• head_banner

How to Cool the Heat Shrink Tube Quickly After Fiber Fusion Splicing?

Fast Cooling Methods for Heat Shrink Tubes After Fiber Fusion Splicing
After fiber fusion splicing, rapidly cooling the heat shrink tube can improve work efficiency and reduce waiting time. Below are several methods for quick cooling:

1. Natural Cooling (Standard Method)
After splicing, place the fiber in the cooling slot of the fusion splicer or on a dust-free pad and wait 1–2 minutes for natural cooling. Although this method is slower, it ensures the heat shrink tube fully contracts and sets properly.

2. Air Cooling
Fan Cooling: Use a small USB fan or the built-in cooling fan of the fusion splicer to accelerate airflow and cool the heat shrink tube faster.

Compressed Air: Blow compressed air onto the fiber joint (ensure it is dry and oil-free to prevent contamination).

3. Cooling Pad Method
Use a metal cooling block or heat-dissipating aluminum plate to place the spliced fiber on, which helps transfer and dissipate heat quickly.

Some fusion splicers come with dedicated cooling slots that enhance cooling efficiency due to their high thermal conductivity.

4. Damp Cloth or Wet Sponge Wiping
Gently wipe the surface of the heat shrink tube with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth or wet sponge. This accelerates cooling through evaporative heat absorption.

(Caution: Avoid letting moisture enter the fiber joint.)

5. Low-Temperature Cooling Spray (Industrial Use)
Use an electronic component cooling spray (such as liquid CO₂ coolant) around the heat shrink tube to cool it rapidly.

(Use with caution: Sudden temperature drops may cause fiber brittleness or cracks.)

Precautions
Do not immerse in cold water, as rapid cooling may cause uneven shrinkage or cracks.

Control the cooling rate—excessively fast cooling can increase internal stress in the heat shrink tube, affecting the long-term stability of the fiber joint.

Ensure uniform cooling to prevent localized temperature drops that may damage the fiber splice.

Cooling Method Applicable Scenarios Advantages
Natural Cooling (Standard Method) Suitable for small-scale fiber splicing or when there is ample time for cooling Simple operation, high reliability, no stress impact on the fiber
Fan Cooling Ideal for indoor environments with power access (e.g., data centers, telecom rooms) Portable and efficient, continuous use, no damage to the fiber
Compressed Air Blowing Suitable for outdoor construction sites or high-temperature environments Fast cooling, non-contact method, but requires clean, oil-free air
Cooling Pad (Heat Dissipation Aluminum Plate/Cooling Slot) Best for large-scale fiber splicing operations Stable and reliable, no power dependency, ensures even heat dissipation and improves efficiency
Damp Cloth or Wet Sponge Wiping Useful for emergency situations or when other cooling methods are unavailable Cost-effective and easily accessible, speeds up surface cooling of the heat shrink tube
Low-Temperature Cooling Spray (Industrial Use) Suitable for special environments (e.g., high-temperature, high-humidity conditions) requiring ultra-fast cooling Extremely fast cooling, ideal for urgent situations, but higher cost and requires careful application

Recommended Solutions

For general splicing environments: Natural cooling + fan blowing, combined with a cooling pad for efficiency.

For high-volume fiber splicing: Cooling pad + fan, ensuring continuous and effective cooling.

For harsh outdoor environments: Compressed air + cooling pad, preventing dust contamination at the splice point.

For extreme or urgent situations: Low-temperature spray + fan, offering rapid cooling but should be used cautiously.

If time is limited, the fan + cooling pad combination is recommended for optimal efficiency and safety.


Post time: Mar-18-2025