A Fiber Cleaver is a specialized tool used to "cut" optical fibers for fusion or mechanical splicing. It uses a diamond or tungsten carbide blade to score the bare glass and then snaps it to ensure a clean, 90-degree end-face with minimal signal loss (typically less than deviation).
The quality of a fiber optic connection is entirely dependent on the quality of the cleave. Any jagged edges or improper angles at the fiber tip will cause significant signal loss (insertion loss) or back reflection.
- Precision Mechanism: It operates on a "scribe and break" principle. The tool holds the fiber under tension, makes a microscopic scratch with a rotating blade, and then applies a precisely calibrated force to snap the glass.
- Key Components:
- Rotating Blade: High-end cleavers feature circular blades with 12 to 24 indexed positions. Each position can last for thousands of cuts, with a total blade life of up to 48,000 to 60,000 cleaves.
- Fiber Holder: A 3-in-1 fixture that can accommodate various fiber types, including 250µm (bare fiber), 900µm (buffered fiber), and 3.0mm (patch cords).
- Waste Collector: Many professional models include an automatic scrap box to safely collect and store dangerous glass shards.
- Types of Cleavers:
- Desktop/Precision Cleavers: The industry standard for fusion splicing, offering the highest accuracy and repeatability.
- Handheld/Field Cleavers: Compact "stapler-style" tools for quick repairs or FTTH installations where space is limited.
- Manual Scribe (Pen-style): A basic diamond-tipped pen used to manually scratch and pull the fiber. These require high skill and are less common in professional splicing today.
- Applications: Essential for Fusion Splicing, Mechanical Splicing, and preparing fibers for Pre-Polished Connectors (Quick Connectors) in FTTH projects.
