Optical fiber coatings can be removed using mechanical, thermal, chemical, or specialized non-contact methods, with precision tools designed to protect the glass core.

Mechanical Stripping

Mechanical stripping is the most common method and involves precision fiber strippers with sharp-edged slots or notches sized for specific fiber diameters. The fiber is held in the slot, and the jaws are squeezed to cut through the coating, which is then slid off the fiber. This method is suitable for removing acrylate, silicone, or polyimide coatings and is widely used for standard telecommunication fibers with 125 µm cladding and 250 µm coating diameters, as well as for plastic optical fibers and tight-buffered fibers (e.g., 900 µm) .

Thermal Stripping

Thermal stripping uses controlled heat to soften or burn off the polymer coating. This method is particularly useful for coatings that are difficult to remove mechanically or for specialty fibers with thin coatings. Thermal strippers must be carefully calibrated to avoid overheating, which can damage the fiber or induce microfractures .

Chemical Stripping

Chemical methods involve solvents that dissolve the polymer coating. This approach is often used for polyimide or other chemically resistant coatings. After chemical stripping, the fiber must be thoroughly cleaned with lint-free wipes and high-purity alcohol to remove residues .

Non-Contact and Advanced Methods

Some advanced techniques include plasma or laser-based stripping, which remove coatings without direct contact. These methods are used in high-precision applications, such as creating fiber Bragg gratings or processing specialty fibers, where even minor scratches can compromise performance .

Best Practices

• Progressive stripping: For multi-layer cables, strip each layer individually—outer jacket, aramid yarn, buffer coating—rather than attempting to remove all layers at once .
• Proper tool selection: Use strippers matched to the fiber's cladding and coating diameters to avoid nicks or scratches .
• Maintenance: Keep cutting edges sharp and clean to ensure consistent stripping quality .
• Handling: Use fiber grippers or textured rubber holders to secure the fiber during stripping, preventing microfractures . By following these methods and precautions, optical fiber coatings can be removed safely and efficiently, ensuring the integrity of the glass core for splicing, connectorization, or other processing.