EFL Operator Guide
Introduction
Part No. MAN/EN5103-0076 Page 9 of 34 Revision A (Jan 2014)
Introduction
The Excess Fiber Length system uses laser-based non-contact length measurement
technology. The system provides an on-line ratio of fiber bundle length to buffer tube
length during the fiber buffering manufacturing process. This excess fiber length (EFL)
ratio may be used to determine the fiber to buffer length ratio of the finished fiber optic
cable.
System Overview
The On-Line Excess Fiber Length (EFL) system utilizes two Beta LaserMike Inc.
LaserSpeed Length and Speed Gauges to measure the length of the fiber and the
buffer tube. This manual covers only the unique features of the LaserSpeed gauge as
used by the Excess Fiber Length system. In addition to these features, the
LaserSpeed gauge used in the EFL system has all of the standard features of the
LaserSpeed gauge.
Please refer to the appropriate LaserSpeed gauge manual for more information on
those features and capabilities.
The EFL system measures the length of the fiber and the length of the buffer tube
simultaneously and provides a ratio of fiber length to buffer tube length. The EFL
system can also measure the length of fiber optic Ribbon and the cable length. This
ratio provides an indication of the stability of the fiber buffering process. Depending on
the material used in the buffer tube, the ratio measured by the EFL system may also
be an indicator of the product’s final EFL ratio.
Figure: LaserSpeed Model LS8000/9000
A LaserSpeed gauge is shown in figure to the left
and a typical system configuration is shown in the
figures below. The placement location of the
LaserSpeed gauges on the process line plays an
important role in determining what EFL will be
measured. The system measures the EFL between
where the fiber is measured and where the buffer is
measured. If the buffer continues to cure after the
measurement location, the on-line measurement
will not correspond to the offline measurement of
EFL. The optimum location of the LaserSpeed
gauges must be determined.
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