THORLABS PTR306 User manual

PTR306 & PTR306B
Manual Fiber Recoater
with Linear Proof Tester
User Guide

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers
Table of Contents
Chapter 1Warning Symbol Definitions..............................................................................................1
Chapter 2Safety....................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 3Description...........................................................................................................................4
Chapter 4Device Selection..................................................................................................................6
Chapter 5Setting up the Unit..............................................................................................................7
Chapter 6Controlling the PTR306/PTR306B....................................................................................11
6.1.Unit Control Buttons .....................................................................................................11
6.2.Power Up........................................................................................................................11
6.3.PTR306 and PTR306B Parameters ..............................................................................12
6.3.1.Inject Parameters (PTR306 Only) ....................................................................................... 12
6.3.2.Cure Parameters ................................................................................................................. 12
6.3.3.Proof Test Parameters ........................................................................................................ 1 2 
6.3.4.Advanced Parameters ......................................................................................................... 13
6.4.Priming the PTR306/PTR306B......................................................................................13
6.5.Recoat Process .............................................................................................................17
6.6.Proof Test Process........................................................................................................ 21
Chapter 7VYT300C Handset Controller............................................................................................22
7.1.Power Up........................................................................................................................22
7.2.File ..................................................................................................................................22
7.3.Edit..................................................................................................................................23
7.4.Recoat & Test ................................................................................................................23
7.5.Tools...............................................................................................................................24
Chapter 8Maintenance........................................................................................................................26
8.1.Planned Maintenance....................................................................................................26
8.2.Cleaning .........................................................................................................................26
8.3.Recoat System Maintenance........................................................................................27
8.4.Fuse Replacement.........................................................................................................30
8.5.Proof Test System Maintenance ..................................................................................30
Chapter 9Troubleshooting.................................................................................................................31
9.1.Recoat Diagnostics ....................................................................................................... 31
9.2.Proof Test Diagnostics .................................................................................................32
Chapter 10Appendix..............................................................................................................................33
10.1.Process Parameters......................................................................................................33
10.2.Material Data Safety Sheet ...........................................................................................34
Chapter 11Declaration of Conformity.................................................................................................42

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Page 2 TTN090913-D02
Chapter 12Regulatory...........................................................................................................................43
Chapter 13Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts..........................................................................................44

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Rev D, October 2, 2020 Page 1
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your device.
Symbol Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Warning: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 2: Safety
Page 2 TTN090913-D02
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the
unit is operated correctly.
SHOCK WARNING
Unplug the power cord before servicing the unit. Do not operate the unit without all covers and
items properly installed.
CAUTION
Before connecting the AC power cord, make sure the source voltage is between 85 and 265 VAC,
47 - 63 Hz. Input voltages outside these ranges may result in damage to the unit.
CAUTION
The recoat material is a flammable, toxic, acrylate compound. Avoid contact with the skin and eyes.
WARNING
Argon is a chemically inert gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-flammable, non-corrosive
and non-toxic. However, the work area should be well ventilated so as to ensure that the correct
oxygen level is maintained.
WARNING
Ensure that the operator is properly trained for the handling of compressed gases and regulators.
Small transparent fiber shards may be present in and around the work area, and as such, the
necessary measures should be taken to ensure the safety of the employee(s).
WARNING
This unit must not be operated in explosive environments. The equipment should be used in a
standard laboratory environment with temperature and humidity control.
WARNING
All materials (such as wipes and gloves) that have acrylate material on them should be disposed
with solid chemical waste.
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PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 2: Safety
Rev D, October 2, 2020 Page 3
WARNING
Turn off the power to the unit before servicing electrical components, such as fuses or bulbs.
WARNING
Always put on eye protection before turning the lamps on.
WARNING
Acetone is a flammable liquid. Do not dispense or use it near a source of heat.
WARNING
Read the MSDS of the chemical you plan on using to clean the recoat mold.
WARNING
Read the MSDS of the recoat material you plan on using.
WARNING
Make sure all of the bare glass is covered with recoat material in each recoat cycle.
Fuses can be replaced by twisting it to release, and then pulling it out of the housing; it is replaced by pushing the
fuse into the housing and then twisting it to lock in place. The fuse is 6.4 A, 250 V.
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PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 3: Description
Page 4 TTN090913-D02
Chapter 3 Description
The PTR306 and PTR306B are combination optical fiber Recoater and Linear Proof Testers. The recoat mold
applies a flexible UV acrylate coating to a fusion spliced section of fiber, and the proof test function ensures that a
fiber or fusion splice meets a minimum strength requirement.
Accessories Parts Checklist
When unpacking the device for the first time, check to make sure that you have the following:
 PTR306 or PTR306B Manual Fiber Recoater with Linear Proof Tester
 12 V Power Supply
 AC power cord
 Canvas zipper bag containing:
o Wye cable
o Lens tissue
o Eye dropper
o Quartz mold cleaning brush
o 3/32" hex wrench
o 0.035" hex wrench
o Pin with C-clip
o 4-40 x 0.188” fillister-head screws (6)
o Two (2) replacement UV lamps
o Small bottle with cap
o Top inserts for fiber holding blocks (purchased separately)
o Bottom inserts for fiber holding blocks (purchased separately)
 Handset controller
 Mold assembly (purchased separately)
 UV-curable acrylate recoat material (purchased separately)
 For PTR306B only: manual injector
 If ordered separately: injection syringes and cap
If you are missing any of the above or need replacements, please contact Thorlabs.

