AFL Releases New One-Click Cleaners, Now Offering Four Different Cleaner Designs

AFL is releasing two new One-Click Cleaners, adding to its existing product line. One-Click cleaners are an easy-to-use option for cleaning connectors on jumpers and in adapters. The two new options include the One-Click Cleaner Mini-100 and the One-Click Cleaner Ultra 2.5.

The One-Click Cleaner Mini-100 offers the same performance and technology as the original, but is now more compact. Providing 100 "cleans", the Mini-100 saves time and money – a low cost solution for cleaning SC, ST, FC, LC, MU and TFOCA connectors.

The One-Click Ultra Cleaner 2.5 has a larger cleaning area and cleans more of the connector end-face, up to a 2 mm diameter area, and cleans SC, ST, and FC connectors.

The One-Click cleaner is suitable for field technicians. With the ergonomic, comfortable design and single action cleaning, the precise method for cleaning delivers consistent results. Each cleaner provides a low cost per clean and are effective on a variety of contaminates including dust and oils. The automatic advance ensures each clean is performed with fresh cleaning fabric.

The Mini-100 and Ultra One-Click Cleaners add to the original One-Click design which cleans ST, ST, FC, MU and LC connections. The rugged ODC® version cleans ferrules in ODC (outdoor connector) plug, socket and 1.25 mm ferrules.

For additional information on One-Click cleaners and other AFL products, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

AFL Releases First OPGW Wedge-Type Dead End in the Industry

AFL is launching a first in the industry – a wedge-style dead end designed to terminate Optical Ground Wire (OPGW). AFL's wedge dead end is user-friendly, improving the ease and speed of installing OPGW, compared to bolted and formed wire devices.

The new wedge dead end has three loose components, as compared to 15+ with bolted dead ends and 10+ with formed wire deadends. The self-locking wedge design secures the cable and eliminates human error associated with proper torque on bolted dead ends. The unique cam action in the pivoting cable guide ensures proper alignment of the wedges prior to loading. The wedges automatically provide the necessary gripping action to meet the holding strength requirements.

No special tools are required for installation. A removal tool (sold separately) is available to unlock the wedges for situations requiring additional adjustment of the dead end.

The new wedge dead end is now available. For additional information, view it online.

AFL Introduces New Interconnection Module for Closures

AFL is introducing a new Interconnection Module that accommodates a distribution point in the field for 48 SC or 96 LC connections in AFL's LG-350 sealed closure, designed for large fiber count splicing up to 384 single or 1152 mass splices. Easily attached using two nylon snaps, optical devices are protected and unnecessary handling of sensitive components is prevented once the module is secured. Ample space is still available to mount MUX / DeMUX or splitter modules within the closure.

These Interconnection Modules are available pre-assembled or empty. The pre-assembled version can be loaded with SC/APC, SC/UPC, LC/APC or LC/UPC adapters and/or 900µm pigtails. The empty version is factory-installed on a base plate to allow installers to use their own adapters.

The interconnection modules are available now. For additional information, visit www.AFLtele.com.

AFL Launches Fiber Security™ Perimeter Intrusion Detection System

AFL announces the release of its optical fiber perimeter intrusion detection system, Fiber Security. While new to the US market, this system has been deployed more than 40 times in Japan and Canada by AFL's parent company, Fujikura Ltd.

Fiber Security utilizes a fence-mounted fiber optic cable coupled to a sensing unit that analyzes the magnitude and pattern of vibrations at the fence. The sensing unit's unique algorithm is capable of discerning high and low level vibrations and filtering out vibrations not associated with intrusions. Up to 100 individual zones can be set up using the software, and the individual zones can have different levels of sensitivity as needed. Detection accuracy is +/- 2% over the entire sensing length of the perimeter, up to 3.1 miles in length while operating up to 6.2 miles from the sensing unit. No power is required in the field with only standard 110V power necessary at the sensing unit and PC. A user-friendly graphical interface depicts the property and the perimeter giving visual representation of where an intrusion is detected.

AFL's Fiber Security is highly successful at detecting multiple intrusion events such as climbing, cutting, or lifting a fence. Environmental noise such as traffic, trains, or planes, and wind and rain are actively filtered out by the algorithm to reduce false positives while maintaining sensitivity. The system can be integrated with video systems and other technologies such as passive IR sensors via Ethernet, dry contactors, or RS232 connections. Fiber Security can send remote alerts via e-mail for facilities that do not have full time personnel on site. Highly dependable laser diodes coupled with a completely passive optical sensor translate to low maintenance costs over long periods of operation.

