Lens Forming Station (LFS)

The 3SAE Lens Forming Station (LFS) uses our patented Ring of Fire Technology® which allows users to process a fiber end or cleave into a ball lens of a user specified diameter. Utilizing precision mechanics, integrated high contrast optics and automatic fiber alignment, the LFS is the only commercially available system specifically designed for high-volume manufacturing targeting ease of use, high-accuracy and process repeatability. The LFS allows users to easily optimize a recipe to achieve a desired ball lens diameter by setting the target diameter and arc controls via the advanced control software. Programmable pass/fail criteria including ball lens diameter, ball lens center and 3SAE's Effective Area Radius (EAR)™ measurement can also be adjusted on a per program basis. Additional limits can be set to ensure that a prepared fiber of proper diameter is being loaded by the operator before allowing the process to begin. All adjustable parameters can easily be locked out, offering simple "one button" control to the operator while allowing ultimate customization of recipes from an engineer level. Real time image processing allows the user to view the lensing of a fiber in process. When lensing process is completed, the user is automatically alerted of pass/fail status based upon program specific criteria. The 3SAE Lens Forming Station accommodates fiber diameters from 125 μm to 500 μm (clad O.D.), coating diameters up to 900 μm.