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 3: Description
Rev D, October 2, 2020 Page 5
Figure 1 System Components

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 4: Device Selection
Page 6 TTN090913-D02
Chapter 4 Device Selection
When purchasing a PTR306 or PTR306B, it is necessary to select a mold assembly and fiber holding block inserts
that best match the desired coating diameters of your fiber.
Automatic and Remote Manual Injection System
The PTR306 and PTR306B are both manual fiber Recoaters with an integrated linear Proof Tester, the major
difference comes in the type of injection system utilized by the device. The PTR306 comes with the automatic recoat
injection pump fitted inside the unit. This pump system can be activated either by the “Inject” button on top of the
unit, or with the Handset Controller. An automatic injection system will inject a predetermined volume of recoat
material into the mold assembly. It is compatible with high-index recoat material only.
The PTR306B comes with a manual injection system. This pump system provides a method of manually dispensing
recoat material directly from the recoat bottle into the injection port. This system consists of a syringe with a knurled
dispensing screw, which is fitted to a distribution valve with a two-position selection lever. It is compatible with both
high- and low-index recoat material.
Mold Assemblies
The Mold Assemblies are composed of split quartz mold plates which,
when closed, form the cylindrical mold cavity around the exposed
section of the fiber being recoated. When purchasing the Recoater for
the first time, it is necessary to choose a mold assembly that is
appropriate for the desired fiber coating diameter. They are available for
Ø280 µm, Ø430 µm, or Ø600 µm fiber coatings. Custom mold sizes up
to Ø900 µm are available; please contact Thorlabs for more information. Additional mold assemblies may also be
purchased and swapped out by the user. The assembly simply screws to the top of the device, making the removal
and install simple and easy.
Inserts for Fiber Holding Blocks
When purchasing a PTR306 or PTR306B, the proper set of inserts need to be selected. A total of four inserts (two
top and two bottom) are required for a full unit. The inserts are seated in and secured to the fiber holding blocks.
They can easily be swapped out for different sizes, allowing our Recoaters to adapt quickly should different fiber
coating sizes be desired. The VHJ Series inserts (designed for Recoaters with linear Proof Testers) are compatible
with fiber coating sizes ranging from Ø80 µm to Ø1000 µm.
Item # Top or Bottom Nominal Diameter Min Diameter Max Diameter
V
HJT Top - 80 µm 700 µm
V
HJT900 Top 900 µm 700 µm 1000 µm
V
HJ250 Bottom 250 µm 80 µm 375 µm
V
HJ500 Bottom 500 µm 375 µm 700 µm
V
HJ900S Bottom 900 µm 700 µm 1000 µm
Item # Coating Diameter
RM280
A
280 µm
RM430
A
430 µm
RM600
A
600 µm

