SC and FC

Angled Polish Connector

Instructions

February 2001
78-8130-4516-4-A
Safety Information and Helpful Hints

Intended Use:
The following instructions are for the 3M SC and FC Angle Polish Connector (APC) polishing procedure only.
The mounting procedures for the 3M SC/APC and FC/APC are the same as the standard 3M SC and FC
connectors as described in the instruction manual entitled, “ST, SC and FC Epoxy Fiber Optic Connector
Instructions,” part number 78-8073-7874-6. If you need a copy of the mounting procedure, please contact
Telecommunications, Technical Service Hot Line at 800-426-8688 option 4.

The recommended cleaning solvent for connectors and tools is isopropyl alcohol (reagent grade, 99% or better).
It may be purchased from laboratory supply companies. Isopropyl alcohol should also be used to clean the
lapping film and polishing jigs. Do not use acetone for cleaning.

Note: Carefully follow safety, health and disposal information on the isopropyl alcohol label or Material Safety
Data Sheet (MSDS).

Please contact Telecommunications, Technical Service Hot Line at 800-426-8688 option 4 if you have any
questions concerning any procedure.
Conversion Kit Contents

1.0 8366 SC/APC Conversion Kit

1.1 SC/APC Polishing Jig 1.2 5.0µm Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film 1.3 1.0µm Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film
(Brown) (Lime)

1.4 0.5µm Imperial Diamond Lapping Film

(Pale Gray)

2.0 8367 FC/APC Conversion Kit

2.1 FC/APC Polishing Jig 2.2 5.0µm Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film 2.3 1.0µm Aluminum Oxide Lapping Film
(Brown) (Lime)

1.4 0.5µm Imperial Diamond Lapping Film

(Pale Gray)
3.0 Single Mode Angled Polishing Procedure (< -65 dB)
3.1 Remove the fiber stub by performing an
air polish on the fiber by gently moving the
connector in a circular motion on the 5.0 µm
lapping film.
3.4 Wipe a layer of alcohol onto rubber pad.
3.7 SC/APC Only
To insert the SC/APC connector into the
polishing jig, position the connector to match
the cut out on the jig. Insert the connector
into the jig until the connector stops.
3.2 Clean the polishing jig with a lint free 3.3 Clean the rubber pad with a lint free cloth
cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol. moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
Note: Carefully follow safety, health and dis-
posal information on isopropyl alcohol label
or Material Safety Data Sheet.
3.5 Before alcohol evaporates, place the 5.0 3.6 Clean the lapping film with a lint free
µm lapping film shiny side down. The cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
alcohol creates a suction on the lapping film.
3.8 FC/APC Only 3.9 Hold the jig and connector with your
To insert the FC/APC connector into the thumb and forefinger, as shown.
polishing jig, position the connector so the
key of the connector is aligned with the key
on the jig. Insert the ferrule of the connector
into the jig and engage the FC coupling nut
onto the threads of the jig. Screw the
FC/APC connector onto the jig until it stops.
3.0 Single Mode Angled Polishing Procedure (< -65 dB)
3.9 Beginning with light pressure, move the
jig in a figure eight pattern. The speed of your
figure eights should be between one and two
per second.
3.11 Prepare to perform the 1.0 µm polish.
Clean the polishing jig and 5.0 µm lapping
film with a lint free cloth moistened with iso-
propyl alcohol. Place two to three drops of
isopropyl alcohol on the 5.0 µm lapping film.
Before the alcohol dries, lay the 1.0 µm lap-
ping film, shiny side down, directly on the
5.0 µm lapping film. Clean the 1.0 µm lap-
ping film with the isopropyl alcohol moist-
ened lint free cloth.
3.14 Place a few drops of water on the
0.5µm lapping film. Lower the jig gently onto
the 0.5µm lapping film. Using medium to
heavy pressure (greater that 1 lb. force),
perform 8 figure eights.
Note: The 0.5 µm lapping film can be used
for up to fifteen (15) connectors.
3.10 Continue to polish in a figure eight
motion on the 5.0 µm lapping film until
there is a thin layer of blue epoxy remaining
on the tip of the ceramic ferrule. Stop when
the outer edges of the epoxy starts to
breakup and feather (approximately 5 to 8
figure eights.)
Note: The 5 µm lapping film can be used
for up to two (2) connectors.
3.12 Place a few drops of water on the 1.0
µm lapping film. Lower the jig gently onto the
1.0 µm lapping film. Using medium pressure
(equivalent to 1 lb. force), perform figure
eights until all the epoxy is removed,
approximately 5-8 figure eights.
Note: The 1 µm lapping film can be used for
up to four (4) connectors.
3.15 Inspect the connector end face with the
view scope.
Note: Until you are familiar with
this process, inspect the remaining
epoxy after each figure eight until a
thin feathered edge remains. DO
NOT REMOVE ALL THE EPOXY
WITH THE 5.0 µm LAPPING
FILM.
3.13 Prepare to perform the 0.5 µm polish.
Clean the polishing jig and 1.0 µm lapping
film with a lint free cloth moistened with
isopropyl alcohol. Place two to three drops of
isopropyl alcohol on the 1 µm lapping film.
Before the alcohol dries, lay the 0.5 µm
lapping film, shiny side down, directly on the
1.0 µm lapping film. Clean the 0.5 µm
lapping film with the isopropyl alcohol
moistened lint free cloth.
3.16 Turn on the light and adjust the focus.
3.17 Good polish (single mode) 3.19 Needs more polishing. 3.20 Too much pressure when scribing.

3.21 Scribed fiber was too long and broke
during polishing or too much downward
pressure during polishing.
3.22 SC Only: Connector Assembly
Once the SC connector has been mounted and
polished, the housing can be installed onto the
body. While holding the connector firmly by
the boot, align the chamfers on both the
connector and housing and snap into place. A
positive click will be heard when the housing
is fully engaged.

3M is a trademark of 3M.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Before using this product, you must evaluate it and determine if it is suitable for your intended application. You assume all risks and liability
associated with such use.

Warranty; Limited Remedy; Limited Liability. This product will be free from defects in material and manufacture as of the date of
purchase. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. If this product is defective within the warranty period stated above,
your exclusive remedy shall be, at 3M’s option, to replace or repair the 3M product or refund the purchase price of the 3M product. Except
where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from this 3M product, whether direct, indirect,
special, incidental or consequential regardless of the legal theory asserted.

Telecommunications
6801 River Place Blvd.
Austin, TX 78726-9000
800/426-8688 Printed on 50% recycled paper Litho in USA
www.3M.com/telecom with 10% post-consumer © 3M IPC 2001 78-8130-4516-4-A