CLEANING: Ask FOC

QUESTION: Can objects contact the bottom or sidewalls of the ultrasonic bath when cleaning polishing fixtures?   ANSWER: It is important to note that the cavitation is created by physical movement of the side walls of the cleaner, and that most ultrasonic...

QUESTION: When cleaning polishing fixtures, does the entire object need to be submerged in an ultrasonic bath?   ANSWER: Because the cavitation occurs within the water medium only, it is important that the entire object be submerged, with no air bubbles...

QUESTION: How does an ultrasonic bath work for cleaning polishing fixtures?   ANSWER: The walls of an ultrasonic cleaner vibrate and a particular high frequency, transferring pressure waves to the water. These waves have the effect of pushing-and-pulling the...

QUESTION: Are there Standards on the amount of contamination for multi-fiber end-faces? ANSWER: The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) created Standard 61300-3-35, which provides guidelines about the size and amount of dirt and contamination for single...

QUESTION: How can contamination of a fixture negatively affect precision and is this directly related to the milled ferrule holes?   ANSWER: All fixtures come from the factory with very precisely milled ferrule “bores”, tailored specifically to the...

QUESTION: What are the considerations for cleaning fluids being transported?   ANSWER: Considerations for cleaning fluids being transported: Air Shipment Requirements HAZMAT Restrictions Spill and Leak Concerns   ADDITIONAL CONTENT...

QUESTION: Are there general best practices for cleaning connectors? ANSWER: General Best Practices: Never look directly into a connector with the bare eye, Inspect, clean if necessary & re-inspect, Reusing wipes & sticks causes cross contamination...

QUESTION: Are there best practices for sticks & swabs?   ANSWER: Best Practices for Sticks & Swabs: Rotate stick at least 6X  in a single direction Limit force to about the same pressure you would use for a writing pen Never...

QUESTION: Are there best practices for cleaning fluid?     ANSWER: Best Practices for Cleaning Fluid: Use hermetically sealed containers to avoid cross contamination Less is more – Dispense just enough to clean a...

QUESTION: Where does dust based end face contamination come from?   ANSWER: There are two basic sources of dust based contamination. Wear Debris The most common source is wear debris caused by the contact friction of inserting a connector into the...