Products Home / Fiber Fusion Splicers and Processing Equipment / Fiber Recoaters / Vytran® Fiber Recoaters with UV Curing LampsVytran® Fiber Recoaters with UV Curing Lamps
- Recoat Spliced Fibers for Full Protection and Flexibility
- Available with Manual or Automatic Recoat Injector
- 50 mm or 100 mm Maximum Recoat Length
VHH500
Bottom Fiber Block Insert (Sold Separately)
PTR303B
Fiber Recoater for Manual Recoat Injector, 50 mm Recoat Length
PTR304
Fiber Recoater with Automatic Recoat Injector, 100 mm Recoat Length
RM430A
Mold Assembly for Manual Recoater (Sold Separately)
VHH000
Top Fiber Block Insert (Sold Separately)
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Building a Complete Fiber Processing System?
To build a complete system, you will need to purchase a base unit plus additional components that are dependent upon the size of the fiber being processed. We recommend that you contact us prior to ordering for assistance with choosing a system and all the necessary components. This also allows us to install and factory-align all system components within the base unit prior to shipping, ensuring optimal performance out-of-the-box.
To take advantage of this assistance, please e-mail us directly at techsupport@thorlabs.com and a representative will contact you shortly.
| Fiber Recoaters with UV Curing Lamps | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Mold Assembly | Recoat Injector | Max Recoat Length |
| PTR303 | Manual | Automatic | 50 mm |
| PTR304 | Manual | Automatic | 100 mm |
| PTR303B | Manual | Manual | 50 mm |
| PTR304B | Manual | Manual | 100 mm |
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Thorlabs' Fiber Recoater Indicating the Mold Assembly, Fiber Holding Blocks, and Fiber Holding Block Inserts
Features
- Recoat Fusion-Spliced Fibers to Protect Splice and Restore Flexibility
- Manual and Automatic Recoat Injector Options
- Fully Programmable Using the Included Controller
- Push Buttons on Recoaters Start and Stop Recoat Process
- 50 mm or 100 mm Maximum Recoat Length
- Durable Quartz Mold Plate Capable of >10 000 Recoats
- Replacement Components Sold Separately Below
Thorlabs' Vytran® Fiber Recoaters restore the coating to a fusion-spliced fiber. The recoat material is injected through a cross-channel in the top plate into the mold assembly. Recoaters with manual mold assemblies and UV halogen lamps are available. Our manual recoaters use a hinged top that can be opened and closed by hand. The split-quartz mold's surface is coated to prevent any recoat material that migrates between the plates from curing and forming imperfections on the finished recoat.
Each recoater uses a volumetric dispensing pump to inject the recoat material into the mold cavity. This pump is available with an automatic injection system (Item #s PTR303 and PTR304) or a manual injection system (Item #s PTR303B and PTR304B). The recoated fiber is then cured with an ultraviolet (UV) halogen lamp. The fiber recoating process restores the buffer coating to a stripped fiber, giving it the same flexibility as when originally manufactured. Unlike standard heat shrink protection sleeves, a recoated fiber can be handled and coiled normally, without risking the fusion-spliced section of fiber.
The recoat process starts with the fusion-spliced section of fiber being placed in the middle of the mold assembly. Once set in position, inserts in the fiber blocks secure the spliced fiber in place. Recoat material is pumped into the cavity and then UV-cured. Due to their ability to restore a fusion-spliced fiber to original condition, fiber recoaters are ideal for manufacturing high-stress or sensitive fibers such as undersea optical fiber cables, submarine communication cabling, fiber lasers, or Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) lasers.
We also offer fiber recoaters with UV LEDs for curing the fiber.
Mold Assemblies
The mold assembly is sold separately so that customers can choose the right mold coating diameter for their application. Custom mold coating sizes are available up to Ø900 µm. Pre-installation of the mold assembly at the factory is also available upon request. Contact Tech Support for more information on custom molds or factory assembly.
Inserts for Fiber Holding Blocks
We offer a variety of fiber holding block inserts in order to support a wide range of fiber coating diameters. The inserts cover fiber coatings from Ø125 µm to Ø900 µm; a total of four are necessary for each recoater, two top inserts and two bottom inserts.
