Extralink AI-8C is a novelty in the market of fiber optic welders. The device is available at an attractive price, offering advanced technology for positioning and welding fiber optics. The comfort of working with this device will be appreciated by both novice users as well as advanced and experienced installers. Quality and reliability of the welder has been confirmed by a number of tests carried out in different environmental conditions and on different types of fibres. The characteristic feature of this manufacturer's welders is the use of smartphones for their configuration, archiving data about the welds performed and diagnostics. Extralink's products have found recognition in markets all over the world, and the high quality of the offered products can be proved by the warranty policy, which takes into account the replacement of the device with new ones after 50 000 welds have been made.
Extralink AI-8C uses a positioning technique to the core (possibility of positioning to the mantle), guaranteeing the best attenuation parameters of the welds performed. As many as 6 high class (Siemens) motors position the fibres, which is absolutely unparalleled in devices from this price shelf. The range of applications is wide, because the welder can be used for both 100-kilometer fiber optic bus, FTTH installation, as well as short point-to-point connections, LAN installations or for video surveillance based on fiber optic cabling. The AI-8C model is based on a 4-core processor, providing a fast response time (the device is ready to work after 3 seconds) and short welding and shielding times. The AI-8C welding machine is one of the fastest devices of this type currently available on the market, and the fastest in this price class.
The 5.1-inch display with a resolution of 800 x 480 px, with adjustable brightness, ensures comfortable operation even in difficult lighting conditions. The optical system offers a 300-fold image magnification, which directly translates into the quality and precision of the welding process and visual analysis of the welds performed (viewing in two planes). The minimum welding time is 6 seconds and welding time of 40 mm covers is only 15 seconds. Built-in LED lamp allows to perform welds and work with fibers even in total darkness.
Universal fibre holders provide comfort and speed of work. In these holders it is possible to lay 250 μm, 900 μm, in a tight and loose tube, as well as patchcord or DROP type cables. The welding machine offers various welding programs and an automatic mode, which works well during most of the work.
The casing of the welding machine is made of metal with the bottom covered with protective rubber, while the casing of the welding chamber and the furnace are made of high-quality plastic. The offered set includes the AI-8C welding machine and practical box, which includes all necessary tools and power supply. The accessories are placed in a two-level drawer mounted on durable metal guides. It is not necessary to remove the welder from the box during welding, it can serve as a solid and stable support as it is made of durable plastic. The box also has a detachable element which can be used as a stool or small table.
The welder is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 7800 mAh. It provides about 200 welds and shielding welding cycles. Battery charging time is only 3.5 h. The design of the welder allows for very quick replacement of the battery, pressing the button on the casing causes it to slide out. It is possible to buy a spare battery.
| Features / filters | |
| AC input frequency | 50-60 |
| AC input voltage | 100-240 |
| Applicable fiber | Multimode Fiber (MMF), Non-Zero Dispersion-Shifted Fiber (NZDSF), Single Mode Fiber (SMF) |
| Cladding diameter (max) | 900 |
| Cladding diameter (min) | 250 |
| Depth | 122 |
| Display diagonal | 12.9 |
| Display type | LCD |
| Heating time | 15 |
| Height | 148 |
| Operating temperature (T-T) | -15 - 50 |
| Product colour | Green |
| Rechargeable battery | Yes |
| Splicing time | 6 |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | 1 |
| Weight | 2.08 |
| Width | 130 |
| Basic technical parameters | |
| Positioning method | Positioning for fibre core or jacket |
| Average welding time | 6 s |
| Average welding time (40 mm) | 15 s |
| Number of engines | 6 |
| Compatibility with fibres | SM (G.652, G.657), MM (G.651 - OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4), DS, NZDS (G.655) |
| Average insertion losses | 0.025 dB (SM), 0.01 dB (MM), 0.04 dB (DS/NZDS) |
| Reflective losses | Min. 60 dB |
| Electrode life | 3000 cycles |
| Tensile test | 2 N |
| Display | 5.1-inch Resolution 800 x 480 px Adjustable brightness |
| Enlarged | x 300 in the X or Y axis; x 150 in both axes simultaneously |
| Battery | 7800 mAh Charging time 3.5 h |
| Case | Metal, rubber-coated underneath |
| Dimensions | Welding machine: 130 x 122 x 148 mm Toolbox: 270 x 237 x 293 mm |
| Weight | 2.08 kg - battery operated welder 7.1 kg - whole set |
| Working temperature | -15°C~50°C |
| Working humidity | < 95%, non-condensing |
The method of operation of the AI-8C welding machine consists in connecting two optical fibres under the influence of high melting temperature. The device centres the ends of the optical fibre and the electric arc melts them. They are then pressed in order to form a weld. At the end, the weld is subjected to a strength test with 2 N.
AI-8C is an economical option offering centring to the core or to the shell. Compared to other welding machines, it ensures very fast welding and welding of optical fibres. It has many conveniences to work comfortably even in difficult conditions.
