Tips on Maintenance and Care of a Metallurgical Microscope
Although a metallurgical microscope isn’t as expensive as a powerful electron microscope, it’s still a costly piece of equipment and deserves every bit of care from you. Don’t worry though because maintenance procedures of a metallurgical microscope are quite simple to remember and follow.
Tips on Maintenance and Care of a Metallurgical Microscope
Be aware the term “maintenance” involves taking the necessary steps for both prevention and care when using your metallurgical microscope. Thus, the process of maintaining a microscope begins from preparation, includes actual use, and ends with proper storage of the unit.
Tip #1 Never work in inappropriate surroundings. Metallurgical microscopes are expensive and that’s why you need to observe all possible preventive measures when using it. This includes finding the right work area. Never set your microscope at any uneven and shaky surface. Never set it on the edge of a table or anything above ground. And lastly, make sure wires are properly kept flat on the ground and away from high-traffic areas.
Tip #2 Always check if your metallurgical microscope is at low power before switching it on. Unless you’re using an inverted metallurgical microscope, starting at high power puts your sample at risk of getting into contact with the objective. This could present double trouble if both your objectives and sample are rare and expensive.
Tip #3 When moving a metallurgical microscope, make sure that you support the base with one hand while another holds its arm. Keep a good grip and do your best to avoid making any move that could jar the microscope.
Tip #4 Never clean a metallurgical microscope while it’s still switched on. It could cause damage to the microscope and endanger your safety as well. Better yet, unplug the microscope before you start cleaning.
Tip #5 Invest in a quality microscope cleaning and maintenance kit. Many cleaning supplies are inappropriate to use for cleaning a microscope because of the fragility of some of its components. A typical kit would consist of sets of screwdrivers, wrenches, a hand blower, forceps, camel’s hair brush, cotton swabs, lens cleaning paper and solution, disposable paper wipes, lithium grease, and microscope cleaning and maintenance instructions.
Tip #6 Use a camel brush or something with equally soft and fine hair to clean off the dust from your metallurgical microscope. A pressurized air cleaner will also do. In either case, double check to ensure that the microscope is completely dust-free before returning the microscope to its storage place.
Tip #7 The objective lenses of your metallurgical microscope are the hardest to clean. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove a lens piece one by one from the microscope.
If possible, use a cleaning solution specially designed for microscope lenses. If this isn’t possible, use either isopropyl alcohol or an alcohol-ether solution. Use cotton swabs dipped in the specified cleaning solution to clean the lenses. Avoid exerting any amount of pressure when cleaning them.
To clean an objective lens, use a circular pattern starting from the center and working outside. Use another cotton swab if another cleaning is necessary. Besides cleaning off smudges and fingerprints, make sure to remove excess oil that has gathered on your objective lenses as well. Use specially designed lens cleaning towels or papers for a final sweep.
Tip #8 Use water for cleaning your metallurgical microscope if it has plastic components. Other than that, water could seep through your microscope and damage its system or cause irreversible marks to your microscope’s objective lenses or eyepieces.
Tip #9 After dusting out the metallurgical microscope and cleaning its lenses, use a slightly wet non-abrasive cloth or towel dipped in detergent to clean the entire body of the microscope.
Tip #10 Make sure that the metallurgical microscope has dried off completely – from its objective lenses and right down to its base – before using it again.
Tip #11 Store your metallurgical microscope in any cabinet or area that is of room temperature and free from dust. If possible, return to its original packaging for better protection.
Tip #12 If you notice any part of your metallurgical microscope malfunctioning, don’t attempt to repair it by yourself unless you truly have working experience repairing electronic instruments.
Tip #13 Post a list of maintenance tips right next to your work place.
In the end, if you don’t completely trust yourself with cleaning and maintaining your metallurgical microscope then consider having a professional maintain it for you. Monthly service fees are no doubt more affordable than risking having any part of your metallurgical microscope broken and replaced.
