Grinding process and grinding equipment for zero-loss multi-core optical fiber ferrule
By employing a multi-stage grinding process and a specialized fixture design, the problem of poor grinding quality and consistency of ferrules in existing technologies has been solved. This enables efficient and low-cost production of multi-core ferrules, adapting to different core count requirements and improving the pass rate of optical performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511459630.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-10-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing ferrule polishing technology suffers from poor polishing quality and consistency, as well as insufficient process adaptability, resulting in a high rate of optical performance failure for MPO connectors and making it difficult to meet the differentiated polishing requirements for different fiber core counts.
A multi-stage grinding process is adopted, including steps such as glue removal grinding, cleaning, fine grinding, precision grinding, ultra-precision grinding and polishing. Combined with a special fixture design and multiple grinding machines operating in parallel, the grinding parameters and fixture structure are optimized to ensure precise control of the ferrule end face.
It improves the precision and consistency of ferrule grinding, shortens the production cycle, increases the pass rate of optical performance, adapts to the grinding requirements of different core numbers, and improves production efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN120921184A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical fiber polishing technology, specifically to a polishing process and polishing equipment for a zero-loss multi-core optical fiber ferrule. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of fiber optic communication applications, with the rapid iteration of communication technologies and the continuous emergence of high-end application demands (such as the large-scale deployment of data centers, the continuous upgrading of high-computing-power scenarios, and the deep application of intelligent control systems), MPO (Multi-fiber Push-On) connectors, with their core advantage of high-density integration, have become the core connection solution for critical scenarios such as data centers. The core component of an MPO connector is the MT ferrule, and the polishing quality and optical performance of its end face (such as radius of curvature, fiber height difference, tilt angle, etc.) directly affect the insertion loss and return loss of optical signal transmission.
[0003] However, existing ferrule polishing technology has many problems: 1. Poor grinding quality and consistency: In current mainstream grinding equipment, ferrules are mostly arranged in a circular pattern. The grinding trajectory range is small and easy to cause cross interference, resulting in a low ferrule curvature radius, large eccentricity, poor fiber end face height consistency, and insufficient angle control accuracy after grinding. As a result, the final product optical performance qualification rate is low.
[0004] 2. Insufficient process adaptability: Existing polishing processes are difficult to adapt to the differentiated polishing needs of different fiber core counts (such as 12 cores, 16 cores, and 24 cores). The more cores there are, the higher the requirements for polishing process technology, and existing processes cannot guarantee consistency.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new grinding process and equipment to solve the above problems and achieve high-performance, high-efficiency, and low-cost ferrule production. Summary of the Invention
[0006] To address some or all of the problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a polishing process for zero-loss multi-core optical fiber ferrules, comprising the following steps: S1: Install inserts, fix multiple inserts onto each small clamp, fix all small clamps onto a large clamp, and then fix the large clamp onto the grinding equipment, so that the end face of the insert faces the grinding platform of the grinding equipment. S2: De-adhesive polishing. First, install the D30 polishing pad on the polishing platform and control the polishing equipment to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. Then, install the SC16 polishing pad on the polishing platform and control the polishing equipment to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. During and after both polishing processes, use pure water to clean the junction between the small clamp and the polishing pad. S3: Cleaning. Remove the large jig from the grinding equipment and remove the degummed inserts from each of the small jigs. Then, perform ultrasonic water washing and blow-drying on the inserts. After that, proceed to step S1. S4: Fine grinding. First, install the D3 grinding disc on the grinding platform and control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. Then, install the ADS grinding disc on the grinding platform and control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. During and after both grinding processes, use pure water to clean the junction between the small clamp and the grinding disc. S5: Fine grinding, remove the large clamp, replace the grinding equipment and install the large clamp with the ferrule onto the new grinding equipment, install the black pad on the grinding platform, pour A50 grinding fluid on the black pad, and then control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. S6: Ultra-fine grinding. Remove the large clamp, replace the grinding equipment, and install the large clamp with the ferrule onto the new grinding equipment. Install white velvet cloth on the grinding platform, pour G50 grinding fluid onto the white velvet cloth, and then control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. S7: Polishing. Remove the large clamp, replace the polishing equipment, and install the large clamp with the ferrule onto the new polishing equipment. Install a black pad on the polishing platform and pour C30 polishing fluid onto the black pad. Then control the polishing equipment to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. After polishing is completed, proceed to step S3. S8: Inspection. Use 3D inspection equipment and end face inspection equipment to inspect the end face of the ferrule.