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 5: Setting up the Unit
Rev D, October 2, 2020 Page 7
Chapter 5 Setting up the Unit
Removing the shipping fixture
Loosen the set screws in the fiber holding blocks using the hex key. Open the lids and lift out the shipping fixture.
Save the shipping fixture in case you ever have to ship the PTR306/PTR306B anywhere.
Figure 2 Removing the Shipping Fixture
Installing the Inserts
Put the top inserts in place and capture them using the set screws in the lid. Use the 0.035" hex key to tighten the
set screws. Put the bottom inserts in place and capture them using the set screws in the base of the fiber holding
block, using the same hex key. As you install the inserts, make sure they are fully seated as you tighten the set
screws.
Figure 3 Installing the Inserts
Attaching the Manual Recoat Injector
If your unit is a PTR306B, you will need to attach the manual recoat injector to the side of the unit. Place the injector
on the side of the unit, and attach it to the unit using the two cap screws from the attached bag. Use the 3/32" hex
key to tighten the screws.
Attaching the Recoat Mold Assembly
Make sure that the base plate, bottom of the mold assembly and microswitch actuating post are cleaned of any dirt
particles. Insert the microswitch actuating post by inserting the long end into the recoat assembly. Verify that the
post moves up and down freely.

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 5: Setting up the Unit
Page 8 TTN090913-D02
Figure 4 Attach the Recoat Mold Assembly
Lower the assembly straight down over the recoat lamps and attach the recoat mold assembly using the five flange
screws from the attached bag. Lightly tighten two diagonal screws. Keep them somewhat loose to allow for
adjustment of the recoat assembly. Open the recoat station top and the tops of the fiber holding blocks. Clamp a
length of coated fiber between the holding blocks so that the fiber is under slight tension. (A fiber nominally smaller
than that of the diameter of the recoat mold should be used). Using a 10X magnifying loupe, view the fiber straight
down at the right-hand edge of recoat station. Adjust the recoat assembly such that the fiber is centered in the
bottom recoat groove. Repeat this procedure while viewing the fiber at the left edge of the recoat station. Tighten
the recoat flange screws and re-check the fiber alignment.
Figure 5 Align Recoat Mold
Connect the green recoat material tube to the inject port on the top of the lid.

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 5: Setting up the Unit
Rev D, October 2, 2020 Page 9
Connecting the Wires
1. Plug in the AC power cord. The power
supply accepts an AC input of 100 - 240
VAC; 47 - 63 Hz.
2. Connect the AC power cord to the external
power supply.
3. Connect the DC power cable to the unit.
4. Locate the wye cable that is included with
the unit. Locate the USB type A plug that is
by itself on the long leg of the cable.

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 5: Setting up the Unit
Page 10 TTN090913-D02
5. Plug this USB plug into the top USB socket
of the handset. Note that the USB socket on
the side of the handset is dedicated to
connecting a USB flash drive for
importing/exporting fiber files and updating
software. Leave it unpopulated for now.
6. Plug the USB Type B plug of the wye cable
into its socket labeled “Data” on the back of
the unit.
7. Plug the USB Type A plug into its socket
labeled “Power Out.”
Priming the Mold
Before dispensing recoat material, it is necessary to prime the recoat mold. This will make it easier to dispense the
exact right amount of acrylate material when recoating a fiber, and it will eliminate air bubbles that may be trapped
in the recoat material. Refer to Section 6.4 for instructions on priming the system.

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 6: Controlling the PTR306/PTR306B
Rev D, October 2, 2020 Page 11
Chapter 6 Controlling the PTR306/PTR306B
This device can be operated using either the three (3) buttons
on the unit or with the Handset Controller.
6.1. Unit Control Buttons
The PTR306 and PTR306B have three Unit Control Buttons that enable the user to inject and cure recoat material
as well as test the strength of a fusion splice. The inject button is only enabled on the PTR306, which comes with
the automatic injection system. All parameters are preset and cannot be changed without the Handset Controller in
conjunction with the Unit Control Buttons (see below for control options). The controller is also necessary for readout
of the proof test values, test history logging and recoat material usage monitoring.
Figure 7 Unit Control Buttons
Inject Button: Injects recoat material while the button is held down. Alternatively, the unit can be reconfigured so
that pushing the button injects a preset amount of recoat material into the mold (for the PTR306 only).
Cure Button: If the recoat mold is closed, pressing the Cure Button turns on full power to the UV lamps for the
preset cure time. If the recoat mold is open, holding down the Cure Button will illuminate the UV lamps at low power
(no UV output). This allows for a visual inspection of the lamps.
Test Button: Activates a proof test with the current parameter settings stored within the main unit. The right-
hand fiber holding block will move linearly to the right to apply the set tension to the fiber. The load will be held for
a set “hold time”, after which the fiber holding block will move back left to the home position.
6.2. Power Up
With the Handset Controller properly connected to the unit, turn on the PTR306 or PTR306B using the switch
located at the back of the unit.
The system will go through an initialization process that takes from 15 to 90 seconds, during which time it will home
and fill the internal recoat pump (if so equipped) and home the linear Proof Tester. During initialization the Handset
Figure 6 Handset Controller

