Abstract: A method of midspan or end entry accessing of one or more selected optical fibers carried by an optical ribbon fiber. The top and bottom surfaces of a first selected span of the optical ribbon fiber are friction abraded to initiate delamination of the bond between the optical fibers and the matrix encapsulant. The delamination is completed by applying a rolling force to the circumference of the first selected span, and the delamination is then propagated by introducing the first selected span into the bore of a die element and urging the die element along a relatively longer second selected span of the optical ribbon fiber. With the delamination completed, the tip of an elongated tool is inserted through the encapsulant within the second selected span and between one or more selected optical fibers and the remaining optical fibers within the optical ribbon fiber.

Abstract: A method of removing the encapsulant matrix from a selected span of optical ribbon fiber to provide access to one or more selected optical fibers wherein a strip of adhesive tape having a plastic card element attached to one end thereof is placed on a support surface with an adhesive surface of the strip of tape facing upwardly. A selected span of optical ribbon fiber is placed across the exposed top surface of the strip of tape and across the plastic card element. A selected amount of glue is positioned beneath the span length of the optical ribbon fiber overlaying the plastic card element so as to bond the optical ribbon fiber to a portion thereof.