AFL PowerCleave Optical Cleaver
AFL PowerCleave Ultrasonic Specialty Fiber Cleaver combines tensile cleaving with an ultrasonic diamond blade to produce consistent, low-angle cleaves without contacting the bare glass surface. Designed for specialty fibers with cladding diameters from 80 to 200 µm, it supports cleave lengths as short as 3 mm and works with compatible Fujikura specialty fiber holders. Available from Simbol Test Systems, an authorized Canadian distributor and service center for AFL and Fujikura products.
Download the AFL PowerCleave Optical Cleaver Specification Sheet (PDF)
AFL PowerCleave Ultrasonic Specialty Fiber Cleaver
The AFL PowerCleave Ultrasonic Specialty Fiber Cleaver is a precision optical fiber preparation system designed for specialty fusion splicing applications. It combines a tensile-stress cleaving method with an ultrasonic diamond blade to produce consistent, flat fiber end-faces while avoiding direct contact with the exposed glass surface during cleaving.
Specialty fibers can be sensitive to surface damage, handling, and inconsistent preparation. The PowerCleave uses controlled tensile force and ultrasonic blade action to initiate the cleave without dragging a blade across the bare fiber. This method helps reduce unnecessary contact with the glass and supports reliable preparation for demanding fusion splicing processes.
The PowerCleave is designed for optical fibers with cladding diameters from 80 to 200 µm. It can produce low-angle cleaves at lengths as short as 3 mm, making it suitable for specialty fibers and applications requiring limited exposed-fiber length.
Ultrasonic Tensile Cleaving for Specialty Optical Fibers
The AFL PowerCleave uses the tensile-stress method to help produce consistent fiber end-faces with less dependence on operator technique. Its ultrasonic diamond blade initiates the cleave while the controlled tensile force completes the separation.
- Ultrasonic tensile cleaving: Combines tensile stress with ultrasonic blade action for controlled specialty fiber cleaving.
- Non-contact glass preparation: Avoids dragging the blade across the exposed glass surface during the cleaving process.
- Short cleave-length capability: Produces consistent fiber end-faces at cleave lengths as short as 3 mm.
- Low-angle cleaves: Provides a typical cleave angle below 0.6° under supported conditions.
- Specialty fiber compatibility: Supports cladding diameters from 80 to 200 µm.
- Fujikura fiber-holder support: Works with compatible Fujikura specialty-market fiber-holder systems.
- Reduced fiber handling: The fiber-holder system helps minimize direct handling during preparation.
- Long blade life: The diamond blade has an estimated service life exceeding 20,000 cleaves.
Consistent Low-Angle and Short-Length Cleaves
Accurate cleaving is essential for specialty fusion splicing. Fiber end-face angle, surface condition, and cleave length can affect alignment, fusion behavior, and splice consistency. The PowerCleave is engineered to provide repeatable, low-angle cleaves for compatible specialty fibers.
The system supports a minimum cleave length of 3 mm and a typical cleave angle below 0.6°. These capabilities make it useful for specialty splicers and glass-processing workflows that require short, precisely prepared fiber ends.
Actual cleave performance can vary according to the fiber material, cladding diameter, coating preparation, holder selection, blade condition, cleanliness, operating method, and environmental conditions. The correct fiber holder and preparation procedure should be confirmed for each application.
Compatible Fujikura Specialty Fiber Holders
The PowerCleave clamping system is compatible with Fujikura specialty-market fiber holders. Using fiber holders helps reduce manual contact with the prepared fiber and supports more consistent transfer between stripping, cleaning, cleaving, and fusion splicing operations.
The required holder depends on the fiber cladding diameter, coating diameter, coating material, and compatible Fujikura specialty splicer. Customers should confirm the complete preparation workflow before selecting a fiber holder.
Related preparation equipment may include coating strippers, ultrasonic cleaners, specialty fiber holders, high-strength preparation tools, and Fujikura ARCMaster fusion splicers. Each component should be selected according to the fiber dimensions and required process.
Durable Workstation-Ready Construction
The PowerCleave is housed in an impact-resistant ABS case with non-slip feet for stability during operation. A 6.25 mm BSW threaded tripod mount allows the cleaver to be secured to a compatible workstation when a fixed installation is preferred.
The unit measures approximately 75 x 153 x 150 mm and weighs approximately 1.1 kg. This construction is suitable for laboratory, production, research, manufacturing, and specialty fiber workstations.
Power is supplied by a replaceable 9 V alkaline battery. The specified battery life is approximately 10,000 cleaves, depending on operating conditions, battery quality, and usage.
Applications for the AFL PowerCleave
The AFL PowerCleave Ultrasonic Specialty Fiber Cleaver is suitable for professional applications requiring controlled preparation of specialty optical fibers, including:
- Specialty fiber fusion splicing
- High-strength fiber preparation workflows
- Fiber laser and photonics production
- Optical sensing and component manufacturing
- Laboratory and research applications
- Short cleave-length fiber preparation
- Preparation of fibers with 80 to 200 µm cladding diameters
- Use with compatible Fujikura ARCMaster specialty fusion splicers
Why Buy the AFL PowerCleave from Simbol Test Systems?
Simbol Test Systems supplies professional specialty fusion splicers, ultrasonic fiber cleavers, coating strippers, ultrasonic cleaners, fiber holders, electrodes, cleaning products, and related fiber preparation 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 the correct cleaver, fiber holder, coating stripper, cleaning system, and fusion splicer is important for specialty fiber processing. Simbol Test Systems can help review the fiber dimensions and application requirements to identify a compatible PowerCleave preparation workflow.
AFL PowerCleave Specifications
| Brand | AFL |
| Product Name | AFL PowerCleave Ultrasonic Specialty Fiber Cleaver |
| Product Type | Ultrasonic tensile specialty fiber cleaver |
| Cleaving Method | Tensile-stress cleaving with an ultrasonic blade |
| Supported Cladding Diameter | 80 to 200 µm |
| Minimum Cleave Length | 3 mm |
| Typical Cleave Angle | Less than 0.6° |
| Blade Type | Diamond |
| Estimated Blade Life | More than 20,000 cleaves |
| Clamping System | Compatible with Fujikura specialty-market fiber-holder systems |
| Housing | Impact-resistant ABS case with non-slip feet |
| Workstation Mount | 6.25 mm / 0.24-inch BSW threaded tripod mount |
| Battery | 9 V alkaline, MN 1604 type |
| Approximate Battery Life | 10,000 cleaves |
| Dimensions | 75 x 153 x 150 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 1.1 kg |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 45°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C |
AFL PowerCleave Ordering Information
| Description | Included Components | AFL No. |
|---|---|---|
| AFL PowerCleave Kit | PowerCleave ultrasonic fiber cleaver, instruction manual, 2.5 x 60 mm screwdriver, and 2 mm Allen wrench | S009972 |
Model Selection and Compatibility
The AFL PowerCleave is intended for specialty optical fibers with cladding diameters from 80 to 200 µm. It should not be selected solely by the nominal fiber type. Confirm the cladding diameter, coating diameter, cleave length, fiber holder, stripping method, cleaning procedure, and fusion splicer compatibility before ordering.
For applications outside the supported diameter range or requiring different cleave lengths, an alternative Fujikura specialty fiber cleaver may be more appropriate.
Professional Support and Availability
Contact Simbol Test Systems with your fiber cladding diameter, coating diameter, required cleave length, fiber-holder model, and fusion splicer configuration to request AFL PowerCleave availability, ordering assistance, compatibility support, maintenance, repair, or technical service.