What are some ways to clean high precision optical lenses?

"Compressed air cleaning method" - even if the lens is carefully handled, it is difficult to avoid the pollution of dust particles. These should first be removed with compressed air, for example through a bellows or from the tank. Then check the lens again to see if the cleaning has been successful.

"Drag and drop method" - This method is used if the unmounted high-precision optical lens has only slight impurities. It requires lens Wipes, such as Kimtech Science Precision Wipes or Texwipe MiracleWipe, as well as a glass cleaning solvent. Depending on the chemical resistance of the lens and coating, this solvent consists of acetone or a mixture of acetone and methanol. The addition of methanol slows down the evaporation of solvent, thus improving the cleaning effect.

When lowering and dragging the lens, place it on a clean, dust-free surface, such as on new optical cleaning paper. The second is placed on the lens and moistened with a few drops of cleaning solution. Pull the paper towel over the lens until it dries. Repeat this process until the dirt is completely removed. Always use clean, fresh cleaning tissues.

"Brush cleaning" - Fold the optical paper so that the fold covers the entire lens surface. Be careful not to touch the paper towel in the fold. Hold it with a pair of tweezers parallel to the fold, then soak it in a cleaning solvent. Avoid wetting the cloth too much. If necessary, shake off excess cleaning solvent. Grab the lens by the edge of the cylinder and press the crease directly onto the lens surface. Use special cleaning swabs, such as Texwipe TX 761 and TX 714A, especially for small, high-precision optical lenses.

"Clean paper cleaning method" - This method is used if the above techniques are not successful. Follow the instructions in the brush technique to fold the cleaning paper and soak it in the cleaner. Hold the paper towel between your fingers and use moderate pressure to slowly move the crease onto the lens surface.

"Immersion method" - sensitive optical elements that do not allow mechanical cleaning are placed in a cleaning solvent. Then rinse with fresh solution and dry with compressed air to prevent lens surface residue. Another option is to use an ultrasonic bath, which is also suitable for cleaning larger series or very heavy dirt.