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Fiber Optics and CA - anyone having issues?

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  • Member since
    July 2012
Fiber Optics and CA - anyone having issues?
Posted by harbinpr on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 8:17 AM

I'm working on lighting several models on my bench, and I have a consistent problem with running my fiber optic cable.  I'm using standard fiber optic cable (purchased from a couple of different sources, but usually TheFiberOpticStore.com), and I run my fiber through the holes, leaving plenty of excess on the exterior of the model to be snipped after painting and lots of slack inside so I can route it to the light source without any significant pressure or sharp bends in the fiber.  I also take the recommended step of securing the fiber with a drop of CA.

The problem I have, though, is the CA seems to be degrading or eating through the fiber.  If I put even the least pressure on the glue point, the fiber snaps with a clean break that looks almost polished.  This is getting frustrating because I can't do just straight runs of fiber - there've got to be some bends here and there. 

This is happening with all diameters of my fiber, from 1mm down to .25mm.  I'm using Extreme Power brand CA, though I've also had the problem with Zap-A-Gap. 

Is anyone else having this problem, and does anyone have a solution?

Thanks!

  • Member since
    January 2006
  • From: NW Washington
Posted by dirkpitt77 on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 5:32 PM

Try switching glues? Epoxy maybe?

 Chris

    "Some say the alien didn't die in the crash.  It survived and drank whiskey and played poker with the locals 'til the Texas Rangers caught wind of it and shot it dead."

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 8:54 AM

Using any kind of glue on optical fibers can create some problems, but usually the problems are just an increase in light leak, and the stuff often used for lighting model kits isn't really a low loss fiber.  Much of that fiber is typically essentially a monofilament nylon, like nylon mono thread or cord.  Anything that can destroy nylon would be a real problem.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

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