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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

recommendations on scanner mirror replacing

Joined
Dec 28, 2014
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I was careless and broke off one scanner mirror. What is the suggested method of attaching a new mirror? Can I simply glue one on remnant or is it best to remove mirror down to shaft. Proper adhesive- silicone rubber? :thinking:
 





LSRFAQ

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Joined
May 8, 2009
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Two part, five minute epoxy. Do everything you can to remove the old mirror, so the new mirror seats in the slot in the shaft, if there is one. Don't use CA(superglue), don't use silicone. CA fumes react with organics on the mirror and decrease the reflectivity.

You'll need to make a small jig to hold the mirror straight, centered, and flat. The epoxy surface tension tends to shift the mirror when curing. I've done it without a jig, but it is best if the galvo body is horizontal and you have a small block to hold the mirror level.

A bit off center is allowed, but two much side to side error causes a differential inertia that can show up in graphics. The mark one Eyeball is an OK centering tool, but a ruler or caliper, is a better idea.

The usual technique is to quickly heat the shaft with a soldering iron to loosen the remaining "old" mirror. One needs to do this carefully to avoid boiling or decomposing the oil in the bearings.

Steve
 
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Joined
Dec 28, 2014
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Exactly what i needed to know! My new pair of mirrors arrives in about a week. looks like i should do both galvos to keep them operating exactly alike. Thanks for the advice on making a jig- I had only planned on a mild clothes pin clamp so i will follow your advice.
 
Joined
Apr 2, 2009
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wear gloves when handling mirrors- IF you are REAL REAL lucky you may not need to realign.-- don't be in a rush--DZ reglued one for me at SELEM w/o a jig-but very far from his first- he just turned it around and used what was left-(95%)-I got lucky.

TY Steve as usual--

hak
 
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Dec 28, 2014
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So far so good- removed excess glue on broken mirror- touched old mirror with soldering iron and it popped out cleanly. Split shaft- cleaned out slot. Sloppy fit- will need a tool to keep it level and straight to shaft. Cant wait to receive mirrors and proceed! Thanks for the great advice!:yh:
 
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Dec 28, 2014
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Thank you lsrfaq! Total success replacing both mirrors. Used epoxy, cleaned shaft, and turned and milled an alignment tool- made this easy to center and keep straight while epoxy hardened. Machined a cylinder, bored a hole very slightly oversized in center. Milled down to center minus 1/2 new mirror thickness. A little lecithin on tool as a release and its perfect! Laser is re-aligned and animating. THANK YOU!!!!!:wave:
 




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