With the ability to function as a standalone system or as part of an integrated security solution, AFL's Fiber Security is now available to meet your perimeter intrusion detection needs.

For additional information, visit www.AFLtele.com/go/FiberSecurity.

AFL Introduces New Wall Mount Enclosures

AFL is launching two new wall mount interconnect enclosures (WME), providing a convergence point for interconnecting and / or splicing in wall mount applications. With capabilities of 12 to 24 fiber patch and splice densities, the enclosures are provisioned for up to two LGX® compatible adapter plates or optical modules. The modular design is fully compatible with PoliMOD products and XFM optical cassettes.

One of the most distinguishing features is the well-engineered solution for fiber and cable management on both the ingress and egress openings of the enclosure. The u-shaped cable entry eliminates the need to feed pre-connectorized cables through an inconvenient access port. The robust steel construction provides the highest level of protection for sensitive components while integrated roll-formed hinges eliminate possible fiber pinch points when deploying or servicing components.

All WME series enclosures feature discrete access doors for provider and customer access which are independently lockable with a common pad-lock or tube-style keyed lock. Ideal for co-locations sites, customer premise, hub and OTN sites, telecommunications closets, and campus / enterprise environments.

The new wall mount interconnect enclosures are available immediately. For additional information, visit www.AFLtele.com.

AFL Opens New Fiber Optic Facility in UK

AFL today announced it is opening a second fiber optic facility to support the European region with customized optical fiber interconnect cables used for communication applications. The new facility is located in the Hawksworth Trading Estate. AFL expects to hire additional personnel to staff the new facility. “As fiber rich communication applications continue to grow, AFL will now be able to offer shorter lead times to our customers allowing us to be more responsive in the European market,” said Paul Thompson, Managing Director of AFL Europe. “In addition, the infrastructure and location of the town enables convenient transport and efficient international distribution.”

AFL’s Swindon facility manufactures and supplies fiber optic cable solutions and services throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This facility is home to the unique AFL SkyWrap® solution for wrapping fiber optic cable on existing power lines, and also MicroCore blown fiber cable for FTTH applications. AFL’s corporate headquarters is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina where fiber optic cable and conductor accessories are manufactured.

“We are delighted to be opening this new facility, ultimately creating 24 new jobs in the area,” said Margaret Harman, HR and EHS Manager at AFL. “AFL has a long and successful history of manufacturing in Europe, reflected in the decision to open a new facility here.”

Recruitment is underway to fill new positions. Production training will begin in mid-October. For more information about available job opportunities, please email jobs@afl-europe.com.

AFL Acquires Verrillon, Inc.

Company now offering specialty optical fibers in oil and gas, avionics, and industrial markets

AFL today announced it has agreed to acquire Verrillon, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty optical fibers in the oil and gas, avionics and industrial markets. This acquisition enhances AFL’s portfolio of fiber optic products, adding specialty optical fiber to its portfolio and further strengthening its position as a market leader of fiber optic solutions. In addition to reinforcing AFL’s leadership position in downhole fiber optic cable, this acquisition provides AFL access to other specialty fiber markets including industrial and sensing.

“At AFL, we were very impressed with Verrillon’s proven team, outstanding product set, and market traction,” stated Kurt Dallas, Vice President and General Manager, at AFL. “We know that the integration of Verrillon into AFL provides many synergies and growth opportunities globally.”

With manufacturing operations in North Grafton, Massachusetts, Verrillon specializes in designing and customizing specialized fibers for harsh environments including hermetic, high temperature, polarization-maintaining and rare-earth doped fibers.

“Verrillon and AFL offer complementary products to various markets. By bringing the two teams together, we are well positioned to take full advantage of the growing markets we serve while reinforcing our commitment to the industry and to our customers,” commented Dr. Abdel Soufiane, President and CEO of Verrillon. “We are proud to be part of a growing global company and look forward to collaborating on future projects.” With the close of the acquisition, Dr. Soufiane will remain with AFL as Managing Director and CTO.

AFL manufactures fiber optic cables and components in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the United Kingdom and Germany. Verrillon will continue to operate its current facility in Massachusetts. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.