MicroCare to debut touchless fibre cleaning at OFC 2026

MicroCare plans to showcase touchless fibre connector cleaning at OFC 2026 as optical networks move toward higher connector density and tighter performance tolerances.

At the Optical Fibre Communication Conference and Exhibition in Los Angeles, it will demonstrate its Sticklers Pro360° Touchless Cleaner, which it positions as a way to deliver consistent connector end-face cleanliness without physical contact.

Network operators and installers are increasing fibre counts in connectors and working in denser patching environments in data centres and hyperscale networks. This shift has made cleaning and inspection routines more operationally critical. Contamination on connector end faces can degrade signals and cause service issues, especially as link budgets and component tolerances tighten.

MicroCare will use the show to discuss cleaning practices for modern deployment and maintenance. Technical staff will be available to walk through inspection and maintenance workflows, with an emphasis on repeatable processes and reducing rework caused by inconsistent cleaning.

Touchless process

The Sticklers Pro360° uses a touchless process to target oils, particulates and residues on connector end faces. MicroCare describes the approach as fully contact-free, reducing the risk of scratches and limiting the chance of redepositing debris during cleaning.

The company also points to variability in field and production work, where results can differ by technician, site and tool choice. It plans to position touchless cleaning as a way to reduce that variability.

The Pro360° is designed for common connector types used in data centre and carrier environments, including LC, SC and MPO formats. These connectors span applications from traditional duplex links to multi-fibre trunks. MPO connectors, in particular, are common in high-density cabling, where a single connection can carry multiple fibres and where inspection and cleaning are routine steps during commissioning and moves, adds and changes.

Installation pressures

Higher-fibre-count connectivity is becoming more common as operators increase links per rack and expand east-west traffic in data centres. Optical interconnects are also a focus for AI infrastructure build-outs and next-generation switching architectures, which can add pressure to installation timelines and maintenance windows.

In that context, cleaning tools are often assessed on speed, consistency and how well they fit inspection regimes. Many teams follow an inspect-clean-inspect cycle for connector end faces. MicroCare's demonstrations will show how the Pro360° fits into field and production scenarios, positioning it as part of a repeatable process rather than an occasional remedial step.

MicroCare will present the cleaner as a way to address contamination-related signal loss, including microscopic debris that may not be visible without inspection equipment but can still affect optical performance. The focus reflects a broader industry concern that denser connectors leave less tolerance for defects and dirt.

Company view

Rick Hoffman, Commercial Sales Manager, Sticklers, linked the approach to rising connector densities and stricter thresholds.

"Fibre networks are becoming more sensitive to even microscopic contamination, particularly as connector densities increase and performance thresholds tighten. The Pro360° was developed to remove cleaning variability from the equation. Its value lies in delivering the same reliable result, connector after connector, without introducing risk through physical contact."

MicroCare will exhibit under its Sticklers brand for fibre optic cleaning products. It describes Sticklers as part of a wider portfolio of fibre optic cleaning solutions, including cleaning fluids, tools and touchless technologies.

At the event, MicroCare plans to underline what it calls process discipline in optical network deployment, tying its messaging to pressures in data centre connectivity, AI-driven infrastructure and new optical system designs.

Visitors can see live demonstrations of the Sticklers Pro360° at Booth 1253 during OFC 2026, where MicroCare staff will discuss inspection and maintenance workflows and the use of touchless cleaning in installation and operational environments.