Inspecting and Cleaning Nova Series Optics

Preface: This article covers how to clean your optics on your Thunder Nova Series Laser

Lenses Explained

Quick Start Video:

(Video Credit: Robert Kofoed of Computer Creationz)

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Complete Guide:

Before you Begin:

      Cleaning your optics can help keep your machine operating at peak and consistent performance. Dirty optics and lead to poor performance and failures. As you use your machine, you will need to gauge how often you will need to clean. It will depend on the dust load that you create. The optics are worth checking every day, especially the Focal Lens, Mirror 2 and Mirror 3.

Optics Locations:

Cleaning Supplies:

Depending on when you received your machine, your included supplies may be different. Some of the images below have links to purchase as an example. 

Cleaning Swabs	Dust Free Cloth
Cleaning Solution	IPA
3rd Party Lens wipes	Blowing Ball

Just say no to anything PAPER like paper towels and not your T-shirt

Cleaning Schedule:

Adjust to suit the dust load you create in your machine.

DAILY CHECK LIST

☑ Focus lens, Mirror 2 and Mirror 3

WEEKLY CHECK LIST

☑ Mirrors (all)

☑ Beam Combiner (rear of machine)

☑ Nova 35-80w Reci Tube Dust Cover (rear of machine)

Steps to Clean your Optics:

Focal Lens:

1. Remove Lens Tube from Laser Head	2. Dissasemble Lens Tube
3. Use Lens Removal tool to remove lens	4. Clean Lens, Assemble in reverse

Note: The direction of focus lens mounting please refer to below picture Dome UP, away from the honeycomb：

Mirror 1:

1. Locate Mirror 1 in back of machine	2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe

Mirror 2:

1. Locate Mirror 2 on Left Side of machine	2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe

Mirror 3:

1. Locate Mirror 3 on the Laser Head	2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe

Beam Combiner:

1. Locate Beam Combiner 2 in back of machine	2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe

Reci Dust Cover:

1. Locate Reci Dust Cover  in back of machine	2. Clean with solution, cloth, swab or wipe

Reference Articles:

Nova Series Included Parts

Common Focus Lens Failure & ZnSe Info

Preventative Maintenance Checklist - PM Checklist

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