OPTICS CLEANING KIT
Materials Required:
1. Lens tissue, a long fiber, low ash content type; having no chemical additives (Product #: KLT-5 (500 sheets) or KLT-1 (1000 sheets)).
2. Clean air duster (Product #: KAB-1).
3. Six large and six medium-sized, ultra clean optic handling gloves (Product #: KLG-12).
Order Product # KLC-1
This optics cleaning procedure will minimize scratches and provide an effective means for removal of dust and dirt films which may have contaminated an optical component.
Following these steps will develop good cleaning habits, which will contribute to a longer and more productive life for your optical components:
A. Before dismounting the optic to be cleaned, set aside a clean work area and put on gloves.
B. Dismount the optic. Holding it by its edges, inspect the surface to be cleaned by illuminating it with the high intensity light. The bright light will highlight dust particles and films to a greater degree than average room light.
C. With the clean air duster, blow the surface. This will dislodge loose particles.
D. Place the optic on a piece of clean lens tissue.
E. Take a single piece of lens tissue, holding it by the edges, and fold the length in halves until it is one inch wide. Next, fold the width in half. Dispense three to four drops of methanol on folded end. Place this wet portion of the lens tissue on the optic. With gentle pressure from your index finger from above the lens tissue, wipe it across the surface. Discard this piece of lens tissue, as reuse can cause recontamination of wiped surfaces.
F. Inspect the cleaned surface under a high intensity light.
G. Repeat steps E and F until surface is clean or it is determined the optic has permanent damage.
Some good practice tips:
• Reagent grade methanol is a high purity chemical. The dispensing container should be rinsed out with the methanol before filling. Never insert lens tissue, cotton swabs, fingers, etc., into the methanol. Always drip the methanol onto the material. This eliminates contamination of the methanol or its container.
• Lens tissue, when dry, is very abrasive to optical surfaces and will scratch them.
• Optical handling gloves are a very effective way to keep your skin oils off surfaces touched. Once they are on your fingers and have been washed, they are clean. As you handle materials, they will become contaminated. Be alert for this condition and wash or change them as required.
• Always hold optics by their edges.
• Once an optic is cleaned, install it or keep it covered. This will ensure that airborne particles will not have a chance to settle on the optic.
• Store your cleaning materials in a clean, covered area.