Define the coated-fiber test article
Record the glass diameter and design, primary and outer coating system, coating dimensions, cure process, production history and any aging or environmental exposure. Results from different coating constructions should not be treated as interchangeable.
Specify the stripping method and geometry
Document whether removal is mechanical, thermal-mechanical or another agreed method, together with the tool or blade condition, strip length, pull direction, alignment, speed and fixture. Do not compare a coating pullout test with a strip-force test as though they measure the same event.
Control sample conditioning
Define temperature, humidity, conditioning time and the interval between conditioning and testing. If hot, cold, wet or aged behavior matters, use a controlled sequence and compare it with an unexposed baseline.
Record the force trace and failure mode
State how peak, average or another reported force is calculated and retain the force-displacement trace where practical. Also inspect for coating residue, glass damage, fiber breaks, layer separation and inconsistent initiation because one force number cannot describe the entire stripping result.
Validate the downstream operation
Confirm that the selected process leaves the fiber suitable for the intended splice, connector, recoating or assembly step. Include cleaning, surface inspection and any required optical or mechanical verification instead of using strip force as the sole acceptance criterion.
INFORMATION CHECKLIST
Prepare these details for a productive material discussion.
- Fiber design, coating system and dimensions
- Strip method, tool condition and geometry
- Strip length, speed and alignment
- Conditioning and exposure history
- Force calculation, failure modes and downstream checks
TECHNICAL FAQ
Questions to clarify before evaluation
Is the lowest coating strip force always best?
No. The result must be balanced with coating integrity, handling, environmental retention, residue, glass protection and the requirements of the downstream operation.
Can strip-force values from different laboratories be compared directly?
Only when the fiber construction, conditioning, tool geometry, strip length, test speed, calculation and failure criteria are sufficiently aligned.
Does one strip-force value prove clean and damage-free removal?
No. Inspect residue, glass damage, fiber breaks and layer separation, and verify the intended splice, connector or assembly process.