How are glass fiber ended?
Glass fibers are, usually potted or encapsulated at the single end with the help of an epoxy compound or adhesive. It results on a very hard element of fibers and adhesive which, when hardened, is appropriate for cutting flush and buffing or polishing.
This encapsulation is usually enclosed on a hollow brass tube; machined or rivet piece that then serves as a fixing, or positioning aid. Glass fibers allow some sophisticated single end termination to support extreme temperatures or working conditions. Particular potting adhesives can be used and ends processed to an operating temperature of 4000C, indicated for oven and burner controls and sensors. In these examples, special thermal bridges have to be built in the fiber to protect the conductor. Another termination can be in the shape of rings, wafers, lines or blocks for machine vision, microscopy, instrument lighting and other highly specialized lighting applications.