What tools are used for stripping optical fibers

Optical fibers are stripped using mechanical, thermal, plasma-assisted, and specialized hand tools designed to remove coatings without damaging the glass core.Mechanical Fiber StrippersMechanical strippers are the most common tools for fiber preparation. They feature precision-ground or laser-drilled holes that match the fiber's coating diameter, allowing the technician to remove the polymer coating cleanly. These tools are available in handheld pliers-style strippers for standard fibers (125 µm cladding with 250 µm coating) and for tight-buffered fibers (900 µm) or plastic optical fibers. Multi-notch designs allow stripping of different layers, such as the primary coating, secondary coating, or outer jacket, in a single tool operation .Thermal Fiber StrippersThermal strippers use controlled heat to soften the fiber coating, enabling gentle removal without mechanical stress. They are particularly useful for sensitive fibers or laboratory applications where precision is critical. Adjustable temperature and timing settings allow customization for different coating materials, such as acrylate, silicone, or polyimide .Plasma-Assisted and Automated StrippersFor high-volume or specialized applications, plasma-assisted stripping machines remove coatings up to 1200 µm in diameter without contact, preserving fiber strength. Fully automated units can perform end stripping or window stripping for fiber Bragg gratings and other precision tasks, eliminating the need for chemical stripping .Specialized Hand ToolsAdjustable optical fiber strippers allow manual setting of blade diameter for non-standard or legacy fibers.Flat drop cable strippers are designed for FTTx installations, efficiently removing outer jackets without damaging internal fibers or strength members .Fiber buffer stripping kits include multiple blade sets, fiber guides, and grippers to ensure consistent, safe stripping for connectorization .Best PracticesUsing the correct tool is essential to avoid nicks, scratches, or stress fractures on the fiber, which can cause signal loss or connection failure. Hand tools are ideal for fieldwork, while thermal or automated systems are preferred in laboratory or production environments .In summary, the choice of fiber stripping tool depends on fiber type, coating material, diameter, and application, ranging from simple mechanical pliers to advanced thermal or plasma-assisted systems for high-precision or high-volume operations.