How to clean laser lenses?

[919jack]

New to LPF and lasers (or at least nice ones ). I did search the forum and found some info about cleaning, but there were some differing opinions and I didn't find any info about different types of lenses. I will try to summarize what I found.

To clean dust: use compressed air and a brush (natural brush?).

To clean smudges: use Q-tip and purest alcohol.

An ounce of prevention: keep that dustcap on.


Does this sound right? Would cleaning methods change based on lens type (e.g. glass vs. acrylic)?
Thanks!

 

[ElektroFreak]

^Yup.. That's exactly right. The methods are the same no matter what mterial the lens is made of, except I'd watch how much pressure you put on the acrylic lenses. Enough pressure can make cotton act like steel wool on plastic.

 

[919jack]

^Yup.. That's exactly right. The methods are the same no matter what mterial the lens is made of, except I'd watch how much pressure you put on the acrylic lenses. Enough pressure can make cotton act like steel wool on plastic.

Thanks for the reply and the warning.

 

[MrViper82]

to rid of dust and such you generally don't need more than compressed air. For very dirty lens, like smudges, I'd use a professional lens cleaning brush used to clean camera lenses. They can be picked up at almost any camera shop for just a few bucks. In my opinion, this is the only sure way to avoid accidentally scratching the lens.

 

[SuicideKing]

My tip isn't about cleaning the lens, but about how not to totally ruin one.

Do NOT use any type of "super glue" or cyanoacrylate based aheasives, like superglue or Loktite in your project or anywhere near the lens.

These glues "fume" as they cure and if an acrylic lens is anywhere near them, the outgassing ethyl chemicales will attack the lens plastic, permanently fogging them.

The residue or etch or whatever it is, makes the lens look like it's fogged up, but no amount of cleaning the lens will get rid of it. -Yes, I learned this the hard way.

 

[DIE4DIODE]

Hi guys, i have a hallo around my laser dot at about 1meter.do you think this is due to dirt or something else? hope i didnt high jack the thread Thanks

 

[ElektroFreak]

^Depends on the type of laser. Give a complete description or photo of the laser and I'll attempt to help you make a determination..

 

[xJumper]

My tip isn't about cleaning the lens, but about how not to totally ruin one.

Do NOT use any type of "super glue" or cyanoacrylate based aheasives, like superglue or Loktite in your project or anywhere near the lens.

These glues "fume" as they cure and if an acrylic lens is anywhere near them, the outgassing ethyl chemicales will attack the lens plastic, permanently fogging them.

The residue or etch or whatever it is, makes the lens look like it's fogged up, but no amount of cleaning the lens will get rid of it.  -Yes, I learned this the hard way.

I can back this up! Used Locktite medium strength on a threads of a projector lens once... Bad idea.

 

[mariner7]

I can tell you I would avoid using alcohol unless it's a glass lens. Alcohol tends to make plastic lenses foggy.

 

[919jack]

So, no alcohol with (or "super" glues on or near) plastic lenses.

How would you clean a smudged plastic lens? I don't have a smudge yet, and I am careful, but I'd like some opinions on what to do in case...

thanks all

 

[Kenom]

There is a great review in the review section on a great product called a lenspen. Check it out.

 

[SuicideKing]

So, no alcohol with (or "super" glues on or near) plastic lenses.  

How would you clean a smudged plastic lens?  I don't have a smudge yet, and I am careful, but I'd like some opinions on what to do in case...

thanks all

Well, I assume an acrylic lens is an acrylic lens regardless of it's size.
I'd look up what they use to clean eyeglasses with plastic/acrylic lenses...