Labomed Lx 500 User Manual - page 7
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Care & Maintenance
Your microscope has been engineered for a long and safe operational life with the least amount of maintenance
required. In general, routine maintenance is limited to keeping the microscopes working parts lubricated and optics
clean. Always cover the microscope with the provided dust cover when not in use.
Optical Cleaning:
1. The objectives have been adjusted for a tight fit to prevent any damage during transportation. To remove an
objective, rotate it counterclockwise while gripping it with a rubber sheet, etc. to avoid any slippage.
2. To clean the lens surfaces, remove dust using a soft brush or compressed air (cans available at your local
electronics store). For removing finger marks or grease, soft cleaning cloth or lens tissue lightly moistened with
cleaning solution (85% petroleum ether and 15% isopropanol) should be used. For cleaning the objective optics,
use Methanol. Observe sufficient caution in handling Methanol. Place the objectives and/or eyepieces on a
dust-
free surface (e.g. aluminum foil). All other optical components to be cleaned should be as accessible as possible.
3.. Blow all loose dust particles away with compressed air or mini dust blower.
4. Remove all water-soluble dirt with distilled water. If this is unsuccessful repeat using a solution of diluted hand
soap liquid. Remove any remaining residue with a dry cotton swab.
5. To remove oil, use a solution of diluted hand-soap liquid initially. If this does not produce a satisfactory result,
repeat the cleaning using a solvent (Optical Cleaning Solution 85% petroleum ether and 15% isopropanol).
6. Grease must always be removed using a solvent.
7. Cleaning is achieved by using a spiral motion from the center to the rim. Never wipe using zig-zag movements as
this will only spread the dirt. With larger optical surfaces (e.g. tube lenses) the spiral motion starts initially at the rim
before moving to the middle and is then followed by a center to rim cleaning motion. Normally several spiral wipes
are recommended.
We recommend pure, volatile petroleum ether or Optical Cleaning Solution as explained in point 3 above.
Wipe using a spiral movement. Do not use a zig-zag motion!
2.
Cleaning of painted surfaces :
Avoid the use of any organic solvent ( e.g. thinner, xylene, ether, alcohol etc.) for cleaning of painted surfaces of
the instrument. Painted surfaces can be cleaned with a very lightly moistened micro fiber cloth. Loose dust and
other dirt particles can be removed using a soft bristle brush used exclusively for this purpose.
zig-zag motion (X)
spiral motion ( )
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Lx 500