9
Fig. C5
Fig. C6
Fig. C7
SECTION C
Mounting
4. PREPARE THE SYRINGE AND EPOXY
Remove the plunger and protective cap from the syringe and
place both parts on a clean convenient surface along with the
dispensing tip. The epoxy supplied has been specifically
designed for use with fiber optic connectors and is packaged in
premeasured 2 gram bi-packs.
- Working time is 45 minutes.
- Cure time is 20 minutes, in 3M epoxy oven.
- Cure time is 18 hours at room temperature of 70ϖF (22ϖC).
- Shelf life is 9 months at 25ϖC. (Packages are dated).
(Refrigeration will prolong shelf life). If epoxy is stored at a
higher temperature, shelf life will be shortened.
- Each bi-pack will mount up to 30 connectors per mounter.
Bi-packs can be shared between 2 or 3 syringes, if desired.
Remove the separating bar by pulling the bi-pack ends. Mix the
two components together for one full minute by massaging the
package and rubbing it back and forth over the smooth edge of a
table (Fig. C5). Make sure that the epoxy is thoroughly mixed and
is a uniform blue color.
Note: Carefully follow safety, health and disposal information on
epoxy label or Material Safety Data Sheet.
Fig. C7a
5. LOAD THE SYRINGE WITH EPOXY
When thoroughly mixed, cut a small corner off of the package and
squeeze the contents into the syringe while holding the syringe
diagonally (Fig. C6).
Insert the plunger only about 3/8" (10 mm) and hold the syringe
pointing straight upward. After the epoxy settles on the plunger,
push in gently to expel any air through the tip of the syringe.
6. ATTACH THE EPOXY DISPENSING TIP
The mint green dispensing tips included in the field termination kit
are required for use with the 3M SC, FC3 and ST Push-Pull
connectors.
Push and twist-lock the dispensing tip onto the syringe body.
Depress the plunger and eject the epoxy until there are no air
pockets remaining.
7. INJECT EPOXY INTO THE CERAMIC FERRULE
Each time you inject a new connector, wipe the needle tip clean to
be sure that it is completely free of epoxy.
Insert the syringe tip into the back end of the connector until it
seats. Maintain pressure and slowly inject epoxy until a bead
appears on the end of the ceramic tip (Fig. C7 and Fig. C7a).
Continue to inject epoxy until the bead covers about one third of
the ferrule end face. Release the pressure on the plunger and
withdraw the needle straight back. DO NOT ALLOW EPOXY TO
FILL THE INSIDE OF THE CONNECTOR.
Note: Unlike other mounting procedures, do not place epoxy on
the fiber or in the back end of the connector.
Mint green color dispensing tip
stops and seals at this point, leaving
small reservoir of adhesive.
Epoxy
Bead Buffer to contact ferrule.
Adhesive encapsulates
buffer in collar.