Programmable Fiber Connector Epoxy Curing Ovens


  • Cure Epoxy on Up to 72 Fiber Connectors
  • User-Programmable Curing Cycles with Ramp and Soak
  • Max Curing Temperature of 150 °C
  • Single or Double Bay Versions

PFC9AL

Aluminum Curing Block for
Ø9-10 mm Connectors
(Sold Separately)

PFC10TF

Optional PTFE Guide Plate for
Ø10 mm Connectors
(Optional; Sold Separately)

PFC121

Double Bay Curing Oven

Related Items


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Introducing the Fiber Connector Epoxy Curing Oven
Key Specsa
Compatible Connectors FC/PC, FC/APC, SMA, ST/PC, & SC/PC
Connector Capacity 36 or 72
Max Temperature 150 °C (302 °F)
Temperature Accuracy ±1.5 °C
  • Refer to the Specs tab for complete specifications.
Fiber Connector Epoxy Curing Oven
Click to Enlarge

Thorlabs' PFC121 Fiber Connector Epoxy Curing Oven Shown with Curing Blocks, Guide Plates, and Patch Cables (Each Sold Separately)

Demo Unit Available

Interested in trying the Fiber Connector Epoxy Curing Oven for your application? Contact us at techsales@thorlabs.com to request a demo unit.

Features

  • Fully Programmable Using the Integrated Controller
  • Low Stress PM Fiber Curing for Increased PER
  • High Temperature Uniformity and Repeatability

Thorlabs' PFC100 Series Curing Ovens are specifically designed for curing high performance connector epoxy during the fiber-to-ferrule termination process. Models are available with simultaneous curing capacities of 36 connectors (PFC111 & PFC112) or 72 connectors (PFC121 & PFC122). The PTFE-coated, aluminum curing blocks (sold separately) accommodate various sizes of FC/PC, FC/APC, SMA, ST®*/PC, and SC/PC connectors. We also offer optional PTFE guide plates for increased connector stability.

The curing oven has an integrated PID temperature controller and touch screen interface that allows the oven to be set at a constant temperature (soak) or run through a programmed ramp and soak cycle. The controller has a capability of 50 ramp/soak steps and 99 preset curing schedules. The heaters are capable of bringing the curing area up to 150 °C (302 °F). A temperature vs. time log is recorded by the controller and can then be exported through the USB for tracking and quality control purposes.

Warning: This device is solely designed for curing fiber connectors. Using the oven for any other purposes will void the warranty and may cause damage to the machine and/or result in personal injury.

*ST® is a registered trademark of Lucent Technologies, Inc.

