Fujikura FST-12 Ribbon Fiber Separation Tool

Fujikura FST-12 Ribbon Fiber Separation Tool

The Fujikura FST-12 Ribbon Fiber Separation Tool is a handheld tool designed to split 12-fiber optical ribbons into individual fibers or selected fiber subgroups. It provides a fast, accurate, and controlled method for separating ribbon fibers during installation, restoration, maintenance, and mid-span access work.

The ergonomic design enables one-handed operation, allowing the technician’s other hand to guide and control the ribbon throughout the separation process. This arrangement helps reduce unnecessary ribbon movement and supports careful handling in aerial, remote-site, and other space-constrained working environments.

Unlike separation methods limited to even-numbered groupings, the FST-12 supports several separation ratios. Two overlapping separations can be performed to extract an individual fiber or a required subgroup from the ribbon, including during taut-sheath operations where only a limited ribbon length is available.

Controlled Separation of 12-Fiber Optical Ribbons

The Fujikura FST-12 Fiber Separation Tool is designed for UV-cured 12-fiber ribbons with a nominal width of 3.2 mm, a thickness from 250 to 300 µm, and a 250 µm fiber pitch. Its supplied 12-fiber ribbon jaw set supports multiple separation arrangements for professional ribbon fiber work.

• Individual fiber or subgroup separation: Separates a 12-fiber ribbon into selected groups or individual fibers.
• Multiple separation ratios: Supports 1:11, 2:10, 3:9, 4:8, 5:7, and 6:6 separation arrangements.
• One-handed operation: Allows the technician’s other hand to guide and control the ribbon during separation.
• Handheld design: Eliminates the need for a dedicated work surface during operation.
• Remote-site suitability: Practical for aerial work, bucket-truck applications, ladder-sling work, and confined locations.
• Mid-span fiber access: Supports overlapping separation procedures where minimal ribbon length is available.
• 12-fiber ribbon capacity: The standard tool is designed for ribbon fiber counts up to 12 fibers.
• Portable construction: Its compact dimensions and 220 g weight support field deployment and transport.

One-Handed Operation for Aerial and Remote-Site Work

Fiber ribbon work is often performed in locations where a stable workbench is unavailable. The handheld FST-12 allows technicians to operate the tool without occupying valuable work-surface space. This makes it useful for aerial deployment, remote restoration, bucket-truck work, ladder-sling applications, and other field environments.

One-handed operation allows the user’s free hand to guide and stabilize the ribbon. Maintaining control of the ribbon throughout the procedure can help reduce unintended movement and minimize the potential for accidental fiber or ribbon damage.

The tool’s compact size also makes it easier to carry with fusion splicing and ribbon preparation equipment. It measures approximately 160 x 126 x 30 mm and weighs approximately 220 g.

Flexible Fiber Subgroup Extraction

The FST-12 is not limited to separating the ribbon into equal or even-numbered groups. Its supported ratios allow the technician to divide a 12-fiber ribbon at different positions according to the required network configuration.

Supported separation ratios include 1:11, 2:10, 3:9, 4:8, 5:7, and 6:6. This provides flexibility when routing selected fibers, preparing subgroups, accessing individual fibers, or reorganizing ribbon fibers during repair and installation.

When a required separation is not obtained in a single pass, two overlapping separations can be used to extract the desired individual fiber or fiber subgroup. This technique is particularly useful during mid-span taut-sheath work where only a short ribbon section can be accessed.

Applications for the Fujikura FST-12

The Fujikura FST-12 Ribbon Fiber Separation Tool is suitable for professional fiber optic installation, maintenance, and restoration applications, including:

• Separation of 12-fiber ribbons into selected subgroups
• Extraction of individual fibers from ribbon structures
• Mid-span taut-sheath fiber access
• Aerial fiber installation and restoration
• Bucket-truck and ladder-sling applications
• Remote-site fiber optic work
• Ribbon fiber routing and reorganization
• Preparation for compatible fusion splicing workflows

Why Buy the Fujikura FST-12 from Simbol Test Systems?

Simbol Test Systems supplies professional ribbon fiber tools, fusion splicers, fiber cleavers, thermal strippers, fiber holders, arrangement tools, cleaning products, and related 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.

Before ordering, the ribbon construction, fiber count, ribbon width, thickness, fiber pitch, and coating material should be confirmed. Simbol Test Systems can help determine whether the FST-12 is appropriate for your ribbon separation, mid-span access, aerial deployment, or restoration application.

Fujikura FST-12 Fiber Separation Tool Specifications

Fujikura FST-12 Ordering Information

FST-12 Separation Ratio Guide

Professional Support and Availability

Confirm the ribbon fiber count, width, thickness, pitch, coating material, and desired separation ratio before using the FST-12. The standard jaw set is intended for compatible 12-fiber ribbons with the specified dimensions and UV-cured resin coating.

Contact Simbol Test Systems for Fujikura FST-12 availability, ordering assistance, ribbon fiber tool selection, compatible fusion splicing equipment, maintenance, repair, or technical support.