Cost-effective and robust polymer fibres are playing an increasingly significant role in industrial automation solutions thanks to simple connection technology and standardised transmission protocols. However, preparing and terminating SC-RJ connectors has to date been an extremely complicated and time-consuming process, with secure and reliable processing quality depending on the user's skill and dexterity. It is against this background that Weidmüller developed a multi-functional cutting, stripping and crimping tool for POF interfaces that facilitates quick, reliable and simple preparation and connection of IP20 and IP67-rated POF connectors.
The innovative HTX-IE POF multi-functional tool allows users to carry out the complete preparation and termination of SC-RJ connectors (IP20) for Profinet and Ethernet/IP to 1mm POF fibres - all in just one tool. The HTX-IE POF serves to both strip and process duplex POF fibres at one and the same time. The processes of crimping the connectors and suitably cutting the POF fibres are completed in a single work procedure. And because a rotating blade cuts the fibre precisely at the ferrule polishing the cut surfaces in a subsequent, time-consuming process is no longer necessary. A locator (positioning and placement aid) in the tool handle enables users to position the SC-RJ connector precisely. The HTX-IE POF tool ensures highly accurate and repeatable results to support reliable, user-independent working results for consistently high quality connections. The first class form, material and surface structure of the ergonomic tool handles are designed to meet on-the-spot demands in the field.
Weidmüller offers a robust and perfectly harmonized assortment of tools for processing polymer optical fibres. The multi-stripax® IE-POF, the multi-functional tool HTX-IE POF and the pair of Kevlar scissors make it possible to prepare and terminate IP67-rated connectors in just three steps. First: remove the buffer from the POF fibre; second: crimp and cut; third: crimp the strain relief. Thanks to the specific tool geometry the "Scissor Kevlar" cable cutter has been specially designed to cut aramid fibres. Aramid fibres act as strain relief in fibre optic cables.
The tool set IE-POF - a complete programme of tools - is used to strip, crimp and cut POF fibres and cables. The PSC 80 assortment case holds everything necessary for preparing and terminating IP67-rated POF connectors including a pair of Kevlar scissors to cut aramid fibres, the multi-functional HTX-IE POF and the insulation stripping tool multi-stripax® IE POF.
All of the tools used to process POF fibres comply with the standard IEC 60793-2 A4A Fibre (1000 ?m/980 ?m POF). Weidmüller tools are predestined to last for a long service life. This is assured by best-possible workmanship, high-quality components and a production process designed to provide the highest quality for optimum work results, no matter how often the tools are used.
To prepare and terminate SC-RJ connectors requires just two (IP20) or just three (IP67) steps:
Step 1 Strip the buffer from duplex fibres: Place the POF fibres into the tool and close. The POF cables are stripped in the process.
Step 2 Crimp + cut-off the duplex fibres: Place the SC-RJ connectors into the locator on the tool. Insert the POF cables into the connectors and close the tool completely. This ensures both connectors are crimped in parallel and both POF fibres are cut off flush at the connectors. The IP20 connector is finished.
Step 3 crimp the strain relief (for IP67 connector): Place the duplex connectors and stain relief into the tool and close the tool. Job done! The strain relief is crimped.
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