Lens Cleaning kits are available here.
Preface: This article covers how to clean your optics on your Thunder Nova Series Laser
Lenses Explained
Quick Start Video
(Video Credit: Robert Kofoed of Computer Creationz)
Complete Guide
Before you Begin
Cleaning your optics can help keep your machine operating at peak and consistent performance. Dirty optics and lead to poor performance and failures. As you use your machine, you will need to gauge how often you will need to clean. It will depend on the dust load that you create. The optics are worth checking every day, especially the Focal Lens, Mirror 2 and Mirror 3.
Optics Locations
Cleaning Supplies
Depending on when you received your machine, your included supplies may be different. Some of the images below have links to purchase as an example.
Click here for our Thunder Lens Cleaning Kit
| Cleaning Swabs | Dust Free Cloth |
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| Cleaning Solution | IPA |
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| 3rd Party Lens wipes | Blowing Ball |
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Warning: Just say no to anything PAPER like paper towels and not your T-shirt
Cleaning Schedule
Adjust to suit the dust load you create in your machine.
DAILY CHECK LIST
- Focus lens, Mirror 2 and Mirror 3
WEEKLY CHECK LIST
- Mirrors (all)
- Beam Combiner (rear of machine)
- Nova 35-80w Reci Tube Dust Cover (rear of machine)
Steps to Clean your Optics
Focal Lens
| 1. Remove Lens Tube from Laser Head | 2. Disassemble Lens Tube |
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| 3. Use Lens Removal tool to remove lens | 4. Clean Lens, Assemble in reverse |
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Note: The direction of focus lens mounting please refer to below picture Dome UP, away from the honeycomb：
Mirror 1
| 1. Locate Mirror 1 in back of machine | 2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe |
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Mirror 2
| 1. Locate Mirror 2 on Left Side of machine | 2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe |
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Mirror 3
| 1. Locate Mirror 3 on the Laser Head | 2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe |
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Beam Combiner
| 1. Locate Beam Combiner 2 in back of machine | 2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe |
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Reci Dust Cover
| 1. Locate Reci Dust Cover in back of machine | 2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe |
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Reference Articles
- Nova Series Included Parts
- Common Focus Lens Failure & ZnSe Info
- Preventative Maintenance Checklist - PM Checklist
Still stuck?
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