Microscopes are indispensable precision tools in all walks of life. If you have stereo microscopes on hand for micro-engraving or metal engraving, you can utilize it to engrave bracelets, pendants, tags, wood carvings and other crafts, or to set gemstones. Why do we need to clean and maintain a microscope machines properly? On the one hand, microscopes are very precision-oriented instruments, and any minor dirt and grime may affect your ability to see details. Therefore, the only way to keep the microscope in the best condition possible is to improve the efficiency of the work and prolong the life of the machine.
In order to make the microscope can be more good to continue to serve you, you can take the following measures to maintain the machine, reduce the wear and tear of the machine, and extend the use of the machine time.
Timely cleaning after using microscope
In our daily life, the microscopy we use may be contaminated by dust, debris, smoke generated and other pollutants, so we need to clean the machine regularly and ensure that we work on a clean platform. This will prolong the life of the stereo microscopes and improve the working efficiency. Wiping the surface of the machine with a damp cloth from time to time will help to keep it clean. Try not to get the objective and eyepieces of your microscope machines dirty. Many microscopes are sold with a dust cover. When you are not using your microscope, even if it is in a cabinet or case, you need to cover it with a dust cover to avoid dust. Don’t put the microscope in a place where there is smoke and dust or next to chemical solvents that may corrode it. Keep the air dry and well ventilated so that the chance of mold and mildew will be greatly reduced.
Carefully look at and maintain the microscope’s eyepieces and objective lenses
The objective and eyepieces of a microscopy are very important parts and are also very prone to accidentally depositing dirt and dust. If dust accumulates on the surface of the lens, it may reduce the power of the microscopy and damage the function of the lens. Therefore, we need to check the mirror surface regularly for dirt to keep the objective lens and eyepiece in good condition. For weekly cleaning, disassemble the lens and mirror and wipe the mirror surface with special lens paper, do not touch the lens directly with your hands. If there are stubborn stains that cannot be removed, be sure to use lens paper and lens cleaner to clean the lens. If a special lens cleaner is used, make sure that the cleaner has been removed from the lens and the lens is clean before the next use, and do not allow the cleaner to penetrate the internal structure of the lens. During the cleaning process, we should be careful to avoid rubbing the surface of the lens and mirror hard enough to cause scratches. When using the objective lens to observe an object, you can adjust the position of the objective lens downward, but do not allow the objective lens to touch the object you are observing so as not to dirty the lens.
Maintenance of microscope bulbs
Some microscopes are equipped with LED lamps to make the objects you see clearer and brighter. cooling the LED lamp for a few minutes after use before putting it away can be a good way to prolong its life. Use a paper towel to wipe the bulb and do not touch the bulb with your hands as the grease on your hands will reduce the durability of the bulb. It is recommended that you stock up on spare bulbs so that you don’t have to replace them if they are damaged. Do not turn on the microscope when the bulb is at full light intensity. The power cord and plug of the microscope should be checked regularly for damage to prevent poor contact and leakage and other safety problems.
Maintenance of microscope moving parts
In addition to the eyepieces and objectives, which are expensive optical components, microscopes have many moving parts. These moving parts include the eyepiece converter, the stage and holder, the stand, and so on. Since these mechanical parts are frequently used and moved during operation, it is inevitable that some looseness and wear will occur. For example, the objective lens converter needs to be used frequently to the converter when focusing, you can use lubricant to lubricate its gears when necessary. The choice of lubricant is also important, don’t use a poor quality lubricant, that will destroy the parts. Loose parts are tightened gently with a matching wrench tool, not too hard. The carrier and stand should remain stable on the table after adjustment. Personnel should be systematically trained before using the microscope, and correct use can reduce the wear and tear of mechanical parts. In conclusion, mechanical parts require careful maintenance and care, and users should read the manual carefully to understand the relevant knowledge.
Use the right tools for maintenance
Microscope machines are usually purchased with some tools such as wrenches. If you repair the microscope by yourself, remember to use the right tools and read the user manual carefully. At the same time, if the microscope is not used for a long time, it may cause some parts to rust, so it is best to check and run the microscope once a year to prevent damage to the parts caused by prolonged inactivity. If you still can’t solve the problem, find the manufacturer’s after-sales service or professional repairers to assist you.
With these five recommended easy tips, you can use and run your microscopy with peace of mind, and hope it can bring more surprises for you. If you are experiencing problems with your microscopy that you cannot solve on your own, you can contact the manufacturer or a professional to inquire about solutions to get professional help. Remember, a well-maintained and clean stereo microscope is a must for producing a quality product, and it also helps minimize the cost of microscope repairs and parts replacement, making it a worthwhile investment for any microsculpture or specimen study enthusiast.
