In laser systems, optical lenses are consumable items. To extend their useful life and reduce operating costs as much as possible, it is essential to clean the lenses strictly following this standard.
During the replacement process, care must be taken when placing, inspecting, and installing optical lenses to avoid damage and contamination. After a new lens is installed, it must be cleaned regularly to maintain its performance.
Laser cutting machine lens cleaning procedure
When the laser cuts materials, the work surface releases a large amount of gas and spatter, which can damage the lens. Contaminants on the surface of the lens can absorb energy from the laser beam, causing the thermal lensing effect.
If the lens has not yet developed thermal stress, the operator can disassemble and clean it.
During the lens installation and cleaning process, even a tiny bit of adhesive or a fingerprint can increase the lens absorption rate and shorten its lifespan.
Daily operation of laser lenses
For daily operation of laser lenses, the following preventive measures must be taken:
- Never install the lens with your bare fingers. Wear finger protectors or rubber gloves.
- Avoid using sharp instruments to avoid scratching the lens surface.
- When handling the lens, do not touch the coating. Hold it by the edge.
- Inspect and clean the lens in a clean, dry area. A good workbench should have several layers of cleaning cloth and several sheets of lens cleaning paper.
- Users should avoid talking above the lenses and keep food, drinks and other potential contaminants away from the work environment.
Relatively low-risk cleaning methods
During the lens cleaning process, relatively low-risk methods should be adopted. The following steps are established for this purpose and users must follow them:
- Use a blower to remove debris from the surface of the lens, especially when there are small particles and lint on the surface. This step is essential. However, do not use compressed air from the production line, as it may contain oil mist and water droplets, which can further contaminate the lens.
- Use analytically pure acetone for gentle lens cleaning. This type of acetone is practically anhydrous, reducing the likelihood of lens contamination. Dip a cotton ball in acetone and clean the lens under lighting, using circular movements. Replace the swab as soon as it becomes dirty. Complete cleaning at once to avoid scratches. If the lens has two coated surfaces, such as double-sided lenses, clean each side using this method. Place the first side on clean lens paper for protection.
- If acetone cannot remove all contaminants, use diluted vinegar for the following cleaning. Vinegar cleaning works by dissolving contaminants without damaging optical lenses. This vinegar can be laboratory quality (diluted to 50%) or household white vinegar containing 6% acetic acid. The cleaning procedure is the same as acetone, followed by acetone to remove the vinegar and dry the lens. Change the cotton ball frequently to completely absorb the acid and moisturize until the lens is clean.
- When contamination and damage to the lens cannot be removed through cleaning, especially due to metal spatter and dirt causing coating wear, the only way to restore good performance is to replace the lens.
