SHINHO's 18S series is the newest fusion splicer platform in the XHFiber range, and it pushes two of the specifications that matter most — splice time and heating time — further than the existing X-series lineup. It comes in two variants: the 18S and the 18S Pro. Both share the same body, display, battery, and connectivity; the difference that matters is how each one aligns the fibre.
What's New on the 18S Platform
Both models splice in as little as 4 seconds on fast mode (6–7 seconds on standard) and complete heat-shrink protection in 8 seconds — faster than the 6–12 second splice times and 18–40 second heating times typical of the existing range (see our guide to fusion splicer specifications). Typical splice loss is 0.02dB on standard single-mode fibre, with SHINHO's own splice-loss distribution testing showing an average of 0.014dB — a tight, low-centred result consistent with the patterns discussed in our splice loss distribution article.
Both variants add: tool-free electrode replacement, special clamps for loose tube fibre with support for SOC and removable fibre holders, an interlocked windproof cover with automatic open/close heater, an auto-flipping 5.0-inch touch display, and a detachable 6800mAh battery rated for up to 550 splice-and-heat cycles — well ahead of the 300-cycle 5,200mAh battery in the existing X900. Bluetooth 5.0 LE is built in, with an optional IoT module connecting the splicer to the SHINHO app for device and data management, and 500,000 splice records plus 35,000 splice images stored locally on the included 8GB SD card.
18S vs 18S Pro — The Difference That Matters
The 18S uses active cladding alignment — the same principle behind the X600, explained in our alignment technologies comparison. The 18S Pro uses true core-to-core alignment, imaging and aligning the fibre cores directly rather than assuming they sit centred in the cladding (see our core vs cladding alignment guide). The Pro's splicing program set also adds a 7–9 second Auto mode alongside the same fast and standard modes.
| 18S | 18S Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Alignment method | Active cladding alignment | Core-to-core alignment |
| Splicing modes | Fast (4s), Standard (6–7s) | Fast (4s), Standard (6–7s), Auto (7–9s) |
| Weight (with battery) | 1.82kg | 2.05kg |
| Best suited for | General FTTH/FTTx field work and fast, high-volume splicing | Backbone, mixed fibre-source, and projects where consistent low splice loss matters most |
If you're mainly doing high-volume access-network installation and want the fastest possible cycle time, the 18S is the more cost-effective choice. If your work involves backbone or trunk splicing, mixed fibre sources, or you simply want the lowest achievable splice-loss ceiling, the 18S Pro's core-to-core alignment is worth the step up.
What's in the Box
Both models ship as a complete kit: the splicer itself, a fibre cleaver (SC-10 for the 18S, SC-10A for the 18S Pro), fibre stripper, spare electrodes, USB drive user manual, cleaning brush, carry strap, power adapter and cord, cooling tray, inspection report, and an X-40E carrying case.
Get in Touch
Finch Electronic Solutions is the authorised Australian distributor for XHFiber and SHINHO fusion splicing equipment. Contact us to talk through which model suits your project, or to get a quote on the 18S or 18S Pro.