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Fiber Optic Manufacturing

With Precision Induction Heating


Manufacturers of fiber optic materials and assemblies are searching for a faster, more consistent, highly accurate heat source for ferrule soldering, hermetic sealing, epoxy curing, fiber drawing and other heating processes.

Fast heating times and temperatures below 500°F are preferred for fiber optic soldering due to the heat-sensitive nature of the components. It is difficult to achieve these desired results with resistance heating and hot air (the two most commonly used heating methods) and neither of these can be easily automated for high speed production.

You can use our induction technology to heat very small areas with pinpoint accuracy.

Induction Advantages: Short Heat Cycles Low Temperature Pinpoint Accuracy No Impurities

Solid state induction heating offers exciting possibilities for manufacturers of fiber optic components. With the proper coil design, induction heat is highly selective, able to target small areas with pinpoint accuracy. Heating cycles are normally reduced to just a few seconds, depending on the application. Since there is no hot air to transmit impurities and the parts never come in direct contact with the heating coil, induction is an amazingly clean source of heat for hermetic sealing. And with the appropriate fixturing, the entire process can be automated for maximum speed and consistency.

Ameritherm's advanced induction technology provides precision ±2°F temperature control and is easily adaptable for a variety of solder materials. Our compact, lightweight HOTSHOT 1 kW Power Supply generally produces more than enough heat to quickly solder component-size parts at temperatures below 500°F.

Here are some examples of how fiber optics manufacturers are using Ameritherm induction heating to improve their product quality and reduce cycle time:


Soldering a Kovar Ferrule to a Fiber Optic Cable (Hermetic Sealing)
Time: 10 seconds
Temperature: 297°F
RF Induction Power Supply: 1 kW HOTSHOT
video
soldering a kovar ferrule

soldering a gold-plated ferrule
Soldering a Gold-Plated Ferrule to a Fiber Optic Cable
Time: 5 to 7 seconds
Temperature: 475°F
RF Induction Power Supply: 1 kW HOTSHOT
video

Soldering Glass Feedthroughs on a Kovar Housing
Time: 20 Seconds
Temperature: 400°F
RF Induction Power Supply: 1kW HOTSHOT
video
soldering glass feedthroughs

hermetic sealing
Soldering a Fiber Optic Housing (Hermetic Sealing)
Time: 10 seconds
Temperature: 400°F
RF Induction Power: 3 kW

Send Us Your Parts For a Free Evaluation!
At our Scottsville Applications Laboratory, we are constantly evaluating and developing new applications for precision induction heating. We invite you to send us your parts samples for a NO CHARGE evaluation and system recommendation. Download or link to our Lab Service Request form. Our experts can then analyze your parts and process requirements and give you our best advice. What better way to find out if induction heating will work for you?
updated: 12/7/2007
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