Abstract: Methods and devices for assembling a fiber optic connector are provided. A device supports at least one fiber optic connector. The connector has an optical fiber inserted through the ferrule so that an exposed portion is disposed outside of the ferrule. Residual epoxy on the exposed portion is cured prior to physically manipulating the optical fiber within the ferrule. The device includes at least one heating chamber and a heat shield for curing of the residual epoxy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for processing ferrules of fiber optic connectors such that the amount of polishing that is required is eliminated or at least reduced. In one example, a forward volume of adhesive is removed with a first laser beam having a first laser property and a front portion of the optical fiber is cleaved with a second laser beam having a second laser property that is different than the first laser property.

Abstract: A fabrication carrier for fiber optic connectors defines a body configured to removably hold a plurality of fiber optic ferrules. The body allows each of the fiber optic ferrules to be movable along its axis under a bias when the ferrules are mounted to the body. The body can be coupled to a polishing plate for use with a ferrule polishing apparatus in a polishing step. Coupling of the body to the polishing plate allows each of the ferrules to at least partially protrude past a bottom face of the polishing plate for contact with the polishing apparatus. The body of the fabrication carrier is configured as a fixture that can be used in at least one additional fabrication step aside from the polishing step when not mounted to the polishing plate.