[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, after steps S1 and S3, a CCD magnifying glass is needed to check the height of each ferrule protruding small clamp to ensure that the height of each ferrule protruding small clamp is consistent.
[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, before step S4, an angle-cutting step is also included: SC9 grinding discs are installed on the grinding platform, the grinding equipment is set to a rotation speed of 60 rpm and a stroke speed of 6 rpm, and then the grinding equipment is controlled to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule for 60 seconds.
[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, in step S2, the parameters of the grinding equipment are set as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 50 rpm, the stroke speed is 4-6 rpm, and the grinding time for both grinding operations is 10 seconds. In steps S4 and S6, the parameters of the grinding equipment are set as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 250 rpm and the stroke speed is 6 rpm; wherein, the grinding time for both grinding operations in step S4 is 20 seconds and the grinding time for step S6 is 150 seconds. In steps S5 and S7, the parameters of the grinding equipment are set as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 180 rpm and the stroke speed is 6 rpm; the grinding time in step S5 is 50-80 seconds and the grinding time in step S7 is 30 seconds.
[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, in step S3, the ferrule with the optical fiber is first placed into an ultrasonic water tank for cleaning for 3 minutes. After cleaning, an air gun is used to blow air along the ferrule at a 45° angle until the ferrule is dried.
[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, after each installation of the grinding disc, black pad, or white velvet cloth, it is necessary to use a roller to press it to ensure that it is flat and tightly attached to the grinding platform without air bubbles.
[0012] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a grinding apparatus for implementing the above-mentioned grinding process, including a grinding machine body and a large clamp detachably connected to the grinding machine body. The grinding machine body is provided with a control mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a grinding platform. The drive mechanism is electrically connected to the control mechanism, and the grinding platform is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism. The grinding machine body is also provided with a locking mechanism, which is detachably connected to the large clamp and is used to lock the large clamp above the grinding platform. The large clamp is provided with a plurality of detachable small clamps, and each small clamp is provided with an installation slot for installing a ferrule.
[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the large clamp is provided with a wire frame for storing and organizing optical fiber bundles, the small clamp is provided with a fixing bolt and a positioning pin, the fixing bolt is threadedly connected to the large clamp, and the large clamp is provided with positioning holes at positions corresponding to the positioning pins, and the positioning pins are inserted into the positioning holes.
[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the small clamp is provided with fixing screws at corresponding positions to the mounting slot. The fixing screws are threadedly connected to the small clamp, and one end of the fixing screw can extend into the mounting slot to limit and fix the ferrule in the mounting slot.
[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the locking mechanism includes a locking cylinder and a locking buckle. The locking cylinder is connected to the grinding machine body, the middle part of the locking buckle is hinged to the grinding machine body, the output end of the locking cylinder is hinged to one end of the locking buckle, and the locking cylinder can push the locking buckle to rotate and swing, thereby causing the end of the locking buckle away from the locking cylinder to abut or separate from the large clamp.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention refines the process into multiple stages, allowing multiple grinding machines to operate in parallel, thus shortening the production cycle; the special fixture design supports processing in separate steps, avoiding downtime caused by frequent changes in grinding pads, and improving overall production efficiency.
