Vytran® Fiber Proof Testers

Features

• Test Fiber Strength and Durability After Fusion Splicing
• Two Versions Available
  • Linear: Proof Testing with Loads up to 20 N (4.5 lbs)
  • Rotary: Proof and Tension Testing with Loads up to 89 N (20 lbs)
• Fully Programmable Using Tablet Controller

Thorlabs' Vytran^® Proof Testers apply a set load to a fusion-spliced fiber at a controlled rate in order to test the spliced fiber’s strength. These proof testers feature either a linear proof tester (Item # PTR301) or a rotary proof tester (Item # PTR302). The linear proof tester can perform proof tests with loads up to 20 N (4.5 lbs). The rotary tester can perform proof tests with loads up to 89 N (20 lbs), making it ideal for process qualifications that require very high proof test or tension test levels.

Each PTR301 and PTR302 Proof Tester includes a tablet controller for program and control the unit. The user can select parameters such as the load, the rate at which the load is applied, and the hold time.

Proof and Tension Testing
During proof testing, the load is taken up to a predetermined level and released. Proof testing is employed in manufacturing applications to ensure the fiber can support the necessary service load. To ensure the long-term reliability of the spliced fiber, the proof test level should be about three times higher than the intended service load.

When a fiber is tension tested, the load is typically increased to the breaking point of the fiber. Tension testing sacrifies the fiber sample in order to quantitatively assess the mechanical properties of a batch of optical fiber. Because the load required to break a typical optical fiber is high, a rotary proof tester is often used for tension testing. For these reasons, tension testing is best suited for engineering and development applications. 

Fiber Block Inserts and Replacement Proof Test Grips
When ordering the PTR301 Linear Proof Tester, it is also necessary to order inserts for its fiber holding blocks. These inserts cover a range of fiber coating diameters from 80 µm to 1000 µm. Custom sizes are also available; please contact Tech Support for more information. 

The PTR302 Rotary Proof Tester does not use fiber holding blocks, and thus it is unnecessary to purchase any inserts for its operation. It includes one set of proof test grips; replacement proof test grips are sold separately below in packs of 10.

Tablet Controller GUI Interface

The PTR301 and PTR302 proof testers each include a tablet controller, which provides a simple interface for configuring, controlling, and monitoring operation. The screenshots below highlight key features of the graphical user interface (example screenshots are from the PTR302 Rotary Proof Tester). Additionally, the user can enter passwords and set permissions, allowing only authorized users to access and change the settings. The tablet can be operated in one of four languages: English, French, Russian, or Chinese.

Click to Enlarge
Home Screen
The home screen provides a status bar (top), tool bar (bottom), test button, and a button to view or edit the parameters (magnifying glass and pen icon). The symbols on the right of the screen make up the proof test widget that from left to right show the proof test level, hold time, proof test timeout, and fiber diameter.

Click to Enlarge
Parameter Select
This screen allows the user to access and change all proof test parameters. The current setting is displayed next to the parameter name.

Click to Enlarge
Test Screen
This screen allows the user to monitor the current tension applied to the fiber as well as the test status.

Click to Enlarge
Proof Test History
The tablet controller records the results of each proof test, the target tension, and the tension at which a fiber broke. The tablet must be connected to the proof tester in order for test results to be recorded.

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 #		PTR301	PTR302	PTR303	PTR303B	PTR304	PTR304B	PTR305	PTR306	PTR306B	PTR307	PTR307B	PTR308
Type		Proof Tester		Recoatera					Recoater and Proof Testera
Recoat Assembly		N/A		Manual				Automatic	Manual				Automatic
Proof Tester		Linear	Rotary	N/A					Linear		Rotary		Linear
Recoat Injection Pump		N/A		Automatic	Manual	Automatic	Manual	Automatic	Automatic	Manual	Automatic	Manual	Automatic
Maximum Recoat Length		N/A		50 mm		100 mm		50 mm
Recoat Material	High Index (Item # AB950200)	-	-
	Low Index (Item # PC373)	-	-	-		-		-	-		-		-
Mold Cleaning Requirement		N/A		After Every Recoat Process				Dailyb	After Every Recoat Process				Dailyb

• These recoaters are designed to be used with high- or low-index recoater material. Thorlabs also offers the PRL201, which is designed for polyimide-coated fibers.
• The mold assembly of these recoaters should be cleaned before the first recoating process of the day and then again after the last recoating process of the day.