outer jacket without reaching the fiber core .
3. Mechanical Stripping: By squeezing the tool's jaws or activating a lever, the blade presses through the armor and jacket. The tool is then pulled along the cable length, slicing the armor and jacket in a controlled manner. For cables with external strength members, the tool may follow a slight spiral path to accommodate the lay of the fibers .
4. Layer Removal: After cutting, the outer armor and jacket are peeled or slid off, exposing the aramid yarn and buffer coating. The aramid fibers are then trimmed with cable-cutting scissors, and the buffer coating is stripped using precision holes or slots sized for the fiber diameter .
5. Fiber Preparation: The final step exposes the bare glass fiber, typically 125 µm in diameter, ready for splicing or connectorization. The stripper ensures the fiber remains undamaged, avoiding scratches or nicks that could cause signal loss .

Key Features

• Adjustable Blade Depth: Prevents accidental damage to the fiber core.
• Rotatable Blade Assembly: Allows both longitudinal and circumferential cuts.
• Precision Slots: Sized for different fiber coatings and buffer diameters.
• Compatibility: Works with armored cables, loose tube fibers, and pigtails. By combining precise mechanical cutting with careful alignment and adjustable settings, armored fiber tail strippers efficiently remove protective layers while maintaining fiber integrity, ensuring reliable optical performance .