[0017] 2. Through optimized grinding parameter sequence and fixture design, precise control of end face 3D parameters (radius of curvature, fiber height, core concavity, geometric constraints, etc.) was achieved, improving grinding accuracy and ensuring the pass rate of final product optical performance.
[0018] 3. This invention installs multiple small clamps onto a large clamp for grinding together, which can well adapt to the grinding needs of ferrules with different core counts (such as 12 cores, 16 cores, and 24 cores), ensuring the consistency and high quality of multi-core ferrule grinding. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the solutions in this invention or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a process flow diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the large clamp and the small clamp in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA. Detailed Implementation
[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains; the terminology used in the specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order.
[0022] In this invention, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment to other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this invention can be combined with other embodiments.
[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024] Example 1: As Figure 1 As shown, a polishing process for a zero-loss multi-core fiber ferrule includes the following steps: S1: Install the inserts. Securely install multiple inserts onto individual small clamps, and then secure all small clamps onto a large clamp. Secure the large clamp onto the grinding equipment, ensuring the end faces of the inserts face the grinding platform. After securing the large clamp onto the grinding equipment, use a CCD magnifying glass to check the height of each insert protruding from its small clamp; ensure that the height of each insert protruding from its small clamp is consistent.
[0025] S2: Glue Removal Polishing. First, place a shim on the polishing platform, then place a D30 polishing pad on top of the shim. Use a roller to press the D30 polishing pad flat and firmly against the polishing platform, ensuring it is free of air bubbles. Then, control the polishing equipment to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule for 10 seconds. Next, remove the large clamp from the polishing platform and install it onto another polishing device. Place a shim on the polishing platform of the polishing device, then place an SC16 polishing pad on top of the shim. Use a roller to press the SC16 polishing pad flat and firmly against the polishing platform, ensuring it is free of air bubbles. Then, control the polishing equipment to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule for 10 seconds.
[0026] It should be noted that during both grinding processes and after grinding, a water gun should be used to flush pure water into the junction of the small clamp and the grinding disc to ensure that grinding residue is washed away in time and to improve grinding quality. On the other hand, during the two grinding processes of degumming, the grinding equipment settings are as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 50 rpm, and the stroke speed is 4-6 rpm.
[0027] In other embodiments, the degumming and grinding can also be completed on a single grinding machine. After the first grinding is completed, the grinding disc can be replaced directly on the grinding platform.
[0028] S3: Cleaning. After completing the degumming and grinding, remove the large clamp from the grinding platform and remove each ferrule from the small clamp. Then, place the ferrules in an ultrasonic water tank for cleaning for 3 minutes. After cleaning, use an air gun to blow air along a 45° angle along the ferrule until it is dry. Then, reinstall the ferrules onto the small clamps and install the large clamp onto the new grinding equipment. After fixing the large clamp onto the grinding equipment, use a CCD magnifying glass to check again the height of each ferrule protruding from the small clamp, ensuring that the height of each ferrule protruding from the small clamp is consistent.
[0029] To cut the angle, first place a pad on the grinding platform, then place an SC9 grinding disc on top of the pad, and then use a roller to press the SC9 grinding disc to make it flat and tightly adhere to the grinding platform without air bubbles; then set the parameters of the grinding equipment as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 60 rpm, and the stroke speed is 6 rpm; after setting the grinding parameters, control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule for 60 seconds.
[0030] In actual processing, some ferrules need to be angled (e.g., APC type ferrules), while others do not (e.g., PC type ferrules). Therefore, during the actual grinding process, operators can omit this step by performing the angle-cutting process according to the actual situation.
[0031] S4: Fine Grinding. Place the D3 grinding pad on the grinding platform and press it down with a roller to ensure it is flat, tightly adheres to the platform, and free of air bubbles. Then, control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside for 20 seconds. Next, replace the grinding pad. Remove the D3 grinding pad and place the ADS grinding pad on the grinding platform. Press it down with a roller to ensure it is flat, tightly adheres to the platform, and free of air bubbles. Then, control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside for 20 seconds.
