APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING OPTICAL FIBRE MADE OF SEMI-CRYSTALLINE POLYMER

摘要

An extruder heats polymer resin to produce molten polymer and supplies the molten polymer at a constant pressure. A gear pump is in fluid communication with the extruder, receives the molten polymer and controls the polymer flow rate. A spinneret is in fluid communication with the gear pump and spins the molten polymer into the optical fibres. A heater controls the temperature of the optical fibre after the fibers exit the spinneret. The optical fibres are slowly cooled from molten to ambient temperatures to eliminate radial morphological variations. A take-up roller tensions the optical fibres after the fibers exit the spinneret to maximize crystallization of the molten polymer. 31 claims, 18 figures