When damage is observed upon inspecting an end-face, it must be determined what needs to be done, if anything. Some damage may be minor enough to ignore while other problems require complete re-termination.
Chipped end-faces?
Solution: Visually determine if chips are within acceptable limits, up to 5% of the outside edge of the fiber cladding generally may be chipped, as this is a common result of the polishing process. Any chips on the fiber core are not acceptable. If chips are beyond acceptable limits, the fiber should be re-terminated.
Scratched and epoxy bleed fiber end-face?
Solution: If the end-face is scratched, has polishing debris or has excess epoxy bleed, then repolish it with fine lapping paper until visual inspection shows scratches and debris gone.
Cracked or shattered fiber end-face?
Solution: If the end-face is cracked or shattered, then re-terminate the fiber. Cracks can spread, making the end-face unacceptable.