[0032] It should be noted that during both grinding processes and after grinding, a water gun should be used to flush pure water into the junction of the small clamp and the grinding disc to ensure that grinding residue is washed away in time and to improve grinding quality. On the other hand, during the two fine grinding processes, the grinding equipment settings are as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 250 rpm, and the stroke speed is 6 rpm.
[0033] S5: Fine grinding. Remove the large clamp from the grinding equipment and install it on another grinding equipment. Then, place a shim on the grinding platform and place a black shim on top of the shim. Press the black shim with a roller to make it flat and tightly adhere to the grinding platform without air bubbles. Then, pour A50 grinding fluid onto the black shim, ensuring the grinding fluid covers the grinding trajectory of the ferrule. Then, control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule for 50-80 seconds.
[0034] It should be noted that during and after the fine grinding process, a water gun should be used to rinse pure water into the junction of the small clamp and the grinding disc to ensure that grinding residue is washed away in time and to improve grinding quality. Furthermore, the grinding equipment settings for fine grinding are as follows: the grinding platform rotation speed is 180 rpm, and the stroke speed is 6 rpm.
[0035] S6: Ultra-fine grinding. Remove the large clamp from the grinding equipment and install it on another grinding equipment. Then, place a pad on the grinding platform and place a white velvet cloth on top of the pad. Press the white velvet cloth with a roller to make it flat and tightly adhere to the grinding platform without air bubbles. Then, pour G50 grinding fluid onto the white velvet cloth. The grinding fluid should cover the grinding trajectory of the ferrule. Then, control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule for 150 seconds.
[0036] It should be noted that during and after the ultrafine grinding process, a water gun should be used to flush pure water into the junction of the small clamp and the grinding disc to ensure that grinding residue is washed away in time and to improve grinding quality. Furthermore, the grinding equipment settings for ultrafine grinding are as follows: the grinding platform rotation speed is 250 rpm, and the stroke speed is 6 rpm.
[0037] S7: Polishing. Remove the large clamp from the polishing equipment and install it on another polishing equipment. Place a pad on the polishing platform and a black pad on top of the pad. Press the black pad with a roller to make it flat and tightly adhere to the polishing platform without air bubbles. Then pour C30 polishing fluid onto the black pad, ensuring the polishing fluid covers the polishing trajectory of the ferrule. Then control the polishing equipment to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule for 30 seconds.
[0038] It should be noted that during the polishing process and after grinding, a water gun should be used to rinse pure water into the junction of the small clamp and the grinding disc to ensure that grinding residue is washed away in time and to improve grinding quality. On the other hand, the grinding equipment settings for fine grinding are as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 180 rpm, and the stroke speed is 6 rpm.
[0039] S8: Cleaning and Inspection. Remove the large fixture from the grinding platform and remove each ferrule from the small fixture. Then, place the ferrules into an ultrasonic water tank for cleaning for 3 minutes. After cleaning, use an air gun to blow air along a 45° angle until the ferrules are dry. After cleaning, use a 3D inspection device to inspect the end faces of the ferrules, and then use an end face inspection device to inspect the end faces of the ferrules. The fiber core aperture should be perfectly round and centered, and the end face should be clean, without scratches, black spots, or dents. Qualified ferrules are packaged in self-sealing bags. The ferrule grinding process is now complete.
[0040] The grinding fluid mentioned above refers to a suspension containing micro-abrasive powder, which needs to be used in conjunction with grinding discs or polishing cloths. Its core parameters are the type and particle size of the abrasive.