Recoat Materials
Thorlabs offers both high-index (Item # AB950200) and low-index (Item # PC373) recoat materials for use in these recoaters. Recoaters with manual injection pumps (Item #s PTR303B and PTR304B) are compatible with both types of recoat material, while manual recoaters with an automatic injection system (Item #s PTR303 and PTR304) all other recoaters are compatible with the high-index material only. These recoaters can be customized to work with both the low- and high-index recoat material; please contact Tech Support for more information.
| Item # | PTR303 | PTR303B | PTR304 | PTR304B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recoater Type | Manual | |||
| Recoater Mold | Hinged Split Quartz Plates | |||
| Recoat Diametera | 280 µm, 430 µm, or 600 µmb | |||
| Maximum Recoat Length | 50 mm | 100 mm | ||
| Recoat Material | High-Index UV Curable Acrylate |
High- or Low-Index UV Curable Acrylate |
High-Index UV Curable Acrylate |
High- or Low-Index UV Curable Acrylate |
| UV/Thermal Source | Four 10 W Halogen Lamps (Replacement Item # UVRB, Available Below) |
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| Recoat Injection | Automatic | Manualc | Automatic | Manual |
| Recoat Volume | Programmable (µL) | Manual | Programmable (µL) | Manual |
| Recoat Injection Rate | Programmable (≤1.8 µL/s) | Manual | Programmable (≤1.8 µL/s) | Manual |
| Lamp Delay Timed | 5 s (Typical) | |||
| Cure Timed | 17 s (Typical) | |||
| Mold Cleaning Requiremente | After Every Recoat | |||
| Total Cycle Time | 60 s (Typical) | |||
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 10.14" × 5.30" × 6.88" (257.4 mm × 134.6 mm × 174.8 mm) |
10.14" × 5.30" × 7.17" (257.4 mm × 134.6 mm × 182.2 mm) |
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| AC Power | 110 - 120 V / 200 - 240 V, 47-63 Hz | |||
| Controller Type | Handset | |||
Handset Controller GUI Interface
The VYT300C handset controller is included with the recoaters. It is compatible with Vytran PTR series fiber recoaters and proof testers, as well as Vytran large-diameter fiber cleavers. One handset controller can be used to configure parameters on multiple fiber processing units in succession. Full instructions for using the handset controller can be found in the manual for each device. The screenshots below highlight key features of the graphical user interface.
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The initial screen on the VYT300C Handset Controller gives the option to begin curing. Other menus can be accessed by swiping the touchscreen left or right, or by tapping the options at the top of the screen.
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While curing, the controller displays the parameters defined on the Edit tab and the progress of the cure. The Stop button can be used to end the active cure.
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The suite of tools available through the handset controller includes a record of the total cure time of the machine (under Process Counters) that is not shown on the tablet controller. See the manuals of the compatible fiber recoaters for more information on these tools.
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The handset controller can open, save, delete, export, and import files containing parameters for compatible systems. Exporting or importing a file will require a memory device to be connected to the Program Port of the handset controller.
 Product DemonstrationsThorlabs has demonstration facilities for the Vytran® fiber glass processing systems offered on this page within our Morganville, New Jersey; Shanghai, China; and Exeter, Devonshire offices. We invite you to schedule a visit to see these products in operation and to discuss the various options with a fiber processing specialist. Please schedule a demonstration at one of our locations below by contacting technical support. We welcome the opportunity for personal interaction during your visit! Thorlabs Vytran Europe
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| Posted Comments: | |
user
(posted 2019-04-18 06:55:32.927) 1.Do you provide any test report for recoater unit? [eg., by including results of two recoatings of a fiber (one HI and one LI acrylate) such as adhesion, tension etc., If not what else (certificate of compliance etc.,) do you provide confirming quality of the product
2.For manual recoat injector ( PTR 303B), how can user programme inject rate, inject amount? These parameters are controlled by manual operation of injector eg., by pressure applied (manually) on syringe piston.
