Potting Adhesives : for Glass Fiber/Fibre Optic Bundles

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

I have a need to make some custom 'ends' for light guides.

… Schott glass, in fine strands

[currently in 1mm diameter bundles within a sheath]

There are many adhesives offered for this job …

Most are rather costly, so I cannot really afford to experiment.

Can anyone please recommend a reasonably-priced product ?

MichaelG.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Recommendations, please …

[MichaelRParticipant @michaelr]

MichaelG, I have no knowledge of the subject you are working with but would this item be of use or what you are looking for.Link Mike.

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by MichaelR on 13/02/2019 11:00:27:

MichaelG, I have no knowledge of the subject you are working with but would this item be of use or what you are looking for.Link Mike.

.

Thanks, Mike … That's certainly cheaper than some I have seen.

MichaelG.

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

I know little about terminating fibre optics so this product from Rapid Electronics might not suit your purpose but I have used it for both encapsulating LEDs and for potting subsea cable splices.

Its water clear, runs like water (almost), and when cured has some flexibility so its not brittle which might make subsequent surface polishing difficult, the 50mL twinpack is what I would call economic. Unfortunately Rapid recently only stock to order so lead time is quite long and MOQ make experimenting expensive.

Alh Systems A6175 NP1480 Water Clear Polyurethane Potting Compound 50ml Syringe

Rapid code 87-7176

Ian P

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks a lot for that, Ian

The product you mention would almost certainly be suitable for a related project that I have in mind [where the existing cable ends will be used] but, as you note, being slightly flexible it would probably prevent satisfactory polishing of cleaved fibres.

Much appreciated

MichaelG.

.

Edit: … Drat !!

Just noticed the 24 unit 'minimum order quantity'

… now busy looking for an alternative supplier.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 13/02/2019 21:19:17

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

Despite having some compliance I dont think it will prevent polishing the fibre strands, my comment originally was referring to polishing the resin surface.

I think the only alternative is ALH themselves but I dont know what their MOQ is.

Ian

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Ian P on 13/02/2019 21:26:29:

Despite having some compliance I dont think it will prevent polishing the fibre strands, my comment originally was referring to polishing the resin surface.

.

Thanks for clarifying that, Ian

I have no need to polish the resin itself; just the fibres.

MichaelG.

[charadamParticipant @charadam]

MG – what on earth are you talking about?

Please educate me (and possibly others)!

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by charadam on 14/02/2019 01:00:17:

MG – what on earth are you talking about?

Please educate me (and possibly others)!

.

This sort of thing: **LINK**

https://www.edmundoptics.com/c/fiber-optic-light-guides/717/

MichaelG.

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

Michael,

When I was scouting around looking for a metallurgical potting compound for home use I plumped for this stuff via Amazon **LINK** It sets hard and doesn't interfere with the grinding and polishing of the specimens. Actually it polishes up very nicely itself and seems very similar to the professional (expensive!) products I used to use in a former life.

Hope this helps,

Rod

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks for that, Rod

Good to have the benefit of your experience

Although it may not quite be suitable for my immediate needs, it certainly looks ideal for specimen preparation.

… I'm sure to need some soon.

MichaelG.

[charadamParticipant @charadam]

Michael, thank you.

Eyewatering prices on that website – I see why you DIY.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

What kind of light guide are you making?

Neil

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 15/02/2019 10:09:44:

What kind of light guide are you making?

.

It's an area of experimentation, Neil … so probably lots [good, bad and indifferent]

But the immediate interest is edge-lighting of microscope slides

so the 'round in' to 'line-out' variety … on a rather small scale.

MichaelG.

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