[0041] The parameter information for various grinding discs and grinding fluids in this embodiment is shown in Table 1: Table 1 shows the parameter information for the grinding discs and grinding fluid. The 3D parameter measurement results of the ferrule end face processed using the grinding process provided in this embodiment are shown in Table 2: Table 2 shows the 3D parameter information of the ferrule end face. The optical performance test results of the ferrules processed using the grinding process provided in this embodiment are shown in Table 3: Table 3 shows the optical performance test results of the ferrule. Example 2: Figures 2-4 As shown, a grinding apparatus for implementing the grinding process described in Embodiment 1 includes a grinding machine body 1. A large clamp 2 is detachably mounted on the grinding machine body 1 for mounting the insert to be processed. The grinding machine body 1 is provided with a control structure, a drive mechanism, and a grinding platform 3. The control mechanism can be any existing control device such as a PLC or microcontroller integrated within the grinding machine body 1. The drive mechanism is electrically connected to the control mechanism. The drive mechanism (such as a servo motor) is installed inside the grinding machine body 1, and its output end is connected to the grinding platform 3, driving the grinding platform 3 to move along a preset trajectory (such as a figure-eight motion). The grinding platform 3 is used to place the grinding film.
[0042] The large clamp 2 is detachably mounted and fixed above the grinding platform 3 via a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking drive 4 and a locking buckle 5. The locking drive 4 is connected to the control mechanism and to the grinding machine body 1. The middle part of the locking buckle 5 is hinged to the grinding machine body 1, and the output end of the locking drive 4 is hinged to one end of the locking buckle 5. The locking drive 4 can push the locking buckle 5 to rotate and swing, thereby causing the locking buckle 5 to abut or separate from the large clamp 2. When it is necessary to lock the large clamp 2, place the large clamp 2 with the product to be processed on the preset position above the grinding platform 3, and then control the locking drive 4 through the control mechanism; the locking drive 4 drives the locking buckle 5 to rotate and swing until the locking buckle 5 abuts against the upper end face of the large clamp 2, thereby locking and fixing the large clamp 2 through the locking buckle 5; when it is necessary to loosen the large clamp 2, control the locking drive 4 through the control mechanism; the locking drive 4 drives the locking buckle 5 to rotate and swing in the opposite direction until the locking buckle 5 disengages from the large clamp 2, and then the operator can easily remove the large clamp 2 and the product from the grinding machine body 1.
[0043] To prevent the locking buckle 5 from damaging the surface of the large clamp 2, a flexible pad 6 is provided at the end of the locking buckle 5 away from the locking drive 4. When the locking drive 4 is working, the rotation and swing of the locking buckle 5 will cause the flexible pad 6 to abut against the large clamp 2, thus achieving the function of clamping the large clamp 2. By clamping the large clamp 2 with the flexible pad 6, the locking buckle 5 can be prevented from scratching the surface of the large clamp 2, thereby improving the service life of the large clamp 2; at the same time, it can also increase the clamping friction, thereby preventing the large clamp 2 from loosening during the grinding process and ensuring the grinding quality of the ferrule end face.
[0044] In this embodiment, the locking drive component 4 is an electric cylinder; in other embodiments, the locking drive component 4 can also be a linear drive module such as a cylinder or a motor lead screw structure.
[0045] A wire frame 7 is installed on the large clamp 2. The wire frame 7 is used to organize and store the optical fiber bundles. By organizing and storing the optical fiber bundles on the processed products through the wire frame 7, the bundles are avoided from being messy and the stability of the grinding process is ensured.
[0046] Multiple detachable small clamps 8 are mounted on the large clamp 2, each capable of holding one product to be processed. By using multiple small clamps 8, multiple products can be ground simultaneously, improving processing efficiency. Specifically, each small clamp 8 is equipped with a fixing bolt 9 and a positioning pin 10. The fixing bolt 9 is threadedly connected to the large clamp 2, and the large clamp 2 has positioning holes 21 at corresponding positions to the positioning pins 10. The positioning pins 10 are inserted into the positioning holes 21. When installing the small clamp 8 onto the large clamp 2, the positioning pins 10 are first aligned with the corresponding positioning holes 21 for initial positioning; then, the fixing bolts 9 are used to connect and fix the small clamp 8 to the large clamp 2, thus securing it firmly.