3. Do you provide installation service in India? If so what is additional cost of installation/demonstration? nbayconich
(posted 2019-04-25 04:56:03.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The PTR303B can be easily programmed by the user to change the injection qty, injection rate, fiber diameter used, etc using the tablet & software provided.
We have regional Vytran reps that can help provide on site work at your location. A Vytran representative will contact you directly with more information regarding our recoater's testing documentation and services. |
The table below outlines the entire PTR series to directly compare the capabilities across the whole line.
| Vytran® PTR Series Recoater and Proof Tester Selection Guide | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | UV Curing Source | Mold Assembly | Proof Tester | Recoat Injection Pump | Max Recoat Length | Recoat Material | Mold Cleaning Requirement | |
| High Index (Item # AB950200) |
Low Index (Item # PC373) |
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| Dedicated Proof Testers | ||||||||
| PTR301 | N/A | N/A | Linear | N/A | N/A | - | - | N/A |
| PTR302 | Rotary | - | - | |||||
| Dedicated Recoatersa | ||||||||
| PTR303 | Halogen Lamps | Manual | N/A | Automatic | 50 mm |  |
- | After Every Recoat Process |
| PTR303B | Manual | 50 mm | |
|
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| PTR403 | LEDs | Manual | N/A | Automatic | 50 mm | |
- | After Every Recoat Process |
| PTR403B | Manual | 50 mm | |
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| PTR404B | Manual | 100 mm | |
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| PTR304 | Halogen Lamps | Manual | N/A | Automatic | 100 mm | |
- | After Every Recoat Process |
| PTR304B | Manual | 100 mm | |
|
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| PTR305 | LEDs | Automatic | N/A | Automatic | 50 mm | |
- | Dailyb |
| Recoaters with Proof Testersa | ||||||||
| PTR306 | Halogen Lamps | Manual | Linear | Automatic | 50 mm | |
- | After Every Recoat Process |
| PTR306B | Manual | 50 mm | |
|
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| PTR406 | LEDs | Manual | Linear | Automatic | 50 mm | |
- | After Every Recoat Process |
| PTR406B | Manual | 50 mm | |
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| PTR307 | Halogen Lamps | Manual | Rotary | Automatic | 50 mm | |
- | After Every Recoat Process |
| PTR307B | Manual | 50 mm | |
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| PTR407 | LEDs | Manual | Rotary | Automatic | 50 mm | |
- | After Every Recoat Process |
| PTR407B | Manual | 50 mm | |
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| PTR308 | LEDs | Automatic | Linear | Automatic | 50 mm | |
- | Dailyb |
Zoom| Item # | Coating Diameter |
Max Recoat Length |
Compatible Recoaters |
|---|---|---|---|
| RM280A | 280 µm | 50 mm | PTR303(B) |
| RM430A | 430 µm | ||
| RM600A | 600 µm | ||
| RM280L | 280 µm | 100 mm | PTR304(B) |
| RM430L | 430 µm | ||
| RM600L | 600 µm |
- Compatible with UV Lamp Fiber Recoaters
- Three Available Mold Coating Diameters: 280 µm, 430 µm, and 600 µm
- 50 mm or 100 mm Maximum Recoat Length
The Mold Assemblies are composed of split quartz mold plates which, when closed, form the cylindrical mold cavity around the exposed section of the fiber being recoated. They are available for Ø280 µm, Ø430 µm, or Ø600 µm fiber coatings and in maximum fiber recoat lengths of 50 mm (compatible with Item #s PTR303 and PTR303B) and 100 mm (compatible with Item #s PTR304 and PTR304B). Custom mold sizes up to Ø900 µm are available; please contact Tech Support for more information. Mold assemblies with a 50 mm recoat length feature a lever to assist with opening or closing the mold.
Recoat material (sold below) is injected into the mold assembly by either an automatic or manual injection system. Then, UV light cures the recoat material. Cure times are dependent on the mold size and recoat material, but they range from approximately 12 - 15 seconds for the RM280A mold assembly with high-index AB950200 recoat material to 30 - 60 seconds with the low-index PC373 recoat material. The recoater mold assembly should be cleaned throughly with isopropyl alcohol or acetone between each recoating process; reliable and repeatable performance is highly dependent on the cleanliness of the mold.
