Fiber Array Unit Polishing Workflow on NOVA: From Loading to Final Inspection
May 18, 2026, 6:18 p.m.
Fiber Array Unit Polishing Workflow on NOVA: From Loading to Final Inspection
Fiber Array Units, or FAUs, require careful handling, controlled polishing, and accurate inspection to achieve consistent endface quality. From loading the component into a carrier to tracking material removal and inspecting the final results, each step in the polishing workflow plays an important role in creating a repeatable process.
In this video, KrellTech demonstrates a Fiber Array Unit polishing workflow using the NOVA™ polishing system. The process includes loading the FAU into a carrier, placing the carrier into the NOVA workholder, programming the machine for processing, measuring and tracking material removal, changing polishing films and discs, cleaning with SkyBrite™ wipes, and inspecting the final polishing results.
https://krelltech.com/videos/watch/fiber-array-unit-fau-polishing-workflow-nova/
Controlled Loading and Fixturing
The workflow begins by loading the Fiber Array Unit into a carrier designed to support the component throughout the polishing process. Once secured, the carrier is placed into the NOVA workholder for processing.
Proper fixturing is especially important for photonic components because component stability, alignment, and handling can all influence the final result. By keeping the FAU properly supported throughout the process, operators can create a more controlled and repeatable polishing workflow.
Programming the NOVA System for Processing
After the component is loaded, the NOVA system can be programmed for the desired polishing process. This allows operators to follow a defined procedure and control important processing steps from one component to the next.
For Fiber Array Units, waveguides, PICs, and other photonic components, process repeatability is critical. A programmable polishing system helps operators manage each stage of the workflow while making it easier to evaluate results and refine the process when needed.
Measuring and Tracking Material Removal
Material removal tracking is an important part of precision photonic component polishing. In the video, KrellTech shows how operators can measure and track material removal during the process.
This gives operators better visibility into how much material has been removed at each stage and helps ensure the component is being processed according to the intended requirements. For R&D, prototyping, and production environments, this type of process control can be valuable when developing repeatable polishing procedures.
Switching Polishing Films and Discs
The FAU polishing workflow may involve switching between different polishing films and discs as the component moves through each stage of the process. Each polishing step can contribute to the final surface quality, geometry, and endface condition.
KrellTech offers polishing films and consumables for a range of photonic component processing applications, helping customers maintain process continuity and select the right materials for their specific workflow.
Cleaning with SkyBrite™ Wipes
Cleaning is an important step before inspection. In this workflow, the component is cleaned with KrellTech’s SkyBrite™ wipes before the final polishing results are reviewed.
Proper cleaning helps prepare the component for inspection and allows operators to more accurately evaluate the polished surface. This step is especially useful when checking the results between polishing stages or before final approval.
Inspecting the Final Polishing Results
The final step in the workflow is inspection. After polishing and cleaning, the component is inspected to evaluate the endface and confirm the results of the process.
Inspection helps operators better understand the outcome of each polishing stage and make informed decisions about whether the component meets the desired requirements or needs additional processing.
Supporting FAU and Photonic Component Polishing
Although this video focuses on a Fiber Array Unit, the same general workflow principles apply to a wide range of photonic components. KrellTech systems support polishing, shaping, and inspection for fiber arrays, waveguides, PICs, bare fibers, fiber optic connectors, and other precision optical components.
The NOVA platform gives operators a flexible system for controlled polishing, process development, material removal tracking, cleaning, and inspection. Whether used in research, prototyping, or production, NOVA helps support repeatable photonic component processing workflows.
Learn More About FAU Polishing Solutions
KrellTech designs and manufactures polishing, shaping, and inspection systems for photonic components. To learn more about Fiber Array Unit polishing, NOVA system capabilities, or custom photonic component processing solutions, contact KrellTech to discuss your application.