[0047] Each small clamp 8 is provided with a mounting slot 81 for mounting the insert to be ground, with the end face of the insert facing the grinding platform 3. Specifically, a fixing screw 11 is provided at a corresponding position on the small clamp 8 corresponding to the mounting slot 81. The fixing screw 11 is threadedly connected to the small clamp 8, and one end of the fixing screw 11 can extend into the mounting slot 81 to limit and fix the insert in the mounting slot 81.
[0048] To protect the outer surface of the ferrule, a buffer pad 12 is provided at the end of the fixing screw 11 that extends into the mounting slot 81. The buffer pad 12 can abut against the product to be processed in the mounting slot 81. When installing the ferrule, the ferrule is inserted into the mounting slot 81, and then the fixing screw 11 is tightened. The fixing screw 11 pushes the buffer pad 12 to move until the buffer pad 12 abuts against the side of the ferrule, thereby fixing the ferrule in the mounting slot 81.
[0049] The workflow is as follows: Loading: First, install the ferrule onto the small clamp 8 and then tighten it with the fixing screw 11; then fix the multiple small clamps 8 with the ferrule installed onto the large clamp 2 with the positioning pin 10 and fixing bolt 9, and arrange the fiber optic bundle onto the cable rack 7.
[0050] Place the clamp: Place the large clamp 2, which carries the small clamp 8 and the insert, into the preset position of the grinding machine body 1, so that it is above the grinding platform 3.
[0051] Automatic locking: The locking drive 4 is controlled by the control mechanism. The locking drive 4 pushes the locking buckle 5 to rotate around the central hinge point, causing the end with the flexible pad 6 to swing downwards and finally firmly press against the upper surface of the large clamp 2 to complete the locking.
[0052] Grinding: Start the equipment and drive the grinding platform 3 to grind the end face of the ferrule.
[0053] Release and Replacement: After grinding is completed, the control mechanism controls the locking drive 4 to reset, pulls the locking buckle 5 to rotate in the opposite direction, and lifts its clamping end to separate it from the large clamp 2. The operator can then directly remove the entire large clamp 2 and replace it with another large clamp 2 already loaded with the product to be ground, thus achieving rapid material change.
[0054] The above-described specific embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the specific scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention includes but is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. All equivalent changes made in accordance with the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A polishing process for a zero-loss multi-core optical fiber ferrule, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Install inserts, fix multiple inserts onto each small clamp, fix all small clamps onto a large clamp, and then fix the large clamp onto the grinding equipment, so that the end face of the insert faces the grinding platform of the grinding equipment. S2: De-adhesive polishing. First, install the D30 polishing pad on the polishing platform and control the polishing equipment to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. Then, install the SC16 polishing pad on the polishing platform and control the polishing equipment to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. During and after both polishing processes, use pure water to clean the junction between the small clamp and the polishing pad. S3: Cleaning. Remove the large jig from the grinding equipment and remove the degummed inserts from each of the small jigs. Then, perform ultrasonic water washing and blow-drying on the inserts. After that, proceed to step S1. S4: Fine grinding. First, install the D3 grinding disc on the grinding platform and control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. Then, install the ADS grinding disc on the grinding platform and control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. During and after both grinding processes, use pure water to clean the junction between the small clamp and the grinding disc. S5: Fine grinding, remove the large clamp, replace the grinding equipment and install the large clamp with the ferrule onto the new grinding equipment, install the black pad on the grinding platform, pour A50 grinding fluid on the black pad, and then control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. S6: Ultra-fine grinding. Remove the large clamp, replace the grinding equipment, and install the large clamp with the ferrule onto the new grinding equipment. Install white velvet cloth on the grinding platform, pour G50 grinding fluid onto the white velvet cloth, and then control the grinding equipment to grind the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. S7: Polishing. Remove the large clamp, replace the polishing equipment, and install the large clamp with the ferrule onto the new polishing equipment. Install a black pad on the polishing platform and pour C30 polishing fluid onto the black pad. Then control the polishing equipment to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule. After polishing is completed, proceed to step S3. S8: Inspection. Use 3D inspection equipment and end face inspection equipment to inspect the end face of the ferrule.