When purchasing a manual fiber recoater for the first time, it is necessary to choose a mold assembly that is appropriate for the desired fiber coating diameter. Additional mold assemblies may also be purchased and swapped out by the user. The assembly simply screws to the top of the device, making the removal and install simple and easy. Because of this, our manual recoaters are adaptable and flexible in the field and can be modified to accept varying diameters of fiber quickly. A recoater mold can be factory installed prior to shipment upon request by contacting Tech Support. It is also necessary to order the proper inserts (sold below) that best match the fiber diameter being used, whether purchasing a fiber recoater for the first time or updating a current recoater for a different fiber diameter.
Zoom| Compatible Fiber Buffer/Coating Diameters & Recoaters | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item # | Top or Bottom |
Nominal Diameter |
Min Diameter |
Max Diameter |
Compatible Recoaters |
| VHH000 | Top | - | 90 µm | 660 µm | PTR305 PTR303(B) PTR304(B) |
| VHH900a | Top | 900 µm | 700 µm | 1000 µm | |
| VHH100 | Bottom | 100 µm | 90 µm | 110 µm | |
| VHH125 | Bottom | 125 µm | 113 µm | 137 µm | |
| VHH160 | Bottom | 160 µm | 144 µm | 176 µm | |
| VHH250 | Bottom | 250 µm | 225 µm | 275 µm | |
| VHH300 | Bottom | 300 µm | 250 µm | 350 µm | |
| VHH400 | Bottom | 400 µm | 350 µm | 450 µm | |
| VHH500 | Bottom | 500 µm | 450 µm | 550 µm | |
| VHH600 | Bottom | 600 µm | 540 µm | 660 µm | |
| VHH900Sa | Bottom | 900 µm | 810 µm | 990 µm | |
- Fiber Block Inserts for Thorlabs' Fiber Recoaters
- Compatible with Fiber Coating Diameters from 90 µm to 990 µm
- Choose Two Top Inserts and Two Bottom Inserts
For all the recoaters sold above, the proper set of inserts needs to be selected. A total of four inserts (two top and two bottom) are required for a full unit. The inserts are seated in and secured to the fiber holding blocks. They can easily be swapped out for different sizes, allowing our recoaters to adapt quickly should different fiber coating sizes be desired.These inserts are compatible with fiber coatings ranging from Ø90 µm to Ø990 µm.
Custom sizes are available; please contact Tech Support for more information.
Zoom| Item # | Recoat Material | Compatible Recoaters | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Injection | Manual Injection | ||
| AB950200 | High Index | PTR303, PTR304, PTR305, PTR308, PTR403, PTR404, PTR406, PTR407 |
PTR303B, PTR304B, PTR403B, PTR404B, PTR406B, PTR407B |
| PC373 | Low Index | - | |
- AB950200: High-Index Recoat Material
- PC373: Low-Index Recoat Material
Thorlabs offers UV-curable acrylate recoat materials to be used in our PTR series fiber recoaters. We offer both high-index (Item # AB950200) and low-index (Item # PC373) material in 1 oz bottles. The high-index material can be used in all recoaters (except the PRL201), whereas the low-index material can only be used in recoaters with the manual injection pump option.
Zoom| Item # | Component Description |
Compatible Recoaters | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mm Recoaters | 100 mm Recoaters | ||
| PTRRRM |
Manual Injector | PTR303B, PTR306B, PTR307B, PTR406B, PTR407B |
- |
| PTRRRML |
- | PTR304B, PTR404B | |
| RRMTA |
Injection Tube | PTR303B, PTR306B, PTR307B, PTR406B, PTR407B |
- |
| RRMTAL | - | PTR304B, PTR404B | |
| RRMS | Syringe Barrel | PTR303B, PTR306B, PTR307B, PTR406B, PTR407B |
PTR304B, PTR404B |
Click to Enlarge
The manual injector is mounted to the recoater via two 4-40 mounting screws.
