Synrad 48 Series - Cleaning Optical Components

maintenance/
troubleshooting
43
Synrad
Series 48Series 48
Series 48Series 48
Series 48 operator’s manual
Maintenance
Cleaning optical components
Debris or contaminants on the laser’s output coupler or external beam delivery components may affect
laser processing and lead to damage or failure of the optics and/or the laser. Carefully follow the steps
below to inspect and clean the optical components in the beam path. Before beginning the cleaning
process, read this entire section thoroughly to ensure that all cleaning materials are available and that
each step is completely understood.
Important Note: Exercise great care when handling infrared optics; they are much more fragile than
common glass materials. Optical surfaces and coatings are easily damaged by rough
handling and improper cleaning methods.
Cleaning guidelines
■ Wear finger cots or rubber gloves to prevent contamination of the optics by dirt and skin oils.
■ Always place optical components on lens tissue for protection; never place optics on hard or rough
surfaces.
■ It may be necessary to use fluffed cotton swabs instead of cotton balls to uniformly clean the entire
surface of small-diameter mounted optics.
■ Before using any cleaning agents, read their Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and observe all
necessary safety precautions.
Danger
serious
personal
injury
Ensure that DC power to the laser is turned off and locked out
before inspecting optical components in the beam path. Invisible
CO
2
laser radiation is emitted through the lens. Corneal damage or
blindness may result from exposure to laser radiation.
Caution
possible
equipment
damage
A small amount of contamination on the laser’s output window (or
on any optic in the beam path) can absorb enough energy to damage
the optic. Inspect the output window and other beam delivery optics
periodically for signs of contaminants and carefully clean as required.
In dirty environments, purge laser optics using filtered air or nitro-
gen to prevent vapor and debris from accumulating on optical
surfaces.