Insights Blog

Fiber experts agree that many fiber network connectivity problems are caused by dust contamination. Although a speck of dust is typically just microns in size, and only visible with a magnification inspection scope, it still interferes with the network’s light path as it passes between two mated end faces. The light signal weakens, slows down the network speed or results in unacceptable data transmission losses. This often requires expensive and disruptive emergency rollbacks to troubleshoot and remove the contamination.

No one wants a half-painted house, half a haircut or a half-repaired tire…well you get the point. It’s the same for fiber optic end face cleaning. It’s important to clean the ENTIRE end face to ensure optimum network speeds and performance. Otherwise, contaminants can migrate from the outer regions of the end face and into the core, right where it can block the optical signal.

As the electronics industry experiences growth and PCB shortages begin to stabilize, PCB manufacturers face the challenge of meeting increased demands while supporting efficient production. To address this issue, adopting lean manufacturing methodologies, particularly the 5S method, offers a strategic solution to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance the overall quality of printed circuit boards (PCBs).

The new Sticklers™ Pro 360™ Touchless Cleaner is the future of high-performance fiber optic end face cleaning. This revolutionary tool quickly and completely cleans dust, oils and other contaminants across the entire end face of both male and female connector ends.

After extensive research and development, Sticklers™ will unveil a new fiber cleaning tool at three major fiber industry events this Fall, ECOC 2022 in Switzerland, the SCTE Cable-Tec Expo in the United States and Data Centre World in Singapore.

For modern fiber optic networks to handle the huge amount of data and high speeds everybody demands, it's critical that a fiber end faces are perfectly clean before installation or during any maintenance. It's important for technicians to know exactly how to correctly handle and clean fiber end faces and what methods to use (or not use). Here are a few basics to get you started.