- Replacement Manual Injectors for Dispensing Recoat Material into the Mold
- Accept PC373 and AB950200 Recoat Materials
- Replacement Injection Tubes for Recoaters with Manual Injectors
- Replacement Syringe Barrel for Manual Injectors
These manual injectors and injection tubes are available as replacement parts for Thorlabs' Vytran Fiber Recoaters with Manual Injectors; compatible systems are listed to the right. We also offer a replacement syringe barrel.
Each injector can be mounted to compatible fiber recoaters via two 4-40, 3/32" hex screws on the recoater housing (see photo to the right). To connect the injector to the recoater mold, tighten the connector at the end of the green plastic tubing, then loosen by a 1/4 turn to allow for rotation.
The injector is equipped with a distribution valve and two-position selection lever for directing the flow of recoat material. A knurled dispensing screw with an internal plunger acts as a syringe for the
Each injection tube and the RRMS syringe barrel are available as replacement parts for the manual injectors. The injection tube should be changed out if the knurl fitting breaks off the end, it leaks recoat material, or a clog forms that cannot be cleared with acetone. If the syringe no longer injects or an excessive number of air bubbles are visible in the recoat material (even after flushing the system), the syringe barrel should be replaced. A 5/16" thin spanner wrench is required for securing the syringe onto the recoat injector. Detailed installation instructions are provided in the support documentation, which can be found by clicking on the red documents icon (
) next to each item number.
ZoomCompatible Systems
- PTR303, PTR304, and PTR403 Manual Fiber Recoaters, Automatic Recoat Injector
- PTR306, PTR307, PTR406, and PTR407 Manual Fiber Recoaters with Proof Testers, Automatic Recoat Injector
- Replacement Injection Tube for Dispensing Recoat Material into the Mold
- Compatible with Vytran Fiber Recoaters with Manual Mold Assemblies that Use Automatic Injectors (See List to the Right)
- For Use with AB950200 and PC373 Recoat Materials
This replacement injection tube is compatible with Thorlabs' Vytran Fiber Recoaters that use Manual Mold Assemblies and Automatic Injection Systems (Item #s listed to the right). Though each system comes with an injection tube installed, it may need to be replaced if the knurled fitting breaks off the end, it leaks recoat material, or a clog forms that cannot be cleared with acetone.
Detailed installation instructions for the RRATA injection tube are provided in the support documentation, which can be found by clicking on the red documents icon () next to the item number.
Zoom
Click to Enlarge
Screenshot of VYT300C Controller When Used with PTR403 Recoater
Compatible Systems
- LDC401(A) Fiber Cleavers
- LDC450B Portable Fiber Cleaver
- PTR303(B), PTR304(B), PTR306(B), PTR307(B), PTR403(B), PTR404B, PTR406(B), and PTR407(B) Manual Mold Fiber Recoaters
- PTR305 and PTR308 Automatic Mold Fiber Recoaters
- PTR301 and PTR302 Fiber Proof Tester
- Provides Full Functionality for Compatible Systems (See Compatible Systems List to the Right)
- Intuitive GUI
- Capacitive Touchscreen
- Small Footprint
This handset controller is available as an alternative to the tablet controller previously included with our Vytran Large Diameter Fiber Cleavers, PTR Series Fiber Recoaters, and PTR Series Fiber Proof Testers. One handset controller is included with each new PTR series recoater system. A single handset controller can be used with multiple systems; after configuring parameters for one fiber processing unit, the controller can be disconnected and then connected to a different unit, of the same or a different type, to configure its parameters.
The handset controller must be connected via the included cable in order to use it. The controller automatically turns on when the connected system is turned on. Upon startup, the handset controller will always read parameters from the connected system; i.e., the parameters that appear on the screen will always be the parameters that have been uploaded to the connected unit. If the parameters read from the unit match the parameters of the most recently opened file on the handset controller, the screen will display the file name.
The suite of tools available through the handset controller includes a record of the total cure time of the machine (under Process Counters) that is not shown on the tablet controller. This value may be reset each time the bulbs are replaced.
The handset controller can open, save, delete, export, and import files containing parameters for compatible systems. Exporting or importing a file will require a memory device to be connected to the Program Port of the handset controller.
Instructions for using this controller can be found in the manuals for the compatible Vytran systems.
Dedicated Fiber Recoaters with UV Curing Lamps