Cleaning the Laser Head and Optics: MIRA

Applies to: MIRA 5, MIRA 7 and MIRA 9

This guide shows how to clean the autofocus sensor, lens, nose cone, mirrors and camera on a MIRA. A clean lens and clean mirrors are the key to maximum beam transmission.

How often you clean depends on how much you use the machine and what you work with. Some materials produce more smoke and dust than others and call for more frequent cleaning.

Cleaning schedule

What you need

• Camera dust blower
• Lens brush
• Cotton swabs
• 90% isopropyl alcohol
• Microfiber lens cloth
• 1” blue painter’s tape
• Allen key set

Autofocus sensor

1. Blow air into the autofocus sensor with the camera dust blower to clear away debris.

2. Carefully clean the autofocus sensor with a cotton swab soaked in 90% isopropyl alcohol.

Lens

Access the lens

1. Place something flat under the laser head, on the honeycomb or blades, so the screws cannot fall into the machine.

   

2. Using a 2.5 mm Allen key, remove the two M3 Allen bolts and lock washers that hold the autofocus pin and lens cartridge holder to the laser head.

   

3. Carefully rest the autofocus sensor on the gantry, safely out of the way, and slide out the lens holder cartridge.

   

   

Clean the lens

1. Blow on the lens with the camera dust blower to remove debris.

2. Dust the lens with a lens brush.

3. Wipe the lens with a lens cleaner in a sweeping motion from left to right.

Replace the lens

Replace the lens if it is foggy or cracked, or if you see scratches, chips or discoloration.

1. Using a 1.5 mm Allen key, remove the two Allen bolts and plastic washers that hold the lens in the lens cartridge.

2. Remove the lens and set it aside.

3. Fit the new lens, taking care not to leave fingerprints.

4. Refit the 2 Allen bolts and plastic washers. Do not overtighten them.

Nose cone

1. Clean the exterior of the nose cone with a cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

2. Check that it is screwed on tightly.

3. If you are not getting a clean, circular red dot, unscrew the nose cone and clean the inside with alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

Mirror 3

Access Mirror 3

1. Using a 1.5 mm Allen key, remove the two M1.65 Allen bolts that hold the mirror in place.

   

2. Using a piece of painter’s tape, lift off the Mirror 3 boomerang, the retainer that holds Mirror 3 in place.

   

3. Using a new piece of painter’s tape, lift out Mirror 3.

   

Clean Mirror 3

1. Blow on the mirror with the camera dust blower to remove debris.

2. Dust the mirror with a lens brush.

3. Wipe the mirror with a lens cleaner in a sweeping motion from left to right.

Replace Mirror 3 and reassemble

Replace the mirror if it has any scratches, chips or discoloration.

1. Using the painter’s tape that holds Mirror 3, gently place the mirror back on the laser head and carefully remove the tape.

2. Put the boomerang back over Mirror 3.

3. Gently screw in the M1.65 Allen bolts. Do not overtighten them, which can crack the mirror.

4. Carefully screw the nose cone back into place.

5. Refit the lens cartridge.

6. Refit the focus pin. Keep its wire out of the way by wrapping it loosely around the Mirror 3 focus knobs.

7. Screw the M3 bolts back into place.

Mirror 2

1. Leave Mirror 2 in place. Puff air onto the mirror with the air blower and dust it lightly with a lens brush to remove debris.

2. Wipe the mirror with a lens cleaner in a sweeping motion from left to right.

3. Do not push too hard as you clean, or you may need to realign the mirrors.

You should not need to replace Mirror 2. If it has scratches, chips or discoloration and needs replacing, contact support first.

Mirror 1

You should not need to replace Mirror 1. If you think it needs replacing, contact support first.

Camera

1. Blow air on the camera lens with the camera dust blower to clear away debris.

2. Carefully clean the camera lens with a cotton swab soaked in 90% isopropyl alcohol.