Sticklers to showcase fibre cleaning tools at SCTE

Sticklers will showcase fibre optic cleaning products at SCTE TechExpo26, with a display focused on network reliability in cable and broadband infrastructure.

The company plans to feature its PRO360° Touchless Connector Cleaner, fibre cleaning fluids and CleanClicker click-to-clean tools. The products are designed for installation and maintenance work across cable, broadband and converged networks.

As networks carry more data and support a wider range of connected services, reliable fibre connections have become a greater concern for operators. Contamination on connector end faces can disrupt signal transmission, trigger failed tests and create intermittent faults that require extra troubleshooting in the field.

Sticklers' technical team will demonstrate cleaning methods intended to address those issues. The demonstrations will cover routine connector cleaning as well as techniques for removing heavier contamination.

The PRO360° system uses a micro-dose of atomised cleaning fluid delivered in a narrow column of pressurised air. The company says the process removes oils, dust and other debris across the connector end face to the ferrule edge while leaving the surface clean and dry.

Because the system does not make physical contact with the end face, it is intended to reduce the risk of scratching, static charge build-up and other contact-related damage. The unit can run on rechargeable batteries or an AC power supply, allowing use both in the field and on the bench.

The CleanClicker range is positioned for more routine cleaning of connector end faces and ports. Sticklers says the products use a controlled click-to-clean action to remove dust, particulates and oils, with different models covering connector formats used in access networks, central offices and other broadband settings.

For connectors with heavier soiling, the company says its cleaning fluid can be used with wipes, cleaning sticks or a CleanClicker in a wet-dry process. It adds that the fluid can also be used in fibre preparation for fusion splicing.

Rick Hoffman, Commercial Sales Manager at Sticklers, outlined the practical issues the company is seeking to address for field teams. "As broadband networks become more interconnected and intelligent, operators still need consistent performance from the physical infrastructure supporting them. Dust, oils and other contamination on a fiber connector can cause signal loss, failed testing or an intermittent fault that may be difficult to diagnose remotely.

"Consistent cleaning is an essential part of fiber installation and maintenance and can directly affect whether work is completed successfully. At TechExpo, we will demonstrate practical cleaning methods that can help field teams achieve repeatable results and reduce unnecessary troubleshooting and return visits."

Sticklers is a brand manufactured by MicroCare, which has produced cleaning, coating and lubrication products since 1983 for sectors including electronics, photonics, telecommunications, aerospace, metal finishing, medical device manufacturing and healthcare. The group also operates an on-site Critical Cleaning Lab and says it supports customers through field technicians.

MicroCare says it runs an ISO 9001:2015-registered quality system and sells products under brands including MicroCare, Sticklers, MicroCare Medical, Spec Clean and Tergo.