2. The polishing process for zero-loss multi-core fiber optic ferrules according to claim 1, characterized in that: After steps S1 and S3, a CCD magnifying glass is needed to check the height of each protruding clamp of the ferrule, and it must be ensured that the height of each protruding clamp of the ferrule is consistent.
3. The polishing process for zero-loss multi-core fiber optic ferrules according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before step S4, an angle-cutting step is also included: SC9 polishing pads are installed on the polishing platform, the polishing equipment rotation speed is set to 60 rpm and the stroke speed is set to 6 rpm, and then the polishing equipment is controlled to polish the ferrule and the optical fiber inside the ferrule for 60 seconds.
4. The polishing process for zero-loss multi-core fiber optic ferrules according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the parameters of the grinding equipment are set as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 50 rpm, the stroke speed is 4-6 rpm, and the grinding time for both grinding operations is 10 seconds. In steps S4 and S6, the parameters of the grinding equipment are set as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 250 rpm and the stroke speed is 6 rpm; wherein, the grinding time for both grinding operations in step S4 is 20 seconds and the grinding time for step S6 is 150 seconds. In steps S5 and S7, the parameters of the grinding equipment are set as follows: the rotation speed of the grinding platform is 180 rpm and the stroke speed is 6 rpm; the grinding time in step S5 is 50-80 seconds and the grinding time in step S7 is 30 seconds.
5. The polishing process for zero-loss multi-core fiber optic ferrules according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, the ferrule with the optical fiber is first placed into an ultrasonic water tank for cleaning for 3 minutes. After cleaning, an air gun is used to blow air along the ferrule at a 45° angle until the ferrule is dried.
6. The polishing process for zero-loss multi-core fiber ferrules according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: After each installation of the grinding pad, black pad, or white velvet cloth, a roller must be used to press it down to ensure it is flat, tightly attached to the grinding platform, and free of air bubbles.
7. A polishing apparatus for implementing the polishing process of a zero-loss multi-core optical fiber ferrule according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The invention includes a grinding machine body and a large clamp detachably connected to the grinding machine body. The grinding machine body is provided with a control mechanism, a drive mechanism and a grinding platform. The drive mechanism is electrically connected to the control mechanism and the grinding platform is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism. The grinding machine body is also provided with a locking mechanism, which is detachably connected to the large clamp and is used to lock the large clamp above the grinding platform; The large clamp is equipped with multiple detachable small clamps, and each small clamp has an installation slot for installing a ferrule.
8. The grinding equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The large clamp is equipped with a wire frame for storing and organizing optical fiber bundles. The small clamp is equipped with a fixing bolt and a positioning pin. The fixing bolt is threadedly connected to the large clamp. The large clamp is equipped with positioning holes at positions corresponding to the positioning pins, and the positioning pins are inserted into the positioning holes.
9. The grinding equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The small clamp is provided with fixing screws at the corresponding positions of the mounting slot. The fixing screws are threadedly connected to the small clamp, and one end of the fixing screw can extend into the mounting slot to limit and fix the ferrule in the mounting slot.
10. The grinding apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: The locking mechanism includes a locking cylinder and a locking buckle. The locking cylinder is connected to the grinding machine body, and the middle part of the locking buckle is hinged to the grinding machine body. The output end of the locking cylinder is hinged to one end of the locking buckle. The locking cylinder can push the locking buckle to rotate and swing, thereby causing the end of the locking buckle away from the locking cylinder to abut or separate from the large clamp.
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