Horizontal stripping of optical cables

Buffer tube coaxial cable strippers and adjustable fiber optic strippers are ideal for horizontal stripping of optical cables without damaging the fiber.

Mechanical Fiber Strippers

Mechanical fiber strippers are precision tools designed to remove coatings from optical fibers, exposing the glass core safely. They typically feature slots sized for different coating layers (primary, secondary, or jacket) and allow controlled horizontal or transverse cutting. Common models include handheld strippers for standard 125 µm glass fibers with 250 µm coatings, as well as tools for tight buffers (900 µm) and larger cable jackets.

These strippers ensure nick-free removal and are suitable for splicing, connectorization, or mid-fiber “window strip” operations.

Buffer Tube Coaxial Cable Strippers

For horizontal stripping of loose tube optical cables, buffer tube coaxial cable strippers are highly effective. Key models include: 45-162 Stripper: Adjustable blade depth, suitable for 0–3. 2 mm diameter cables, supports transverse (horizontal) and longitudinal cutting, ideal for indoor loose tube cables.

45-163 Stripper: Adjustable blades for 3. 2–5. 6 mm diameters, three straight blades plus one arc blade, allows precise horizontal cuts without fiber damage.

45-164 Stripper: Handles 6. 4–14. 3 mm diameters, two straight horizontal blades and one longitudinal round blade, lightweight and easy to operate.

45-165 Stripper: Suitable for 4. 8–7. 9 mm diameters, adjustable cutting depth, includes rebound mechanism for safe and efficient horizontal or vertical stripping.

These tools are designed to cut the outer sheath horizontally, remove buffer tubes, and prepare fibers for splicing or connectorization while minimizing the risk of nicking the fiber.

Advanced Fiber Stripping Kits

Some manufacturers, such as Thorlabs, offer fiber buffer stripping kits with color-coded blades and fiber guides to ensure consistent horizontal stripping for different fiber diameters. These kits often include a bare fiber gripper to hold the fiber securely without causing microfractures, which is particularly useful for delicate single-mode or multimode fibers.

Practical Tips

Always measure the cable diameter and adjust the blade depth to avoid cutting into the fiber core. Use transverse or horizontal cuts for buffer tube removal, and longitudinal cuts for jacket removal. For multiple fiber diameters, choose strippers with adjustable or interchangeable blades.

Clean the stripped fiber with lint-free wipes and high-purity alcohol to remove any coating residue before splicing or connectorization. By selecting the appropriate mechanical or buffer tube stripper and adjusting the blade depth, technicians can efficiently perform horizontal stripping of optical cables while maintaining fiber integrity.