28
Mirror #3 (in the laser head):
This mirror is located directly above the focal lens. This mirror should be cleaned at least once a month. If
there is any incident of fire or large issue of smoke/fumes, then it is advised to check the mirror and clean it.
It is possible to clean the mirror in its mounting bracket, but highly advised to remove the mirror from posi-
tion and thoroughly clean it. The laser beam alignment should be checked after cleaning is completed. Use
denatured alcohol and/or acetone as the cleaning solvent. Use a lens tissue or cotton tipped swabs (Q-Tips)
to apply the solvent. Len wipes with alcohol-free solution will also do the trick. Do not scrape the mirror.
Use the solvent to dissolve the dirt from the lens surface. Only use a soft swirling motion when applying
the solvent. Use a dry swab in soft swirling motion while evaporating the solvent. Use as many swabs as
needed to result in a clean surface. The mirror surface should be difficult to see. Look at a reflection in the
mirror to help see the dirt on the surface. Make sure to clean the lens and not leave water marks or dirt
smears. The mirror should be replaced if it is scratched, rusted, discolored from heat damage, or any other
significant damage is found. Some minor blemishes are acceptable, but these problems waste laser power
and will result in reduced laser power at the target material. Any dirt, or damage on the mirror will cause
the mirror to deteriorate faster.
Mirror #2:
This mirror is located directly at the end of the gantry rail. This mirror should be cleaned at least every two
months. Use the same directions as found for Mirror #3
Mirror #1:
This mirror is located directly in front of the laser tube. This mirror should be cleaned at least every three
months. Use the same directions as found for Mirror #3 Laser tube output coupler lens: This lens is located
inside the output end of the laser tube. This lens should be cleaned at least every three months. You must
be very careful when cleaning this lens. This lens cannot be removed from the laser tube. You can use a
Q-tip for applying the acetone. Len wipes with alcohol-free solution will also do the trick. Be gentle. The
ideal situation is that you are only removing dust, film contaminate from humidity, or smoke fumes. Do
not scratch this lens. It is not replaceable. Linear rails: The linear rails are the guiding rails along the left and
right sides, and across the gantry. These rails should be clean, without rust, and have a slight glaze coating
of some oil. The linear rails should be given some attention about every month. The surfaces of the metal
should always have oil on it such that it is wet to the touch. The best way to see that you need to do some
cleaning is to check the end of the rail near where the home switch is located. If you see a dirt line, then
clean the rails off and apply fresh oil.
Linear bearings:
The linear bearings are found under the gantry (to mount the gantry to the side rails) and under the focal
head (to mount the focal head to the gantry). These bearings have grease fittings for pushing lubricant into
the ball bearing areas. You might not have a special grease pump to lubricate the bearings. Try the cheap
and easy approach:
