3
3M Fiber Optic Polishing
Polishing Needs
Solutions
for Your
Total
2
3M offers complete solutions for fiber
optic connector polishing – with a full
line of high performance precision
abrasives, backed by the technical
support of our experienced fiber optics
specialists. We’re ready to help you
generate the finish you need on a wide
variety of connectors. We can optimize
your polishing operation to produce cost-
effective results. Call the 3M Fiber Optic
Applications Laboratory today to learn
more: 866-866-0922. Or visit us on the
web: www.3M.com/electronics
for your
Innovative
unique
products
polishing system
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3M
™
Lapping Film
Precisely graded minerals are coated on a high strength, 3 mil polyester backing to provide
a uniform, consistent finish. Available in silicon carbide film for glass and epoxy removal, and
in aluminum oxide for leveling and polishing steps. Available in 0.05 - 30 micron grades, with
or without PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) backing.
3M
™
Diamond Lapping Film 661X / 668X
This standard Diamond Lapping Film is comprised of tightly graded diamond minerals uniformly
coated on a polyester film backing. It is able to cut and polish hard ceramic ferrules and glass fibers
at the same rate and to the same level. Used to radius ferrule connectors or to refine the finish in
preparation for the final polish. Available in 0.1 - 30 micron grades, with or without PSA backing.
3M
™
Diamond Lapping Film 661XU / 661XU-PSA
Tightly graded diamond mineral is precision coated on a polyester film backing. This durable
construction provides consistent results throughout the life of the product. Available in 0.5, 1, 3 and
6 micron grades, with or without PSA backing.
3M
™
Diamond Lapping Film - Type H - 662XW / 666XW
Designed for radiusing and leveling operations that require added durability. Diamond Lapping Film -
Type H has a thicker diamond coating with a higher diamond concentration and a tougher resin for an
increased cut rate and longer life. Type H lasts 2 to 3 times longer than standard DLF. Available
in 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 6 and 9 micron grades, with or without PSA backing.
3M
™
Diamond Lapping Film 660XV
This long life, precision coated 3M™ Diamond Lapping Film is the newest and most durable film in
3M’s Diamond Lapping Film product family. It combines a high cut rate with a great finish, and
is designed for use on slower rpm polishing machines. Available in 1, 3, 6, and 9 micron grades.
3M
™
Trizact
™
Diamond Lapping Film 661XA / 661XA-PSA
Micron graded diamond particles contained in a precisely microreplicated structure provide longer
life, aggressive cut and superior finish over standard lapping film products. Available in 0.5, 2 and
9 micron grades, with or without PSA.
3M
™
Polishing Film 291X, 491X, 591X / 298X, 498X, 598X
Comprised of micron graded mineral that has been coated onto a fibrous (flocked) polyester
film backing. These films are designed to break down into a slurry during use with water for
MT-style fiber optic connectors. Available plain or with PSA. (961M/968M are available with no
mineral coating.)
3M
™
Lapping Film 863X, 863XW / 869X, 869XW
These products are precision coated on a 3 mil polyester backing for the final step in polishing fiber
optic connectors. 863XW has a higher mineral content than 863X, providing easier breakdown and
faster polishing. Available with or without PSA backing.
3M
™
Lapping Film 865X
This advanced polishing film is engineered to last longer –
helping you achieve higher yields, less rework and lower costs
per parts. This is the longest lasting of 3M’s final polish
lapping films.
3M™ Lapping Films are available in
sheets, discs and rolls for use on any
type of polishing equipment. These films
are especially designed for use in factory
or field applications.
3M’s technical service representatives
suggest using these polishing guidelines
for polishing ceramic singlemode or
multimode fiber optic connectors. In the
top chart, locate your connector type, then
refer to tables A, B and C below to select
one of the options for each step. These
recommended sequences provide typical
starting points. Your actual sequences
may vary depending on your polishing
equipment and finish requirements.
Selection Guide
Polishing Processes for Ceramic Fiber Optic Connectors
Table A - De-Nub and Epoxy Removal
Mineral Available Micron Sizes
5 6 9 12 15 30
3M™ Diamond Lapping Films, 661X,
662XW, 661XU, 660XV DBLU ORN*
3M™ Trizact™ Diamond
Lapping Film, 661XA DGRY
3M™ Lapping Film, 461X S/C GRY GRY GRY* GRN*
3M™ Lapping Film, 261X A/O BRN BLU YEL GRN
*Common for Angle Grinding
Table B - Refine (Level Connector)
Mineral Available Micron Sizes
0.5123469
3M™ Diamond Lapping Films,
661X, 662XW, 661XU, 660XV DMNL LAV PNK BRN
3M™ Trizact™ Diamond
Lapping Film, 661XA DGRY GRY
3M™ Lapping Film,
462X, 463X or 452X S/C GRY GRY
3M™ Lapping Film,
261X, 262X or 263X A/O GRN TL PNK
Table C - Polish (Finish)
Mineral Available Micron Sizes
0.02 0.05 0.1 0.3
3M™ Lapping Film 865X SiO2 Size not specified.
