Changes

This past week I have also spent time considering improvements to the design of the different equipment used to manufacture (cut/polish) the fibers.  One particular component that has caused me a little concern is the collar used to secure 25 fibers into a bundle.  While cutting the last bundle of fibers for the laser welding companies I noticed that there was a significant amount of damage to the cladding of the fibers which were on the perimeter of the bundle.  This damage was a result the corners of the metal collars (edge perpendicular to the fiber lengths; parallel to the cutting surface) being forced against the fibers.  The force required to maintain the center fibers securely in place is enough to cause scoring and etching of the cladding.  Although most of the damage is most likely well within tolerance levels, it is something that should be considered and corrected if feasible.  The damage not only constitutes a breach in the integrity of the fiber and its light carrying properties but also may be a precursor to more significant damage that may occur in the future when mass production and different team members are used.  My justification for spending time on this issue is the fact that more collars about to be manufactured and a little time now may lead to bigger savings in the future.

This past week I have also spent time considering improvements to the design of the different equipment used to manufacture (cut/polish) the fibers.  One particular component that has caused me a little concern is the collar used to secure 25 fibers into a bundle.  While cutting the last bundle of fibers for the laser welding companies I noticed that there was a significant amount of damage to the cladding of the fibers which were on the perimeter of the bundle.  This damage was a result the corners of the metal collars (edge perpendicular to the fiber lengths; parallel to the cutting surface) being forced against the fibers.  The force required to maintain the center fibers securely in place is enough to cause scoring and etching of the cladding.  Although most of the damage is most likely well within tolerance levels, it is something that should be considered and corrected if feasible.  The damage not only constitutes a breach in the integrity of the fiber and its light carrying properties but also may be a precursor to more significant damage that may occur in the future when mass production and different team members are used.  My justification for spending time on this issue is the fact that more collars about to be manufactured and a little time now may lead to bigger savings in the future.