Technical Information

Environmental resistance characteristics

1. Weatherability

Because a main component of plastic optical fiber is a PMMA resin, which is excellent in weatherablity, it is quite rare that initial performance of the product could deteriorate, even after passing a prolonged period of time.
However, be sure that a bare fiber (POF element line) is not subjected to UV irradiation for a long period, which may generate change such as yellowing or the like, in some cases.

2. Heat resistance

Heat resistance of plastic optical fiber depends on heat resistance of its plastic component.
Heat resistance (maximum usable temperature) of each of the plastic optical fiber grades is shown below.

Grade Maximum usable temperature
Multi-core POF 60°C, 85°C or 105°C
DB,DC 70°C
SC 85°C
SHCN 105°C

Caution: Do not use the product under environment causing high temperature such as extremely close to a light source lamp, wirings inside an apparatus having a heat generator or the like.

3. Flexibility

Plastic optical fiber is excellent in flexural strength as compared with an electric wire or the like, however, light transmission loss could generate at an extremely bent part. Accordingly, be sure to use the product within an allowable bending radius of each grade.

For a wiring subjected to extreme bending, we recommend use of "Multi-core POF" of our company, which provides no decrease in light amount, even in a bent state use.

4. Chemical resistance

Caution: A "Plastic Optical Fiber", in general, may incur reduction of light transmittance or reduction of mechanical strength, affected by an organic solvent.

As for use of adhesives, we recommend epoxy-based adhesives of a room temperature hardening and two-component mixing type.

  • Specifications are subject to change without notice.