3M™ Lapping Film 863X* or 863XW* SiO2 TRL
3M™ Lapping Film 263X* A/O EGS WHT
3M™ Lapping Films 261X* A/O OFW
*Available with PSA Backing
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Connector
Type
Step See Table for
Recommended Products
Time
(sec.)
Pressure
(g/conn)
Ceramic,
Ultra PC,
Pre-radiused
ferrule
Remove Glass (De-nub) AUntil nub is removed By hand
Remove Epoxy A30 - 60 200 - 350
Refine B30 - 120 200 - 350
Refine B30 - 120 200 - 350
Polish C15 - 45 150 - 250
Ceramic,
Angle PC
Grind Angle A40 - 120 200 - 350
Radius Ferrule B60 - 180 200 - 350
Refine B30 - 120 200 - 350
Refine B30 - 120 200 - 350
Polish C15 - 60 150 - 250
Ceramic,
Super PC,
Pre-radiused
ferrule
Remove Glass (De-nub) AUntil nub is removed By hand
Remove Epoxy A30 - 60 200 - 350
Refine B30 - 120 200 - 350
Polish C15 - 45 150 - 250
1.25 mm
LC and MU
Connectors
De-nub-Epoxy Removal A30 - 60 75 - 125
Refine B30 - 60 100 - 150
Polish C90 - 120 100 - 150
Recommended Lubricant: DI Water
GRY (Gray) BLU (Blue)
GRN (Green) LAV (Lavender)
BRN (Brown) TL (Teal)
YEL (Yellow) MNL (Manila)
ORN (Orange) EGS (Eggshell)
OFW (Off-White) WHT (White)
PNK (Pink) TRL (Translucent)
Mineral Key
A/O Aluminum Oxide
S/C Silicon Carbide
DDiamond
SiO2Silicon Dioxide
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Product I.D. Mineral Micron Grade Color
298X Aluminum Oxide 0.5 Pink
298X Aluminum Oxide 1Green
498X Silicon Carbide 3Gray
598X Cerium Oxide 0.5 Peach
3M
™
Polishing Film
Step Micron
Grade Mineral Product
I.D. Description Color
Remove Epoxy 15 Silicon Carbide 468X 3M™ Lapping Film Gray
Step 2 3Silicon Carbide 468XW 3M™ Lapping Film Gray
Step 3 3Silicon Carbide 498X 3M™ Polishing Film Gray
Repeat Step 3 with fresh abrasive for increased protrusion
Step 4 1Aluminum Oxide 298X 3M™ Polishing Film Green
Step 5 0.5 Cerium Oxide 598X 3M™ Polishing Film Peach
Thermoset MT (Singlemode or Multimode)
Step Micron
Grade Mineral Product
I.D. Description Color
Remove Epoxy 15 Silicon Carbide 468X 3M™ Lapping Film Gray
Step 2 3Silicon Carbide 468XW 3M™ Lapping Film Gray
Step 3 1Aluminum Oxide 298X 3M™ Polishing Film Green
Step 4 0.5 Cerium Oxide 598X 3M™ Polishing Film Peach
Thermoplastic MT (Singlemode or Multimode)
Step Micron
Grade Mineral Product
I.D. Description Color
Remove Epoxy* 15 Silicon Carbide 468X 3M™ Lapping Film Gray
Step 2 (cut angle) 15 Silicon Carbide 468X 3M™ Lapping Film Gray
Step 3 3Silicon Carbide 468XW 3M™ Lapping Film Gray
Step 4 3Silicon Carbide 498X 3M™ Polishing Film Gray
Repeat Step 4 with fresh abrasive for increased protrusion
Step 5 1Aluminum Oxide 298X 3M™ Polishing Film Green
Step 6 0.5 Cerium Oxide 598X 3M™ Polishing Film Peach
Thermoplastic Angled MT
*Remove epoxy in flat fixture
3M
™
Polishing Film helps you consistently meet geometry and fiber height requirements in your MT
connector polishing operation. Precisely graded minerals coated on a fibrous backing enable you to
generate fiber protrusion and attain the proper ferrule geometry.
3M Polishing Film can provide:
•
Control of fiber protrusion
•
Less cleaning than a slurry process
•
High throughput
•
Low rejects
Suggested Process for Polishing MT Fiber Optic Connectors
3M Technical Service Engineers recommend using the following sequences for polishing
MT fiber optic connectors. These sequences provide typical starting points. Your actual
process may vary depending on your polishing equipment and finish requirements.
For multimode, add or replace last step with Final Polish Film 865X, 863X or 863XW for 5 seconds.
All products listed above are available without PSA.
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3M
™
Lapping Films 865X, 863X and 863XW Offer a Clean Break From Slurries
3M™ Lapping Film final polish products can deliver high yields, reducing the need for costly rework
in final polishing of ceramic fiber optic connectors. The film easily produces optimal fiber height
and minimal visual defects, allowing finished connectors to meet Telecordia GR-326 standards.