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 6: Controlling the PTR306/PTR306B
Page 12 TTN090913-D02
Controller will auto-detect the PTR306 or PTR306B and display the main screen. From here the User can start
injecting, curing, testing, and manipulating system parameters. Chapter 7 contains a detailed view of the features
and capabilities of the Handset Controller.
6.3. PTR306 and PTR306B Parameters
The following sections describe the parameters that control the PTR306 and PTR306B.
6.3.1. Inject Parameters (PTR306 Only)
The inject parameters are defined as follows:
Quantity: The volume of recoat material in microliters (µl) injected into the mold.
Rate: The speed at which recoat material is injected into the mold in microliters per second
(µl/sec). When injecting recoat material into the mold, a rate of 0.2 µl/sec usually works
well. The maximum inject rate is 1.8 µl/sec. This high rate of injection should only be
used when purging air bubbles, acrylate, or acetone through the pump (when not
recoating).
Add Quantity: The percentage of Inject Quantity that can be manually injected to the mold after the
Inject sequence is complete. The controller displays the Add Button in the Inject Screen
once the Inject sequence is complete. The Add feature is especially useful in situations
where there is variability in the position of strip shoulders / length of recoat required.
6.3.2. Cure Parameters
The cure parameters are defined as follows:
Cure Time: The duration of the recoat material cure (1 to 480 seconds).
Lamp Operation: Can be set to Sequenced or PWM. Sequenced mode turns on the lamps in the specified
sequence determined by the Lamp Set parameters. In this mode, the Lamp Power
value is ignored. PWM mode lights all lamps simultaneously and turns them on at the
specified power level. In this mode, Lamp Set parameters are ignored.
Lamp Power: The cure lamp power level expressed as a percentage of maximum power (PWM mode
only).
Cooldown Time: The cure lamp can be continuously on for up to 2 minutes; after this time the lamp is
switched off for the Cooldown Time (in seconds). If the total Cure Time is greater than
2 minutes, the cycle of Lamp On / Cooldown is repeated until the lamp has been on for
the total Cure Time.
WARNING
Do not look directly at the recoat assembly while the recoat lamps are on. The recoat lamps emit
ultraviolet radiation, which can cause damage to the eyes. The mold must be closed during recoat
lamp operation.
6.3.3. Proof Test Parameters
The proof test parameters are defined as follows:
Fiber Diameter: The diameter of the fiber in µm. This diameter is required to calculate units of tension
(kpsi & GPa). Note: Make sure to enter the diameter of the fiber, not the diameter of the
coating.
Tension Units: The unit of measurement expression tension; this can be grams (g), gigapascals (GPa),
Kilo-pounds per square inch (kpsi), pounds (lb) or Newtons (N),
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PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 6: Controlling the PTR306/PTR306B
Rev D, October 2, 2020 Page 13
Peak Tension: The load or tension to which the fiber is to be proof tested in grams, GPa, kpsi, lb, or N.
