Chinese 50 watt Laser Lense Cleaning

[StuartW Wilson]

Hi there I finally got myself a 50 watt laser for my bread boards, The lenses need cleaning what is the best solution to use? Regards Stuart

[Ron Gosnell]

Everclear pure grain alcohol from the liquor store is what I use.

Gozzie

[David Somers]

And its versatile too Gozzie!!! <grin>

[Ron Gosnell]

And its versatile too Gozzie!!! <grin>

You said it.

Gozzie

[Dave Sheldrake]

Depends what you are working with, if acrylic then use IPA, if it's MDF use de-ionised water etc etc....whatever the binding agent or base of the material you need a solvent from that range. IPA for example doesn't clean up MDF smoke very well..

[Rich Harman]

I use reagent grade acetone for cleaning Zinc Selenide lenses.

[Keith Colson]

Now I keep my machine well maintained the lens is pretty clean when I periodically check it. I just use my hot steamy breath to haze it up and the a wipe with a scratch free cloth. If the lens is dirty then I get out the chemicals and avoid wiping as it can drag any debri across the lens. I have the proper pink fluid but I only needed that once when I stuffed up cutting some spongy foam.

Cheers
Keith

[Rich Harman]

I clean my lenses by removing the cap off the acetone, filling the cap half way, then dropping the lens into the cap. With the lens fully immersed I then use a clean cotton swab on it - as gently as possible. There have been a couple times when some aggressive scrubbing was required. I used to be worried that I would damage the lens but they seem to withstand a fair bit of abuse.