Speedfam-ipec has introduced a single side lapping machine most suitable for lapping and polishing of optical fibres. Light refraction is the most critical requirement in case of zirconia ceramic based optical fibres to carry the signal at a lightening speed without any distortion. These machinesare available in two models, viz. Models ssm 450 and ssm 600. Both of these models are most suitable to produce flatness within 0.3 micron and reflective surface finish on the surface of fibre optics. This totally prevents reflection of light from the optical surface. In the first stage, lapping is performed on the machine using suitable lapping slurry and best flatness is obtained. In the second stage, a reflective surface finish is attained using polish pad and polishing slurry on the same machine. The optical fibres are freely situated inside the 4 retainer rings placed on the machine plate. By using the dead weights, the required lapping/polishing pressure on the jobs is applied.. The machine plate flatness that is very important and critical, is maintained all the time using the fixture.
