Per-splice costs of crimps are higher, but startup cost can be lower. Tools for crimp are generally $1k or so and splicers used to be $10k+ (though now you can

Per-splice costs of crimps are higher, but startup cost can be lower. Tools for crimp are generally $1k or so and splicers used to be $10k+ (though now you can find new ones for sub 3k and used for lower than that). A mechanical splice can cost $10 in material while a fusion splice might cost $0.05. Consumables for a fusion splice is just a metal rod for heat shrink tube that goes over the fiber, then a metal rod next to it, and another heat shrink tube to hold it all together. I haven't seen someone use a microscope to inspect a splice, but it is common to inspect the connector face because dust can significantly impact the link. Fusion splicers are amazing pieces of technology. I used used to use one from the late 90s that would identify the core (super small, usually what you see as "fiber" is the cladding around the core), position them to face each other, warn if the cleave wasn't parallel, arc weld it together, detect any bubbles or imperfections in the weld and alert. Decent video of the splice process on the splicer I used to use (though missing fiber prep): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4eRhF2oaqA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4eRhF2oaqA