Ramp Time: The approximate time in seconds required to reach the Peak Tension.
Hold Time: Also referred to as “Dwell Time”, the amount of time in seconds that the Peak Tension
is held for.
6.3.4. Advanced Parameters
Advanced parameters are accessed from the toolbar since they are rarely modified.
Shrink Factor: For Auto Inject, PTR306 only. The Shrink Factor is the amount of material injected into
the recoat mold during the early stages of curing. This is entered as a percentage of
the initial Inject volume and is intended to compensate for material shrinkage during
cure. Typical values for Shrink Factor are 3 to 6%.
Shrink Time: For Auto Inject, PTR306 only. Shrink Time specifies the time period over which any
additional material is injected into the mold during cure. It is expressed as a percentage
(%) of Cure Time.
Momentary Injection: For Auto Inject, PTR306 only. This can be enabled or disabled. When enabled, pressing
the Inject button on the PTR306 causes the machine to inject recoat material for as
long as the Inject button is down. When disabled, pressing the Inject button causes the
predefined Inject Quantity to be injected. Note that pressing the Inject button on the
controller will always deliver the predetermined Inject Quantity.
Lamp Set 1 Start: Specifies the switch-on time of Lamp Set 1 as a percentage (%) of Cure Time
(sequenced mode only).
Lamp Set 1 Stop: Specifies the switch-off time of Lamp Set 1 as a percentage (%) of Cure Time
(sequenced mode only).
Lamp Set 2 Start: Specifies the switch-on time of Lamp Set 2 as a percentage (%) of Cure Time
(sequenced mode only).
Lamp Set 2 Stop: Specifies the switch-off time of Lamp Set 2 as a percentage (%) of Cure Time
(sequenced mode only).
6.4. Priming the PTR306/PTR306B
Cleaning Recoat Mold
The recoat mold assembly contains two very flat quartz plates, each with a semi-circular channel running
longitudinally down the center of their mating surfaces. One plate is mounted in the hinged top which, when closed,
forms a circular mold cavity with the bottom plate. In order for the top and bottom plates to mate flush together, they
must be cleaned of all dirt and/or coating particles.
The quartz mold plates can be cleaned with a cotton swab wetted with acetone or isopropyl alcohol. Acetone cleans
more thoroughly than alcohol and will also soften and lift away any cured recoat material. Do not use excessive
scrubbing or scraping action to clean the mold plates. Typically a single wipe from left to right across both top and
bottom mold plate is sufficient to clean the plates.
If the recoat mold does have an accumulation of cured recoat material stuck to the plates, allow the cleaning solution
(preferably acetone) time (60-90 seconds) to soften and lift any cured material. The soft Thorlabs “toothbrush”
provided can be used occasionally to clean the mold channels of any cured coating particles.
Note: The top surface of the bottom mold plate has an optical coating that blocks UV light. Great care must be
taken not to scratch or abrade this coating. Do not rub any hard objects across the surface of the plates as this
could scratch the optical coating or chip the edges of the mold channel and degrade the quality of the recoat.

