Fusion splicing is the act of joining two optical fibers end-to-end using heat.

The process of fusion splicing involves using localized heat to melt or fuse the ends of two optical fibers together.

Fiber optical stripping and preparation equipment used in fusion splicing is commercially available through a small number of specialized companies, which usually also designs machines used for fiber optical recoating.

Fusion splicing is done with a specialized instrument that typically operates as follows: The two cable ends are fastened inside a splice enclosure that will protect the splices, and the fiber ends are stripped of their protective polymer coating (as well as the more sturdy outer jacket, if present).