Polishing machines are used to process bare optical fibres. There are two types of machines available.

• Polishing planar fibre ends with and without an angle
• Polishing machines for shaped fibre ends

The "End & Edge Polisher" is a polishing machine with which the even end surfaces of optical fibres are polished – and at short processing times. The calibration function of this machine is responsible for consistent quality. The speed, time, and movement of the polishing head are controlled. The process controls also display when polishing has ended.

The fibre mounts are inserted into the system with the help of a quick-release mechanism which facilitates a stable and repeatable insertion into the system. Standard mounts are available for glass ferrules, capillaries, and of course for bare fibres, with which angles between 0° and 12° can be polished. An overview of all mounts can be taken from the datasheet (see below).

The design of shaped end surfaces on optical fibres can be achieved using special polishing machines. So-called “fibre lensing systems” are required in particular in sensor and medical technology.

These systems now deliver a concentricity of a few micrometres: This makes it possible to divide a 9 µm single-mode fibre core in half reliably! The polishing machine uses a lapping tool with a diametre of 5 inches: At this size, the best yield can be produced at the lowest usage of consumable items.

The following end surfaces can be shaped, for example:

• Tips at large or small angles
• Fibre ends with a chisel or screwdriver shape
• Fibre ends with sloped edges
• Smooth ends