Special stripper for butterfly-shaped optical cables

Specialized fiber optic strippers, such as the Komshine FTS-01, are used to strip butterfly-shaped optical cables safely and precisely.

Specialized Strippers for Butterfly Cables

Butterfly-shaped optical cables, often used for indoor drop installations, have a flat, dual-fiber design that requires precision stripping tools to avoid damaging the fibers. Tools like the Komshine FTS-01 are specifically engineered for 3.0×2.0 mm butterfly-shaped drop cables. These strippers feature:

• Adjustable blade height to control cutting depth for different cable coatings and conditions
• SUS420 stainless steel blades rated for up to 60,000 stripping cycles
• Built-in scale ruler for accurate measurement of strip length
• Flat incision design that leaves no residue and prevents fiber damage
• Compact, ergonomic body for easy handling during installation

General Fiber Stripping Tools

In addition to specialized butterfly cable strippers, standard fiber optic strippers are used for removing polymer coatings from optical fibers. These include:

• Mechanical strippers: Pincer-like tools that cut and remove the polymer jacket or buffer coating without nicking the glass fiber
• Three-hole or multi-slot strippers: Designed to strip different layers, such as the primary coating, secondary coating, or outer sheath
• Automated or adjustable strippers: Allow precise control over strip length and depth, suitable for high-volume or delicate fiber types

Stripping Methodology

The typical process for butterfly-shaped cables involves:

1. Positioning the cable in the stripper's jaws, aligning it with the cutting slots or blades
2. Adjusting blade depth to match the cable's coating thickness
3. Applying pressure and pulling to remove the outer sheath and buffer layers cleanly
4. Cleaning the exposed fiber with alcohol pads to remove any residue before splicing or connectorization

Patented Stripping Devices

Some butterfly-shaped optical cables use dedicated stripping devices with upper and lower cutters aligned to the cable's separation grooves. These devices ensure smooth separation of the optical fibers and reinforcement parts, reducing cable size for easier pipeline installation while maintaining fiber integrity . Using the correct stripper ensures consistent, safe, and efficient preparation of butterfly-shaped optical cables, minimizing the risk of fiber damage and improving installation quality.