Item # PFC111 PFC112 PFC121 PFC122
Compatible
Connectors
FC/PC, FC/APC, SMA, ST®a/PC, SC/PC
Oven Bays One Two
Connector Capacity 36 72
Max Temperature 150 °C (302 °F)
Temperature Accuracy ±1.5 °C
Power Consumption 250 W (Single Bay) 500 W (Double Bay)
Max # of Curing
Profiles
99
Max # of Steps 50
Temperature Logging 1 min. Increment CSV Format Accessible Through USB
Operating Conditions 15 to 30 °C, 0 - 85% RH (Non-Condensing)
Storage Conditions -40 to 80 °C, 0 - 95% RH (Non-Condensing)
Power Source 90-130 VAC
@ 47-63 Hz
210-240 VAC
@ 47-63 Hz
90-130 VAC
@ 47-63 Hz
210-240 VAC
@ 47-63 Hz
Dimensions
(W × H × D)
16.96" x 15.10" x 9.72"
(430.7 mm x 383.6 mm x 247.0 mm)
24.88" x 15.10" x 9.72"
(631.8 mm x 383.6 mm x 247.0 mm)
Mass (Weight) 7 kg (15 lbs) 10 kg (22 lbs)
  • ST® is a registered trademark of Lucent Technologies, Inc.
Selected Compatible Connectorsa
Connector
Item #
Connector Description Curing
Blockb
Guide
Platec
30127A3 FC/APC, MM, Ø127 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot PFC10AL
(Ø9 - 10 mm
Connector,
<Ø3.4 mm
Ferrule)
PFC10TF
(Ø10 mm
Connector)
30080D1 FC/PC, SM, Ø80 µm Bore, Ø900 µm Boot
30125D2 FC/PC, PM, Ø125.5 µm Bore,
Ø3 mm & Ø900 µm Boots
30126C3 FC/PC, SM, Ø126 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
30126C9 FC/PC, SM, Ø126 µm Bore, Ø900 µm Boot
30126B1 ST®/PC, SM, Ø125 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10125A SMA905, MM, Ø128 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot PFC9AL
(Ø8 - 9 mm
Connector,
<Ø3.4 mm
Ferrule)
PFC9TF
(Ø9 mm
Connector)
10140A SMA905, MM, Ø144 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10230A SMA905, MM, Ø231 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10245A SMA905, MM, Ø245 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10250A SMA905, MM, Ø250 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10260A SMA905, MM, Ø260 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10270A SMA905, MM, Ø270 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10340A SMA905, MM, Ø340 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10380A SMA905, MM, Ø380 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10410A SMA905, MM, Ø410 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10440A SMA905, MM, Ø440 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10450A SMA905, MM, Ø450 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10490A SMA905, MM, Ø490 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10510A SMA905, MM, Ø510 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10610A SMA905, MM, Ø612 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10640A SMA905, MM, Ø641 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10670A SMA905, MM, Ø670 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10720A SMA905, MM, Ø720 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10770A SMA905, MM, Ø770 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
10850A SMA905, MM, Ø850 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
11040A SMA905, MM, Ø1040 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
11050A SMA905, MM, Ø1050 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
11275A SMA905, MM, Ø1275 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
11580A SMA905, MM, Ø1580 µm Bore, Ø3 mm Boot
  • Note that this list is not comprehensive. Additional single mode and multimode connectors may be compatible.
  • One curing block is required per oven bay.
  • Guide plates are recommended for increased connector stability.

The oven controller can be used to configure ramp/soak profiles for curing. Full instructions for using oven can be found in the manual. The screenshots below highlight key features of the graphical user interface.


Click to Enlarge

While curing, the controller displays the current profile(s) and the progress of the cure. The Stop button can be used to end the active cure. Other menus can be accessed by swiping the touchscreen left or right, or by tapping the options at the top of the screen.

Click to Enlarge

The handset controller can open, save, create new, delete, export, and import files containing cure profiles. Exporting or importing a file will require a memory device to be connected to the USB port of the oven.

Click to Enlarge

The curing oven is preloaded with curing profiles for common fiber connector epoxies. Up to 99 profiles can be stored on the oven's controller.

Click to Enlarge

The ramp and soak steps of the selected curing profile may be reviewed or edited. Each profile can have up to 50 steps.

Click to Enlarge

Editing a step allows the user to alter set temperature, ramp time, and soak time.

Click to Enlarge

Temperature logs may be exported on the Tools screen. See the manual for more information.

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Curing Ovens

Included

  • Curing Oven
  • Location-Specific Power Cord
  • Cable Hanger(s)
  • Block Insertion Tools
  • Epoxy Removal Tools

Must be Purchased Separately

  • Curing Blocks (One Required per Bay)

Recommended Accessories

  • Guide Plates
  • Compatible with Most FC/PC, FC/APC, SMA, ST®*/PC, & SC/PC Connectors
  • Create and Store up to 99 Custom Ramp/Soak Curing Profiles
  • 150 °C Max Temperature, ±1.5 °C Accuracy
  • Ideal for Low-Volume Manufacturing and R&D

The PFC100 series of fiber connector epoxy curing ovens heats aluminum curing blocks (sold separately below) mounted inside the oven bays to cure the epoxy of up to 72 connectors simultaneously. The integrated PID temperature controller stores up to 99 custom curing profiles of 50 ramp/soak steps each (see the Programming tab for details) and temperature logging is offered via a USB port. The controller is preconfigured with curing profiles for the F112, F123, and 353NDPK fiber connector epoxies.

