OFS Launches Hand-Held Core-Alignment FITEL(R) S178 Fusion Splicer to Global Market

New alignment system can save up to 20% on splicing time

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Jan 18, 2010, 11:58 ET

NORCROSS, Ga., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- OFS today announces the commercial release of its hand-held core-alignment FITEL® S178 Hand-Held Core-Alignment fusion splicer to the global market.

"The key advantage of the FITEL S178 splicer is its speed and durability," said Linda Dembowski, General Manager, Optical Connectivity Solutions. "By combining speed, precision, durability and portability in one unit, the FITEL S178 fusion splicer ushers in a new range of applications for core alignment splicing."

The FITEL S178 fusion splicer is significantly smaller and lighter in weight than previous models. Its canopy design, durable metal body frame and rubber shock absorbers provide robust protection, enabling use in demanding environments without compromising splicing performance. Along with its rugged durability, the S178 also offers the added user convenience of an innovative, mirror-free alignment system which allows for simplified maintenance. The new battery system provides up to 200 splicing cycles (splicing/heating).

While increasing speed and durability, the FITEL S178 fusion splicer continues the FITEL fusion splicer tradition of quality and excellence by delivering precise, accurate splices even under rigorous conditions in the field.

Product Features:

Rugged and compact handheld design. The S178 design endures harsh environmental conditions.
Fast splicing and heating. The S178 can splice in 7 seconds at super low loss and heat in 25 seconds.
200 cycles. The S178 can splice and heat 200 cycles with new battery configuration.
Available for all METRO/ LAN / FTTX fibers. The S178 is available for METRO/ LAN/ FTTX fibers including ultra bend-optimized fiber including EZ-Bend® fibers.
Compatible with the OFS and leading brand splice-on-connectors.

About OFS

OFS is a world-leading designer, manufacturer and provider of optical fiber, optical fiber cable, FTTX, optical connectivity and specialty photonics products. Our manufacturing and research divisions work together to provide innovative products and solutions that traverse many different applications as they link people and machines worldwide. Between continents, between cities, around neighborhoods, and into homes and businesses of digital consumers we provide the right optical fiber, optical cable and components for efficient, cost-effective transmission.

OFS' corporate lineage dates back to 1876 and includes technology powerhouses such as AT&T and Lucent Technologies (now Alcatel-Lucent). Today, OFS is owned by Furukawa Electric, a multi-billion dollar global leader in optical communications.

Headquartered in Norcross (near Atlanta) Georgia, U.S., OFS is a global provider with facilities in Avon, Connecticut; Carrollton, Georgia; Somerset, New Jersey; and Sturbridge, Massachusetts, as well as in Denmark, Germany and Russia.

For more information, please visit www.ofsoptics.com.

SOURCE OFS