Optical fiber ribbons contain multiple, individually colored, 250um optical fibers arranged in a flat linear matrix encapsulated by a UV cured polymer material. The ribbon structure is ideal for high fiber count cables, quick fiber identification, and mass splicing. Sometimes, it is necessary to access individual fibers within a ribbon for distribution or emergency purposes.
This document contains procedures for accessing individual fibers by removing the matrix encapsulant either at the end of a ribbon or in the middle of a continuous piece of ribbon (mid-span). The ribbon can be either 12, 24 or 36 fiber.