Fujikura APM-101 and APM-102 Automatic Fiber Preparation Machines
Fujikura APM-101 and APM-102 Automatic Fiber Preparation Machines automate the stripping, alcohol cleaning, and precision cleaving of 125 µm single-mode and multimode glass fibers with 250 µm UV-cured coatings. One-button operation completes the preparation cycle with high repeatability, while automatic cleaning, debris collection, and alcohol circulation support continuous factory assembly. Available from Simbol Test Systems, an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL and Fujikura products.
Download the Fujikura APM-101 and APM-102 Automatic Fiber Preparation Machines Specification Sheet (PDF)Fujikura APM-101 and APM-102 Automatic Fiber Preparation Machines
The Fujikura APM-101 and APM-102 Automatic Fiber Preparation Machines are factory-oriented systems designed to automate the principal steps required before optical fiber fusion splicing. Each machine strips the fiber coating, cleans the exposed glass with alcohol, and performs a controlled tension-method cleave in one automated preparation cycle.
Both models are designed for single-mode and multimode glass fibers with a nominal cladding diameter of 125 µm and a UV-curable resin coating diameter of 250 µm. The automated process helps manufacturing and assembly operations reduce dependence on manual preparation techniques while supporting consistent fiber quality and repeatable cleave geometry.
Operation is completed through a single start-button command. Under the specified configuration, the typical preparation cycle is approximately 23 seconds. The machine coordinates stripping, cleaning, and cleaving without requiring the operator to transfer the fiber manually between separate preparation tools.
Automated Stripping, Cleaning, and Cleaving
The Fujikura APM Series combines three essential fiber preparation operations within one production-friendly system. This integrated workflow helps simplify operator training, reduce direct handling of prepared fibers, and maintain a consistent process across repeated assembly cycles.
- Automatic coating removal: Strips compatible 250 µm UV-cured resin coatings from 125 µm glass fibers.
- Controlled stripping method: Guides work with the stripping blade to help prevent blade contact with the fiber cladding.
- Automatic alcohol cleaning: Cleans residual coating material from the exposed glass after stripping.
- Automatic precision cleaving: Uses a diamond blade and tension-method process to produce consistent fiber end-faces.
- One-button operation: The operator starts the complete preparation cycle with one control.
- Adjustable cleave length: Supports cleave lengths from 3 to 10 mm.
- Automatic internal cleaning: Principal machine components are cleaned automatically to support continuous operation.
- Separate residue collection: Coating debris and glass scraps are collected in separate containers.
- Closed alcohol circulation: Recirculates cleaning alcohol to support extended operation between refills.
Production-Friendly Fiber Preparation
Manual fiber preparation generally requires separate stripping, cleaning, and cleaving tools. Moving the fiber between these operations can increase handling and introduce variation between operators. The APM-101 and APM-102 integrate the process into a coordinated sequence while the fiber remains secured in a compatible holder.
The automatic cycle helps standardize key preparation parameters and reduce the number of manual actions required from the operator. This makes the machines suitable for factory assembly, optical component manufacturing, production development, and other applications where repetitive fiber preparation is required.
Daily maintenance is typically recommended after approximately 150 preparation cycles. Actual maintenance requirements depend on fiber coating characteristics, cleanliness, alcohol condition, operating environment, and production volume.
APM-101 Fiber Holder Compatibility
The Fujikura APM-101 is designed primarily for applications using compatible FH-100-250 Series fiber holders. These holders are associated with Fujikura FSM-100 Series and related specialty fiber processing systems.
The APM-101 specification also identifies support for the FH-70-250 holder. Earlier compatible preparation workflows may include selected FH-40/45-250 holders used with Fujikura FSM-40 and FSM-45 specialty splicing platforms. Compatibility with a particular holder and splicer should be confirmed before ordering.
The APM-101 is appropriate for production environments requiring automated preparation for specialty or factory fusion splicing systems that use compatible holder-based fiber handling.
APM-102 Fiber Holder Compatibility
The Fujikura APM-102 is designed for the FH-70-250 fiber holder. This holder is used with selected Fujikura field fusion splicers and compatible preparation equipment.
The APM-102 is suitable for production and assembly operations that have standardized their fiber preparation and splicing workflow around the FH-70-250 holder platform.
The holder is required for operation and should be selected separately unless specifically included with the ordered system. Confirm that the fiber coating, holder, cleave length, and downstream splicer are compatible with the complete process.
Reliable Stripping with Reduced Cladding Contact
The stripping mechanism uses guides together with the coating-strip blade to position the fiber and help prevent the blade from contacting the glass cladding. This supports controlled coating removal while minimizing the risk of mechanical damage to the exposed fiber.
The CSB-250 Coating Strip Blade is available as a replacement component for compatible APM configurations. Blade condition should be monitored as part of routine maintenance because contamination or wear can affect stripping quality and coating-residue removal.
Fiber quality should be inspected periodically to verify that the stripping process is not scratching, nicking, or otherwise degrading the glass surface.
Alcohol Cleaning and Residue Management
After stripping, the machine automatically cleans the exposed glass with alcohol to remove remaining coating residue. The alcohol is circulated through a closed system, supporting extended operation without frequent manual refilling.
The ALC-01 Alcohol Container stores the cleaning fluid used by the machine. Alcohol condition should be monitored because excessive contamination can reduce cleaning effectiveness and transfer residue to prepared fibers.
Coating debris and cleaved glass scraps are collected in separate containers. This helps keep residue away from the preparation area and simplifies routine machine cleanup.