These high-performing films feature silicon dioxide particles coated on a 3 mil, high-strength
polyester backing. 3M final polish products are part of a complete lineup of lapping films designed
for fiber optic connector polishing. They provide precision polishing alternatives to messy slurries
that require time-intensive cleanup.
Film 865X
Performance
Characteristics
• Longest life 3M final
polishing film
• Consistent performance
• Less rework
• Positive protrusion
Polishing Machine
Compatibility/Backings
• Excellent for use on all
polishing equipment
Film 863X
Performance
Characteristics
• Polishes more slowly
than 863XW
• More controlled cut rate
Polishing Machine
Compatibility/Backings
• For use on most polishing
machines and fixtures,
including machines that
run at higher speeds and
higher pressure
• Available with pressure
sensitive adhesive backing
Product ID is 869X
Film 863XW
Performance
Characteristics
• Higher mineral content than
863X enables faster polishing
Polishing Machine
Compatibility/Backings
• Designed for use on machines
that run at lower speeds and
lower pressures
• Designed for use on fixtures
with individual pressure
control that allow connectors
to float independently
• Available with pressure
sensitive adhesive backing.
Product ID is 869XW
Using 3M™ Lapping Film 865X, 863X,
or 863XW for your final polishing step
helps you easily meet Telecordia back
reflection standards.
3M Final Polish Products for Fiber Optic Connectors
3M™ Lapping Film 865X
Backreflection Results
Fiber Height Values for Number of Uses on
2.5mm and 1.25mm Ceramic Connectors
Lapping Films 865X, 863X and 863XW
With a choice of three film variations designed for the final step in the polishing sequence,
3M lets you select the film based on your requirements.
Films 865X, 863X and 863XW are available in discs, sheets and rolls.
Backreflection (-db)
Frequency
30
20
10
0
55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
134567891 0
Uses
Fiber Height (nm)
3M Film 865X – 2.5mm
3M Film 863X – 2.5mm
Competitor 1 – 2.5mm
Competitor 2 – 2.5mm
3M Film 865X – 1.25mm
Competitor 1 – 1. 25mm
2
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3M™ Novec™ Contact Cleaner for
Fiber Optic Connector Cleaning
Novec Contact Cleaner also features an excellent environmental
profile. The product is non-ozone depleting, is exempt from
the U.S. EPA’s and most state and district definitions of a volatile
organic compound (VOC) and contains no nPB or HAPS. It is based on a
sustainable technology and offers an alternative for cleaners containing
HCFC-141b or HCFC-225.
•
Removes particulates, oils, light grease, silicones, dust and other soils from connector end faces
•
Quick drying and non-corrosive
•
Safe for plastics and metals
Performance
The photos below compare identical connectors that were wiped with isopropanol (IPA) and Novec Contact
Cleaner. The Novec Contact Cleaner does not leave residual contamination on the surface that can affect
fiber optic circuit performance.
Ceramic Connector Cleaned with IPA
Ceramic Connector Cleaned with
Novec Contact Cleaner
MT Connector Cleaned with IPA
MT Connector Cleaned with
Novec Contact Cleaner
3M™ Novec™ Contact Cleaner combines fast, effective cleaning
performance with an excellent safety and environmental profile. Designed
for a variety of assembly level and field maintenance cleaning tasks,
Novec contact cleaner uses an advanced 3M solvent technology
that offers a number of significant advantages over many
conventional spray cleaners, including:
•
Fast drying
• Lo
w in toxicity
•
Streak free
•
Non-flam
mable
3M, Trizact and Novec are trademarks of 3M Company.
Used under license by 3M subsidiaries and affiliates.
Electronics Markets Materials Division
3M Electronics
3M Center, Building 21-1W-10
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
www.3M.com/electronics
1-800-251-8634
3
Please recycle. Printed in USA.
Issued: 1/09 © 3M 2009
All rights reserved. 6650 HB
60-4400-4259-0
To request additional product information or to arrange for sales assistance, call toll free: 1-800-251-8634.
Address correspondence to: 3M Electronics Markets Materials Division, Building 21-1W-10, 900 Bush Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000.
Our fax number is 651-778-4244 or 1-877-369-2923. In Canada, phone: 1-800-364-3577.
In Puerto Rico, phone: 1-787-750-3000. In Mexico, phone: 52-70-04-00.
For technical assistance call the Fiber Optics Applications Development Lab toll free, 1-866-866-0922
For Additional Information
Important Notice: Before using this product, you must evaluate it and determine if it is suitable for your intended application. You assume all risks and liability associated with such use.
Warranty; Limited Remedy; Limited Liability: 3M’s product warranty is stated in its Product Literature available upon request. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. If this product is defective within the warranty period stated above,
your exclusive remedy shall be, at 3M’s option, to replace or repair the 3M product or refund the purchase price of the 3M product. Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable
for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential loss or damage arising from this 3M product, regardless of the legal theory asserted.
