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Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnologie IPT Steinbachstraße 17 52074 Aachen, Germany http://www.ipt.fraunhofer.de
Contact Mr Maximilian Hoeren
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Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnologie IPT

Fraunhofer IPT presents platform for automated precision assembly of polarized optical fibers

(PresseBox) (Aachen, )
The assembly of bundled optical fibers with plug connections, which are used in information and communication technology, is still difficult to automate today: Fibers with fixed polarization must be aligned with great precision in the connector, and their handling and bonding also require maximum accuracy. Together with the Dutch University of Twente and the industrial partners Aixemtec GmbH from Herzogenrath and Phix B.V. from Enschede, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT from Aachen presented a modular system for the automated assembly of polarization-maintaining fiber arrays at the "Laser – World of Photonics" trade fair from 24 to 27 June 2019 in Munich.

With so-called single-mode fiber arrays, the precise arrangement of the individual fibers is crucial. Up to 32 light-conducting fibers are mounted in several layers in one connector – today, they are usually still glued manually and individually in the connector, since the correct alignment of each individual fiber determines whether the component can perform the desired data transmission.

The assembly system can now take over this complex and thus costly task: The system automates all of the essential process steps for manufacturing the connectors – from storage and feeding of the fibers to rotary and translational alignment, gluing and hardening of individual fibers through to final assembly of the entire system into a linear fiber array.

Today, the system can already assemble connectors with up to 16 fiber connections autonomously. Further developments now aim not only to increase the number of fibers processed, but also to improve the handling of the non-rigid fibers and thus further accelerate the entire production process.

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Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnologie IPT

Das Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnologie IPT vereint langjähriges Wissen und Erfahrung aus allen Gebieten der Produktionstechnik. In den Bereichen Prozesstechnologie, Produktionsmaschinen, Produktionsqualität und Messtechnik sowie Technologiemanagement bietet das Fraunhofer IPT seinen Kunden und Projektpartnern angewandte Forschung und Entwicklung für die vernetzte, adaptive Produktion. Das Leistungsspektrum des Instituts orientiert sich an den individuellen Aufgaben und Herausforderungen innerhalb bestimmter Branchen, Technologien und Produktbereiche, darunter Automobilbau und -zulieferer, Energie, Life Sciences, Luftfahrt, Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, Optik, Präzisions- und Mikrotechnik sowie Werkzeug- und Formenbau.

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The publisher indicated in each case (see company info by clicking on image/title or company info in the right-hand column) is solely responsible for the stories above, the event or job offer shown and for the image and audio material displayed. As a rule, the publisher is also the author of the texts and the attached image, audio and information material. The use of information published here is generally free of charge for personal information and editorial processing. Please clarify any copyright issues with the stated publisher before further use. In case of publication, please send a specimen copy to service@pressebox.de.