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 6: Controlling the PTR306/PTR306B
Page 14 TTN090913-D02
Priming the Injection System
Both the PTR306 and PTR306B can be injected manually if necessary. The PTR306B comes standard with the
remote manual injector, whereas the PTR306 comes standard with the automatic injector.
For priming the injection system go to the appropriate section below.
WARNING
Prior to handling the UV acrylate material, be sure to read the Material Safety Data Sheet
provided in Section 10.2.
Manual Injection System
The top quartz plate contains an injection port, which must be filled with UV acrylate material prior to placing the
fiber in the recoat mold. The injection port can be filled by using a syringe (supplied) to dispense the UV material.
Care must be taken to prevent the formation of bubbles in the UV material when loading both the syringe and the
injection port.
To load the injection port, use the following procedures (see Figure 8):
1. Fill the syringe by inserting the tip into the bottle of UV material. Make sure that the tip is immersed in the
material and slowly draw out the plunger.
2. If an air bubble gets trapped within the syringe, turn the syringe upside down for several minutes to allow
the bubble to rise to the tip. Gently push in on the plunger to force out the air bubble.
3. Remove the threaded plunger form the injection port.
4. Slowly dispense material from the syringe into the injection port. Make sure not to trap or inject air bubbles
in the port. A good procedure is to dispense a small drop of recoat material at the tip of the syringe and
then touch the drop to the inside back surface of the injection port. Give the material time to flow down into
the inject port – repeating with additional drops until material almost reaches the top. Some room should
be left at the top in order to insert the O-ring plunger. If too much material is dispensed into the port such
that it protrudes above the top, insert a small scrap piece of fiber into the port to remove some material.
5. Raise the recoat top slightly and press the O-ring of the injection plunger into the port.
6. Rotate the plunger clockwise until the threads just catch.
7. Raise the recoat top and wipe away any excess UV material that may have injected out through the top.
Once the recoat port has been filled, it should contain enough UV material for several recoats.
8. Clean the mold plates of all excess recoat material.
Figure 8 Loading the Manual Injection Port
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PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 6: Controlling the PTR306/PTR306B
Rev D, October 2, 2020 Page 15
Remote Manual Injection System (PTR306B)
The PTR306B includes the remote manual recoat injector which is fitted to the right side of the unit. This option
provides a method of manually dispensing recoat material directly from the recoat bottle into the injection port. This
system consists of a syringe with a knurled dispensing screw, which is fitted to a distribution valve with a two-
position selection lever. The lever can be positioned downward (toward the recoat bottle) to draw up material from
the recoat bottle, or horizontally (toward the syringe) to inject material into the mold. The knurled syringe screw is
unscrewed (turned counter-clockwise) to fill the syringe, and screwed in (turned clockwise) to inject material. The
selection lever must always be in the correct position for the desired operation (see table below).
Operation Lever Position Turn Syringe Screw
Fill S
y
rin
g
e with Recoat Material Down
(
Towards Recoat Bottle
)
Counter-Clockwise
(
Unscrew
)
In
j
ect Recoat Material into Mold Horizontal
(
Toward S
y
rin
g
e
)
Clockwise
(
Screw In
)
Figure 9 Remote Manual Injector
Prior to first use, the following steps must be followed to load the system with recoat material and purge all air from
lines.
WARNING
Prior to handling the UV acrylate material, be sure to read the Material Safety Data Sheet provided in
Section 10.2. Also review the MSDS provided with your chosen cleaning solution.
1. Make sure to have lens tissue and cleaning solution (acetone or alcohol) available prior to proceeding
2. Raise the Recoater top.
3. Position the selection lever to the Inject position (lever horizontal) and screw in (turn clockwise) the knurled
syringe screw until a slight resistance is felt at the end of travel. Do not use excessive force when turning
in the screw once the end of the travel range has been reached. This end of travel point is reached when
the leading edge of the syringe screw is approximately level with the step in the syringe body.
4. Fit a recoat bottle with fresh recoat material to the system. The red inject tube should be long enough to
just reach the bottom of the recoat bottle. If using a short (30 ml) recoat bottle, the read tube may need to
be trimmed to length.
5. Turn the selection lever to the Fill position (lever down). Unscrew (turn counter-clockwise) the knurled
syringe screw to draw recoat material from the bottle into the syringe. Continue unscrewing the syringe
screw, approximately 3/4" or until it is felt to spin freely. Do not pull on the syringe screw once the end of
travel range has been reached; this will pull the plunger out from the syringe body.
!!

PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 6: Controlling the PTR306/PTR306B
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6. Turn the selection lever to the Inject position (lever horizontal) and screw in (turn clockwise) the syringe
screw until the inject end of travel point is reached. Note: If the syringe screw was fully unscrewed until it
spun freely, a slight forward pressure may initially be required to re-engage the threads.
7. Watch the injection port for signs of recoat material. Make sure to collect the recoat material as it comes
out of the mold injection port. Do not allow the recoat material to run down the face of the mold and under
the mold plate.
8. The above steps of filling and injecting the syringe must be repeated several times to fully displace air from
the system. Recoat material should run freely from the mold without bubbles. If bubbles are still present,
run additional fill-inject sequences. It may help to turn the recoat plunger back and forth several times during
the inject sequence in order to remove air trapped at the O-Ring seal. It is also sometimes helpful to fill the
syringe and then lift the left side of the unit such as to angle the syringe at an approximately 45° angle.
Leave the unit angled in this position for approximately 15 minutes. This will allow any air trapped in the
syringe to rise up towards the distribution valve so that it can be injected out.
9. Once the system runs free of air bubbles, clean the mold plates of any excess recoat material.
Automatic Injection System (PTR306)
The PTR306 comes with the automatic recoat injection pump fitted inside the unit. It is very important to remove all
air from this recoat injection system prior to performing a recoat. When operating the system for the first time, the
pump must be filled with recoat material and cleared of all air in the pump and tubing. In order to clear the inject
tube, recoat material must be injected out through the mold inject port and collected and disposed of. Make sure to
have cotton swabs and acetone or isopropyl alcohol available for this purpose prior to starting this procedure. The
Handset Controller is required to perform this procedure.
WARNING
Prior to handling the UV acrylate material, be sure to read the Material Safety Data Sheet provided in
Section 10.2. Also review the MSDS provided with your chosen cleaning solution.
To prime the recoat injection system:
1. Turn off power to the unit.
2. Remove the front plate by using the 3/32" Hex wrench provided in the tool kit to remove the four (4) black
socket-head cap screws located at the corners of the plate.
3. The recoat pump is located on the left side of the
device as shown in Figure 10. Unscrew the brown
recoat bottle located at the front of the pump and
remove by angling out through the front opening.
The red Fill tube will flex to allow removal.
4. For new systems, replace the empty recoat bottle
shipped with the unit with a new bottle of recoat
material. For systems that have previously been
run with recoat material, the recoat injection
system should be flushed clean prior to adding
new material.
5. Screw the new recoat bottle into place and replace
the front panel and the four (4) socket head cap
screws.
6. Ensure the Handset Controller is connected to the
unit.
7. Turn on power to the device and wait for the
system to initialize.
8. Execute five (5) Purge cycles (Tools:Purge on
Handset Controller). Each purge cycle will draw
100 microliters of recoat material from the bottom
of the recoat bottle through the red Fill tube and
inject material back into the top of the recoat bottle
through the green Purge tube (see Figure 11).
Figure 10 Recoat Bottle Access
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PTR306 / PTR306B Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers Chapter 6: Controlling the PTR306/PTR306B
Rev D, October 2, 2020 Page 17
Five (5) Purge cycles are required to fill the pump with recoat material and force any air out of the pump
system. This will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
9. After the pump has completed its Purge cycles, the
Inject tube that runs from the pump to the mold must
also be filled with recoat material and purged of air.
Raise the recoat mold top and make sure to have cotton
swabs and cleaning solution (alcohol or acetone)
available prior to proceeding.
10. From Tools:Inject, set the recoat inject Rate to 1.8
μl/sec.
11. Set the inject quantity to 50 μl.
12. Execute the inject command (press Inject button on the
Handset Controller).
13. Watch for recoat material to emerge from the mold inject
port. Make sure to collect the recoat material with a
cotton swab as it comes out of the mold injection port.
Do not allow recoat material to run down the face of the
mold and under the mold plate.
14. Execute three (3) additional “Inject 50” sequences to
purge air completely from the inject tube.
Note: Because the injection pump holds 100 μl of recoat material, there will be a delay of approximately
one minute between the second and third inject sequences while the pump refills.
15. After purging the inject tube, the recoat material should run freely from the mold without bubbles. If bubbles
are still present, run additional inject sequences.
16. Once the pump and the inject tube are purged, clean the mold plates of all excess recoat material.
17. Reset the inject Rate to its original setting.
Note: Because the syringe in the recoat pump is mounted vertically, it is possible that an air bubble may still be
trapped at the tip of the syringe after the above priming process. This air bubble will very slowly rise to the top of
the syringe after which time it can be Purged out. It is therefore recommended that at least one (1) additional Purge
cycle is run the next day after the initial priming of the system.
6.5. Recoat Process
The purpose of the recoat is to maintain the strength and flexibility of the fiber or fusion splice by protecting the
glass surface from damage. It should be noted that recoating a splice does not make the splice stronger.
To recoat fusion splice, the section of exposed fiber is placed in a quartz recoat mold assembly. External holding
fixtures secure the fiber, centering it within the recoat assembly. To allow for tolerance variations from fiber
manufacturers, the diameter of the recoat mold cavity is generally specified to be slightly larger than the nominal
outside coating diameter (e.g. 280 μm for a nominal 250 μm coating).
The recoat process maintains a near original fiber diameter and delivers a flexible fusion splice that can be handled
or tightly coiled as if no splice were present. The integral fiber holding fixtures ensure that the fiber strength is not
degraded by the recoat process.
Figure 12 Recoat and Proof Test Components
Figure 11 Recoat Material Flow