The invention relates to a polishing machine (10) and to a method for polishing optical waveguides, the polishing machine comprising a polishing disk (13) having a plug socket (14) for holding a plug with an optical waveguide, a polishing platform (15) for receiving an abrasive, a positioning device (17) for relative positioning of the polishing disk and of the polishing platform between a polishing position and a set-up position (16), and a drive device for executing a relative polishing movement between the polishing platform and the polishing disk in the polishing position, the positioning device having a holder (20) for detachably holding the polishing disk, wherein the polishing machine has a metering device for applying a rinsing liquid to the polishing platform, a passage opening through which the rinsing liquid is metered onto the polishing platform by means of the metering device being formed in the polishing disk.

Systems and methods for angle polishing of the end faces of a plurality of optical connectors are provided. Systems are provided that include a connector defining a longitudinal axis, and at least two ferrules mounted with respect to the connector and arranged in a side-by-side orientation. The end faces of the connectors are movable relative to the connector and such movement facilitates lateral orientation of the angle polished end faces of the ferrules relative to the connector when in the mating position. Various mechanisms and methods for facilitating movement of the ferrules relative to the connector are disclosed to achieve the desired lateral polish orientation of the ferrule end faces.

The invention relates to a polishing machine (10) and to a method for polishing optical waveguides, the polishing machine comprising a polishing disk (13) having a plug socket (14) for holding a plug with an optical waveguide, a polishing platform (15) for receiving an abrasive, a positioning device (17) for relative positioning of the polishing disk and of the polishing platform between a polishing position and a set-up position (16), and a drive device for executing a relative polishing movement between the polishing platform and the polishing disk in the polishing position, wherein the polishing machine has a cleaning device for applying dry ice to the polishing platform and/or to the polishing disk.

A polishing method and a polishing film are provided for automatically performing multi-stage batch polishing on an end surface of a workpiece. An end surface of a workpiece and a polishing plate are moved relative to each other while bringing the end surface of the workpiece into contact with a polishing film of the polishing plate. The end surface is moved in a circular motion with a diameter 2 R relative to the polishing film; the center of the circular motion is moved linearly by a distance S on the polishing film; the polishing film is provided with first, second, and third polishing surfaces; and the polishing film is further provided with cleaning surfaces between the polishing surfaces so that the range of the distance S in which one rotation in the circular motion crosses over different polishing surfaces is reduced, or does not cross over different polishing surfaces.

An optical fiber polisher includes a polishing mechanism, a platen, and a memory for storing operational parameters entered by a user. The optical fiber polisher includes a processor to control a pressure applied by the polishing mechanism and a rotational speed of the platen, including causing a ramping down of at least one of the pressure and the rotational speed based on the operational parameters.

An optical fiber polishing fixture assembly comprises a fixture base and a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly has first and second base portions, a lever, and a biasing member. Each of the first and second base portions has an inner facing side with a slot and an inner facing surface. The slots are adapted to receive bars on opposing sides of a fiber optic connector and cable assembly. The lever has a first end positioned between the inner facing surfaces and a second end extending outward therefrom. The clamping assembly has a locked position, when the first and second base portions are biased toward one another by the biasing member, and an unlocked position, when the lever overcomes a biasing force of the biasing member and separates the first and second base portions.

An integrated equipment for processing a plurality of fiber optic ferrules comprises a polishing system, a ferrule cleaning system, a drying system, a wiping system, and a robot system. The polishing system polishes a plurality of front end faces of the plurality of fiber optic ferrules mounted on a carrier. The ferrule cleaning system cleans the carrier and the fiber optic ferrules on the carrier after the fiber optic ferrules have been polished. The drying system dries the carrier and the fiber optic ferrules on the carrier after the carrier and the fiber optic ferrules have been cleaned. The wiping system wipes the front end faces of the fiber optic ferrules on the carrier after the carrier and the fiber optic ferrules have been dried. The robot system transfers the carrier to the polishing system, the ferrule cleaning system, the drying system, and the wiping system.

An apparatus for processing a ferrule with an abrasive element. The apparatus includes a first mount to which the ferrule is secured, a second mount to which the abrasive element is secured, and a controller operatively coupled to at least the second mount. The second mount includes a spindle to which the abrasive element is coupled, with the spindle having a central axis about which the spindle is configured to rotate. At least one of the first or second mounts is movable within a plane such that when the ferrule and the abrasive element are brought into contact with each other, the apparatus provides three degrees of freedom of movement for processing the ferrule with the abrasive element. A method of using the apparatus to process a ferrule is also disclosed.

In an optical fiber ferrule polishing holder 20 used for polishing an optical fiber ferrule 30 having a rectangular cross section, the optical fiber ferrule polishing holder 20 having: a body part 21 having an insertion hole 21A into which the optical fiber ferrule 30 can be inserted, the body part 21 being capable of abutting on the optical fiber ferrule 30 at a support wall 21A1 of the insertion hole 21A; and a fixing part 25 (29) having a pressing wall 25B (29B) for pressing the optical fiber ferrule 30 to the support wall 21A1 at a predetermined pressure, wherein the support wall 21A1 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical axis which is vertically extended from a polishing surface 13 of an optical fiber ferrule polishing machine 10, and the support wall 21A1 has a protrusion 21C toward the pressing wall 25B (29B).

An optical fiber polisher includes a polishing mechanism, a platen, and a memory for storing operational parameters entered by a user. The optical fiber polisher includes a processor to control a pressure applied by the polishing mechanism and a rotational speed of the platen, including causing a ramping down of at least one of the pressure and the rotational speed based on the operational parameters.