Maintenance Skills of Optical Microscopes
1. Routine Maintenance
(1) Moisture Prevention: Optical lenses are prone to mildew and fogging when damp. Mechanical parts tend to rust under humid conditions. Place 1~2 bags of silica gel desiccant inside the microscope storage case.
(2) Dust Prevention: Dust settling on optical components not only blocks light transmission but also forms large smudges after magnification by the optical system, impairing observation. Dust and grit entering mechanical parts will accelerate wear and cause jamming of moving components, which also brings serious risks. Always keep the microscope clean.
(3) Corrosion Prevention: Do not store the microscope together with corrosive chemical reagents such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and strong alkalis.
(4) Heat Prevention: Avoid thermal expansion and contraction which may cause lens de-bonding and detachment. Therefore, biological microscopes should be placed in a dry, cool, dust-free and non-corrosive environment. Wipe the instrument clean immediately after use, cover it with a breathable dust cover or put it inside the case. When idle, cover the microscope with a plastic cover and store it in a dry place for dust and mildew protection. Store objective lenses and eyepieces in a desiccator with desiccant.
2. Maintenance of the Mechanical System
Sliding parts: Apply neutral lubricating grease periodically. Cleaning of painted and plastic surfaces: Use mild detergent for stubborn stains; microfiber cloth is recommended. Plastic components: Clean with soft cloth dampened with water. Note: Do not use organic solvents (e.g. alcohol, thinners). They will corrode mechanical parts and paint and cause damage.
3. Maintenance of the Optical System
Lens Cleaning: Gently wipe the surfaces of eyepieces and objective lenses with clean soft silk cloth after use. Condenser lenses and mirrors only require simple wiping. For stubborn contaminants, use long-fiber degreasing cotton or fine soft cotton cloth slightly moistened with xylene or lens cleaning solution. Afterwards, wipe dry with clean fine silk cloth or blow dry with an air blower.
