How to cut the tail fiber

Proper tail fiber cutting involves precise stripping, cleaning, and cleaving to create a flat, contamination-free end face for low-loss splicing.Tools RequiredFiber Cleaver: Ensures a clean, perpendicular cut on the fiber end for accurate fusion splicing .Fiber Stripper: Removes the protective coating without damaging the glass core .Alcohol and Lint-Free Wipes: Cleans the fiber to remove dust, oils, or debris .Cable Stripper: Used to peel the outer jacket and aramid yarn to expose the fiber .Step-by-Step Cutting ProcessStripping: Use a fiber stripper to remove the outer jacket and coating, exposing the bare fiber. The stripping length is typically 50–100 mm, depending on the splice sleeve or connector requirements .Cleaning: Wipe the exposed fiber with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove contaminants that could affect splicing quality .Cleaving: Place the cleaned fiber in a precision fiber cleaver. The cleaver scores the fiber and applies controlled tension to produce a flat, perpendicular end face. Proper cleaving is critical for minimizing splice loss and back reflection .Inspection: Check the cleaved end under a fiber microscope to ensure it is smooth, flat, and free of chips or cracks. Any imperfections may require recutting .Best PracticesAlways thread protection sleeves before stripping to avoid contamination after cleaving .Maintain perpendicular alignment of the cleaver to the fiber to ensure optimal fusion splicing results .Avoid touching the bare fiber with fingers or tools to prevent oils or scratches .Use high-quality, sharp cleavers and replace blades regularly to maintain consistent cuts .SummaryTail fiber cutting is a critical step in fiber optic splicing. By carefully stripping, cleaning, and cleaving the fiber, technicians ensure a low-loss, reliable connection when fusing pigtails or repairing fibers. Proper technique and high-quality tools significantly reduce signal loss and improve long-term network performance .