IPG IX-6168-PS, Hardware Reference Manual, Page: 125 / 136

12-3
Handling and Cleaning Optics
Cleaning Optics
Under normal operating conditions, the optics in the beam delivery system do not
become dirty. Most optic damage occurs due to improper handling. Therefore never
handle the optics unless absolutely necessary.
To clean a laser optic or other flat optic:
1. Prepare a work area with a clean, flat surface, free of clutter and debris.
2. Wear clean, powder-free, latex gloves.
3. Lay down a stack of about five clean lens tissues to provide a soft work surface.
4. Remove the optic from its mount, paying attention to its orientation in the mount
so it can be replaced correctly. Many optics have an arrow on the edge pointing
toward the laser beam.
5. Place the optic on the stack of lens tissues, with the side to be cleaned facing up.
6. Lay a clean lens tissue on top of the optic, so that the front edge of the tissue just
hangs over the front edge of the optic:
Figure 105: Cleaning an Optic
7. Apply two or three drops of methanol to the tissue directly on top of the optic.
Wait a few seconds while it spreads and wets the entire surface of the optic.
8. Slowly pull the tissue toward you by its front corners, sliding it all the way off the
optic. The optic will become dry as the tissue absorbs the methanol.
9. Repeat steps 6–8 several times as needed, using a new lens tissue each time, until
the surface is perfectly clean.
If the optic has a stubborn blemish, apply a small amount of alcohol to a clean lens
tissue and very gently wipe the optic. Then repeat the dragging process.
If the optic remains dirty after repeated cleanings, it might have surface pitting and
may need replacement.
An optics log should be kept to record the installation date for each optic along with
the laser shot counter value. Whenever an optic is removed for cleaning, record the
date and the shot counter value. The log helps to anticipate when each optic might
need replacement.
Lens tissue
laid on top of
optic
Optic
Methanol
Pull front corners
of tissue