SMK ferrule offers 0.08mm inside diameter

SMK Corp. has developed a 0.08mm ID metal ferrule, which the company claims is the industry's first. Based on SMK's electroforming method, the ferrule features a finer inside diameter, and is compatible with 0.08mm clad fibers whose bending radius can be smaller than their predecessors.

In the electroforming method, a SUS core wire which shares a diameter with optical fibers is subjected to electrocoating by means of electrolysis, followed by removal of the core wire after the growth of the electrocoat. The method permits precision in the inside diameter, as well as high-level circularity without the need for a center hole.

Suitable for use in optical connectors, optical modules, optical sensors and optical couplers, the product features a nickel base, 1.25mm/2.5mm outside diameter, and 0.0014mm concentricity.

With high weldability, the metal ferrule is available for $4.20 per unit.