Diamond Tension-Method Cleaving
The APM-101 and APM-102 use a diamond blade in a tension-method cleaving process. This method is designed to provide consistent fiber end-faces with a typical cleave angle of approximately 0.5° under the specified conditions.
Cleave length can be configured from 3 to 10 mm according to the downstream fusion-splicing or component-assembly requirement. The CB-04A Cleaver Blade is available as a replacement component.
Actual cleave quality can be affected by blade condition, fiber cleanliness, coating removal, fiber tension, holder positioning, air pressure, and environmental conditions. Cleaved fibers should be inspected at appropriate production intervals.
Compressed-Air and Power Requirements
The automatic preparation system requires regulated compressed air at 4 bar. The REG-01 Air Pressure Regulator is included with the complete APM-101 and APM-102 configurations listed in the ordering information.
Electrical power is supplied through the ADC-15 AC Adapter and ACC-02 AC Power Cord. The correct regional power cord and facility air connection should be confirmed before installation.
The machines are intended for stationary factory or laboratory operation. The installation area should provide stable power, regulated air, suitable ventilation, appropriate alcohol handling, and sufficient access for maintenance and residue removal.
Applications for the Fujikura APM Series
- Factory fiber optic assembly
- Automated preparation before fusion splicing
- Optical component manufacturing
- Photonics and fiber laser production
- Laboratory and research assembly workflows
- Preparation of 125 µm single-mode fiber
- Preparation of 125 µm multimode fiber
- Production processes using compatible FH-100-250 or FH-70-250 fiber holders
Why Buy Fujikura APM Preparation Machines from Simbol Test Systems?
Simbol Test Systems supplies professional Fujikura fusion splicers, automatic fiber preparation machines, specialty fiber holders, coating-strip blades, cleaver blades, ultrasonic cleaners, and related production accessories. As an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL and Fujikura products, we support customers with product selection, repair, maintenance, and technical service.
Selecting between the APM-101 and APM-102 depends primarily on the fiber-holder platform and downstream fusion-splicing system. Simbol Test Systems can help review the fiber dimensions, coating material, holder model, cleave length, production volume, air requirements, and splicer compatibility before the system is configured.
Fujikura APM-101 and APM-102 Specifications
| Brand | Fujikura |
| Models | APM-101 and APM-102 |
| Product Type | Automatic optical fiber preparation machines |
| Automated Operations | Fiber coating stripping, alcohol cleaning, and precision cleaving |
| Applicable Fiber Types | Single-mode and multimode glass fiber |
| Cladding Diameter | 125 µm |
| Coating Material | UV-curable resin |
| Coating Diameter | 250 µm |
| APM-101 Fiber Holders | Compatible FH-100-250 Series or FH-70-250 fiber holders |
| APM-102 Fiber Holder | FH-70-250 |
| Cleave Length | 3 to 10 mm |
| Typical Cleave Angle | 0.5° |
| Typical Operating Time | Approximately 23 seconds for 125 µm fiber with a 250 µm coating |
| Operation | One-step start-button operation |
| Typical Daily Maintenance Interval | Approximately every 150 cycles |
| Required Air Pressure | 4 bar |
| Operating Conditions | 0°C to 40°C, 0 to 95% RH, non-dew |
| Storage Conditions | -40°C to 80°C, 0 to 95% RH, non-dew |
| Dimensions | 170 x 370 x 120 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 5.1 kg |
APM-101 and APM-102 Model Comparison
| Model | Compatible Fiber Holders | Typical Application | AFL No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| APM-101 | FH-100-250 Series or FH-70-250 | Factory and specialty fiber preparation using compatible holder-based splicing platforms | S014974 |
| APM-102 | FH-70-250 | Automated preparation for production workflows standardized around the FH-70-250 holder | S015904 |
Fujikura APM Ordering Information
| Model | Included Components | AFL No. |
|---|---|---|
| APM-101 Automatic Preparation Machine | ADC-15 AC Adapter, ACC-02 Power Cord, ALC-01 Alcohol Container, and REG-01 Air Pressure Regulator; compatible fiber holder required | S014974 |
| APM-102 Automatic Preparation Machine | ADC-15 AC Adapter, ACC-02 Power Cord, ALC-01 Alcohol Container, and REG-01 Air Pressure Regulator; FH-70-250 fiber holder required | S015904 |
Replacement Parts and Optional Accessories
| Description | Application | AFL No. |
|---|---|---|
| ADC-15 AC Adapter | Power supply for the APM system | S014826 |
| ACC-02 AC Power Cord | Compatible AC power connection | S001171 |
| CSB-250 Coating Strip Blade | Replacement stripping blade for compatible 250 µm coated fiber preparation | S017348 |
| CB-04A Cleaver Blade | Replacement diamond cleaver blade | S015030 |
| ALC-01 Alcohol Container | Container for the closed alcohol cleaning system | S015026 |
| REG-01 Air Pressure Regulator | Regulates the required compressed-air supply | S015028 |
Model Selection and Installation Guidance
Select the APM-101 for compatible FH-100-250 Series or FH-70-250 holder workflows. Select the APM-102 for applications standardized around the FH-70-250 fiber holder.
Before installation, confirm the fiber cladding diameter, coating diameter and material, fiber holder, required cleave length, fusion splicer, compressed-air connection, electrical power, alcohol-handling procedure, and production environment.
Professional Support and Availability
Contact Simbol Test Systems with the fiber specifications, holder model, downstream fusion splicer, required cleave length, production volume, and facility requirements to request Fujikura APM-101 or APM-102 availability, model selection, installation assistance, replacement parts, maintenance, repair, or technical support.