The removable blocks and optional guide plates can be easily swapped out and the curing parameters can be easily changed, providing flexibility and adaptability, but residual epoxy and broken fiber should be cleaned from the heater plate and curing blocks between each curing process. 13" (330 mm) tall hangers (included) attach to the back of the oven console to support patch cables during curing.

Curing Blocks
PTFE-coated, aluminum curing blocks are required and sold separately below. One block is required per bay, and two versions are available for stable retention and heating of connectors with different sizes. The blocks can be inserted and removed using hand tools included with and stored on the back of the curing oven.

Guide Plates
Solid PTFE guide plates, available below, increase the depth of the connector holes for added stability. We recommend using these when curing armored patch cables or where vertical alignment is critical.

*ST® is a registered trademark of Lucent Technologies, Inc.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
PFC111 Support Documentation
PFC111Fiber Connector Epoxy Curing Oven, Single Bay, 120 VAC (Curing Blocks Sold Separately)
$3,480.75
Today
PFC121 Support Documentation
PFC121Fiber Connector Epoxy Curing Oven, Double Bay, 120 VAC (Curing Blocks Sold Separately)
$4,230.45
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
PFC112 Support Documentation
PFC112Fiber Connector Epoxy Curing Oven, Single Bay, 220 VAC (Curing Blocks Sold Separately)
$3,480.75
Today
PFC122 Support Documentation
PFC122Fiber Connector Epoxy Curing Oven, Double Bay, 220 VAC (Curing Blocks Sold Separately)
$4,230.45
Lead Time
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Aluminum Curing Blocks (One Required per Curing Bay)

Curing Block Cross Section
Click for Details

Curing Block Cross Section
  • Support Connectors and Distribute Heat Evenly
  • Up to 36 Connectors per Block
  • Compatible with Ø8 - 9 mm or Ø9 - 10 mm Connectors
  • Compatible Ferrule Diameter: <3.4 mm
  • Black PTFE Coating to Aid Epoxy Cleanup

One curing block is required per oven bay. There are a variety of connector diameters on the market; to ensure that all fiber connectors cure evenly, the gap between the connector and the bore must be minimized. Even curing optimizes fiber performance and minimizes variation in results. Two sizes are available for stable retention and heating of various connectors with a ferrule smaller than Ø3.4 mm. Please check your connectors and choose the appropriate blocks. Using a block with smaller connectors than it's intended for will require adjustment of the set temperature to compensate for additional heat loss.

The blocks are solid aluminum with a PTFE coating for ease of epoxy cleanup. Each block features captive screws for attachment and includes a 5/32" hex key. The blocks can be inserted and removed using the hand tools included with and stored on the back of the oven console. For dimensions of the connector support holes, please click on the diagram above.

Optional PTFE guide plates are available below. These attach to the top of the curing blocks and increase the depth of the connector holes for added stability.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PFC9AL Support Documentation
PFC9ALAluminum Curing Block for Ø8 - 9 mm Connectors, PTFE Coated
$235.62
Today
PFC10AL Support Documentation
PFC10ALAluminum Curing Block for Ø9 - 10 mm Connectors, PTFE Coated
$235.62
Today
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PTFE Guide Plates (Recommended)

Block and Plate Assembly
Click for Details

Assembled Cross Section with Fiber Connectors
  • PTFE Extension Plate Increases Connector Stability
  • Versions for Three Connector Sizes Available

These PTFE guide plates attach directly to the top of curing blocks and increase the depth of the connector holes by 10 mm for added stability. We recommend using these when curing armored patch cables or where vertical alignment is critical. Four 10-24 mounting screws and a 5/32" hex key are included with each plate.

The diagram to the right illustrates the use of a PFC10TF guide plate with a PFC10AL curing block and a variety of connectors.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
PFC8TF Support Documentation
PFC8TFPTFE Guide Plate for Ø8 mm Connectors
$214.20
Today
PFC9TF Support Documentation
PFC9TFPTFE Guide Plate for Ø9 mm Connectors
$214.20
Today
PFC10TF Support Documentation
PFC10TFPTFE Guide Plate for Ø10 mm Connectors
$214.20
Today