Fiber Optic Diamond Lapping Film

PSI Diamond Lapping Film, manufactured by the 3M Company is an excellent product available to the Fiber Optic Cable Termination polisher. Originally developed for audio/video reading head polishing, it is now available in configurations to fit popular Fiber Optic polishing equipment. It's ability to polish the most difficult hard and mixed hardness materials quickly, without scratches and with incredible flatness, makes Diamond Lapping Film a product required if you polish ceramic or other difficult to polish ferrules.

PSI Diamond Lapping Film is available in 3 specifications and 9 micron grades. All share a precision 3 mil polyester backing, color coded for easy grade identification. The three types differ in the method used to secure the diamonds particles to the polyester film backing.

PSI Diamond Lapping Film Type A is a single layer of the specified grade diamond particles, resin bonded to the film backing. Type A is excellent for polishing applications where very little material removal is required. It will have a shorter life than the other two types, but gives a better finish grade for grade. PSI Diamond Lapping Film Type A can be used for all polishing steps in fiber optic ferrule polishing. It is particularly effective for a final polishing step preceded by Type B product.

PSI Diamond Film Type B consists of diamond particles encapsulated in small soft ceramic beads, which are then resin coated to the polyester film backing. This results in a longer lasting, more aggressive product than the Type A product. As the ceramic beads wear, fresh diamond particles are exposed to work on the specimen surface. Successful applications include intermediate polishing steps and final polishing in some cases.

PSI Diamond Lapping Film Type P shares characteristics with both Type A and Type B. Type P consists of diamond particles directly bonded to the polyester film with a very hard resin. This results in a product which works aggressively due to the relatively large particle size, but because of the harder resin, exhibits a long life. Diamond Lapping Film Type P is used for fine grinding and flattening prior to use of the Type A or Type B product.

Diamond Lapping Film is much more expensive than Lapping Film with more conventional abrasives including Aluminum Oxide and Silicon Carbide. If your work includes ceramic or other very hard ferrules, it may prove to be very cost effective because of the time savings generated due to the much faster polishing times.

To specify Type A or Type P, simply add either an A or P to the end of the PSI part number. To facilitate your trials of this product, PSI offers sample packages for your evaluation. Contact us to discuss the correct Lapping Film for your trial.