How to Clean Laser Engraver Lens?

During the replacement of the laser engraver lens, the placement, inspection, installation and other processes of the lens should pay attention to preventing the lens from damage and contamination. After a new lens is installed, it needs to be cleaned regularly. This process is quite simple. Correct operation will effectively extend the service life of the lens and reduce costs. On the contrary, it will reduce the service life.

When the laser engraver machine is working, it is inevitable that the optical components in the laser tube will contact the suspended matter. When the laser cuts, welds, and heat treats the material, a large amount of gas and splashes will be released from the working surface, which will cause damage to the lens. When contaminants fall on the surface of the lens, they will absorb energy from the laser beam, resulting in a thermal lens effect. If the lens has not yet formed thermal stress, the operator can disassemble and clean it. Of course, some method should be used to avoid damage to the lens and further contamination.

1. General Operating Principles

During the installation and cleaning of the lens, any sticky matter, even nail marks or oil droplets, will increase the absorption rate of the lens and reduce the service life. Therefore, the following precautions must be taken:

• Never install the lens with bare fingers, wear finger cots or rubber gloves.
• Do not use sharp instruments to avoid scratching the lens surface.
• When taking the lens, do not touch the film layer, but hold the edge of the lens.
• The lens should be placed in a dry and tidy place for inspection and cleaning, and there should be several layers of cleaning paper towels or paper wipes, and several sheets of lens cleaning tissues.
• Users should avoid talking above the lens and keep food, drinks and other potential contaminants away from the working environment.

2. How to Clean Laser Engraver Lens?

The only purpose of cleaning the laser engraver lens is to remove the contaminants from the lens and not cause further contamination and damage to the lens. To achieve this goal, people often use methods with relatively low risks. The following operating steps are set up for this purpose and should be used by users.

2.1 Using an Air Ball

Using an air ball to blow off the floating objects on the surface of the component, especially the lens with tiny particles and flocs on the surface. This step is necessary. But never use compressed air on the production line, because these air will contain oil and water droplets, which will deepen the contamination of the lens.

2.2 Using Acetone

The second step is to use acetone (or alcohol, acetone is recommended) to lightly clean the lens. This grade of acetone is almost water-free, which reduces the possibility of lens contamination.

A cotton ball dipped in acetone must be used to clean the lens under light and move in a circular motion. Once the cotton swab is dirty, it must be replaced. Cleaning should be completed in one go to avoid wave lines.

If the lens has two coated surfaces, such as a lens, each surface needs to be cleaned in this way. The first surface needs to be placed on a layer of clean lens paper for protection.

2.3 Using Vinegar

If acetone cannot remove all the dirt, then use vinegar to clean it. Vinegar cleaning uses the dissolution of dirt to remove dirt, but it will not damage the optical lens. This vinegar can be experimental grade (diluted to 50% strength) or household white vinegar with 6% acetic acid. The cleaning procedure is the same as acetone cleaning, and then acetone is used to remove the vinegar and wipe the lens dry. At this time, the cotton ball should be changed frequently to completely absorb the acid and hydrate.

2.4 Polishing and Cleaning

If the surface of the laser engraver lens is not completely cleaned, polishing cleaning must be used at this time. Polishing cleaning is to use fine grade (0.1um) aluminum polishing paste.

This white liquid is used with cotton balls. Because this type of polishing cleaning is mechanical grinding, the lens surface should be cleaned slowly and without pressure in an alternating circle for no more than 30 seconds. Finally, rinse the surface with distilled water or a cotton ball dipped in water.

After the polishing material is removed, the lens surface should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol brings the remaining polishing material and water together and keeps them in a suspended state, and then removes these suspended materials with a cotton ball dipped in acetone. If there is still residue on the surface, clean it again with alcohol and acetone until it is clean.

2.5 Replacement Lenses

Of course, some pollutants and lens damage cannot be removed by cleaning, especially the film burn caused by metal splash and dirt. The only way to restore good performance is to replace the lens.

3. Precautions

Avoid using materials such as paper towels and clothing, which may scratch the lens.

Regular cleaning, depending on the frequency of use, keeping the laser engraver lens clean will help improve the engraving effect and equipment performance.
When storing the laser engraving machine, you should also pay attention to protecting the lens and try to avoid dust accumulation.

Through the above steps, you can effectively clean the laser engraver lens and ensure its good working condition.

4. Correct Installation Method

During the installation process, if the method is incorrect, the lens will be contaminated. Therefore, the operating procedures mentioned above should be followed. If a large number of lenses need to be installed and removed, it is necessary to design a fixture to complete the task. A dedicated fixture can reduce the number of contacts with the lens, thereby reducing the risk of lens contamination or damage.

In addition, if the laser engraver lens is not installed correctly, the laser system will not work properly or even be damaged. All CO2 laser lenses should be installed in a certain direction. Therefore, the user should correctly identify the correct direction of the lens. For example, the high-reflection surface of the output mirror should face the cavity, and the high-transmittance surface should face the outside of the cavity. If it is reversed, the laser will not produce laser or produce low-energy laser. The convex surface of the final focusing lens should face the cavity, and the second surface of the lens head should be either concave or flat, and this side should face the work. If it is reversed, it will cause the focus to become larger and the working distance to change. In cutting applications, it will cause the slit to become larger and the cutting speed to slow down.

The reflector of the laser engraving machine is the third commonly used lens, and its installation is also very critical. Of course, it is easy to identify the reflective surface for the reflector. Obviously, the coated side faces the laser.

5. Benefits of Regular Cleaning

When the lens is properly cleaned and operated, its life and performance will undoubtedly be significantly improved. Taking some of the preventive and maintenance measures in this article will ensure that the laser engraver works longer and performs better.

Summary

Cleaning your laser engraver lens is essential to maintaining optimal performance and ensuring high-quality engraving results. By following these steps, you can keep your laser engraver lens clean and in good condition, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of your equipment.

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