10 Essential Things To Know About Thermal Fiber Stripping Tools

By Author: Chrishjordan
Total Articles: 25
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Preparing optical fiber correctly is one of the most important steps in fiber optic installation, splicing, and maintenance. While conventional mechanical strippers are widely used, some fiber coatings can be difficult to remove consistently without placing unnecessary stress on the glass. This is where a thermal fiber stripping tool can provide a valuable alternative.
A thermal stripper combines controlled heat with mechanical stripping to soften the coating before it is removed. This approach can make difficult stripping applications more manageable while supporting repeatable fiber preparation. Jonard Tools offers several thermal stripping solutions designed for different fiber configurations and applications.
Here are 10 important things to know when working with a fiber thermal stripper.
1. A Thermal Stripper Uses Heat to Soften the Fiber Coating
Unlike a conventional mechanical stripper that relies primarily on cutting and pulling, a thermal stripper introduces controlled heat to the stripping process.
The heat helps reduce adhesion between the fiber coating and the underlying optical fiber. ...
... Once the coating has been softened, the mechanical portion of the tool can remove it with less resistance.
This thermo mechanical process can be particularly useful when working with coatings that are difficult to remove using conventional methods. It can also help reduce the mechanical stress associated with stripping.
2. Thermal Strippers Are Useful for Difficult or Baked-On Coatings
Not every fiber coating behaves the same way. Some coatings may become harder to remove because of environmental exposure, manufacturing processes, aging, or other conditions.
A thermal stripper is designed to handle applications where ordinary mechanical stripping may be challenging. For example, Jonard's TSAB-40 can heat up to 200°C and is designed for difficult or baked on coatings. Under appropriate conditions, it can also remove some fluoroacrylate undercoatings.
This makes thermal stripping especially useful when a technician needs greater control over the preparation process.
3. Choosing the Correct Fiber Size Is Essential
Fiber dimensions should always be checked before selecting a thermal fiber stripping tool.
Different tools are designed for different cladding and buffer sizes. For example, the TSAB-40 adjustable blade thermal stripper supports optical fibers with cladding diameters from 30 µm to 1000 µm and buffer diameters up to 1200 µm. This includes commonly encountered 250 µm, 400 µm, and 900 µm coated fibers.
By comparison, the TSFB-125 fixed blade thermal stripper is designed around 125 µm cladding and supports buffer diameters from 250 µm to 900 µm.
Always match the tool's specifications to the fiber being prepared.
4. Adjustable Temperature Provides Greater Flexibility
One of the major advantages of a fiber thermal stripper is the ability to control the heating conditions.
The TSAB-40 and TSFB-125 provide adjustable temperature and time settings, allowing technicians to adapt the stripping process to different coatings and fiber configurations. Their documented temperature range is 60°C to 200°C, with adjustable heating time from 0 to 30 seconds.
This flexibility can be especially useful when a single work area involves several fiber types or coating materials.
Technicians should use the appropriate settings for the specific application rather than assuming that maximum heat is always necessary.
5. Fixed Blade and Adjustable-Blade Models Serve Different Needs
Thermal strippers are not all designed in exactly the same way.
An adjustable blade model provides greater flexibility for different fiber dimensions. The TSAB-40, for example, combines an adjustable blade with adjustable temperature and timing controls.
A fixed blade model is designed around a more specific fiber configuration. The TSFB-125 uses a fixed blade and is intended for standard 125 µm optical fiber applications. Its self centering blade design is intended to provide consistent stripping performance.
Consider the range of fibers you regularly work with when deciding between these designs.
6. Thermal Stripping Can Be Particularly Valuable for Fusion Splicing
Fiber preparation directly affects subsequent splicing and termination work.
A clean, consistent strip is important when preparing fiber for fusion splicing. Jonard's guidance on thermo mechanical stripping notes that thermal stripping can provide repeatability and reduce stress compared with some conventional mechanical stripping applications.
After removing the coating, the exposed fiber should still be inspected and cleaned according to the requirements of the splicing process.
A thermal fiber stripping tool therefore works as one part of a larger preparation workflow rather than as a replacement for every other fiber preparation tool.
7. Handheld Thermal Strippers Are Useful for Field Applications
Bench top thermal stripping equipment can be useful in controlled work environments, but field technicians may need something more portable.
The Jonard TFS-100 is a portable wireless thermal stripper designed for simplex fiber and ribbon fiber from 2 to 12 strands. It reaches maximum temperature in approximately four seconds and provides four temperature levels. Its rechargeable design can perform more than 300 stripping cycles before recharging under the manufacturer's stated conditions.
For technicians who frequently move between job sites, a portable fiber thermal stripper can make thermal stripping more convenient.
8. Proper Fiber Holders and Clamps Help Maintain Alignment
Fiber positioning is important during thermal stripping. The fiber needs to remain properly aligned with the stripping mechanism throughout the process.
For bench top Jonard thermal strippers, different platforms and clamps are available for various fiber holders. The company's documentation lists platforms for Ericsson and Fitel/Fujikura holders as well as a universal clamp for other applications.
Using an appropriate holding system can help maintain consistent positioning and make the stripping process easier to repeat.
9. Cleanliness Matters After Every Stripping Operation
Removing a fiber coating produces debris that can interfere with subsequent work if it is allowed to accumulate around the tool or workspace.
After stripping, remove coating residue from the working area and inspect the exposed fiber. Keep the thermal stripper clean and follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations.
Jonard's thermal stripper documentation describes its bench-top models as compact and low-maintenance and specifies a cleaning brush as part of the included accessories for the TSAB-40 and TSFB-125.
Regular cleaning helps keep the stripping process consistent and protects the tool from unnecessary buildup.
10. Build the Thermal Stripping Process Around the Application
A thermal stripper should be selected based on the complete job rather than simply the name of the tool.
Before beginning, consider:
Fiber type: Confirm the fiber and cladding dimensions.
Coating type: Determine whether the coating requires thermal assistance.
Strip length: Establish the required exposed-fiber length.
Temperature: Select an appropriate heating level.
Heating time: Use a suitable cycle rather than excessive heat.
Fiber holder: Make sure the fiber can be positioned securely.
Cleaning: Keep the tool and work area free from coating debris.
Inspection: Examine the stripped fiber before splicing or termination.
Handling: Avoid unnecessary bending or contact with exposed glass.
Tool maintenance: Keep the thermal stripper clean and ready for the next operation.
This systematic approach can make fiber preparation more predictable and efficient.
Conclusion
A Thermal fiber stripping tool can be an important part of a professional fiber optic toolkit when conventional mechanical stripping is not the ideal solution. By combining controlled heat with mechanical stripping, a fiber thermal stripper can help technicians work with difficult coatings while supporting repeatable preparation.
Jonard Tools offers thermal stripping options including adjustable blade, fixed-blade, and handheld designs for different fiber applications. Current products include the TSAB-40, TSFB-125, and TFS-100, along with platforms and clamping accessories.
Selecting the right thermal stripper requires attention to fiber dimensions, coating type, required workflow, portability, and temperature control. When properly matched to the application and used as part of a careful fiber preparation process, thermal stripping can help technicians achieve consistent results for demanding fiber optic work.