Cleaning Your Optics

Remove Left Side Panel

To begin by the optics cleaning procedure, start by shutting off the laser and remove the power cord from the machine.

Remove the left side panel by removing the four Phillips head screws on the side of the machine and the two screws on the back of the machine.

Remove the left side panel by pulling it toward you.

The Epilog Mini and Helix’s optics system includes four mirrors, an optical window, and a lens. Near the back of the machine is the periscope housing that directs the laser beam from the laser tube to the top of the machine.

This contains a mirror at the bottom and at the top, as well as a window across from the top mirror where the beam exits the housing.

The beam then travels to the end of the x-axis assembly, where a third mirror directs it down the x-axis of the machine.

Finally, a fourth mirror directs the beam down toward the work area through the main lens, which focuses the beam for cutting and engraving.

Optics Cleaning Overview

The mirrors in the periscope housing are enclosed, and will likely require cleaning less often than the other components of the optics system. The other components are exposed to dust, smoke, and other debris and should be cleaned regularly as part of your routine maintenance.

Cleaning Lens Assembly Optics

Let’s start with the lens assembly.

Begin by applying lens cleaning fluid to a cotton swab.

Gently clean both sides of the lens with the cotton swab.

Then gently clean the mirror above the lens.

Next, gently clean the mirror at the end of the x-axis assembly.

Periscope Housing (Top) Optics Cleaning

For the outside of the window at the top of the periscope housing, gently clean it with the cleaning fluid cotton swab.

Next, let’s clean the components inside the periscope housing.

Remove the four corner Phillips head screws from the top mirror. Do not adjust the hex screws, as these are used to control laser beam alignment.

Next, remove the mirror. The periscope housing mirrors may be attached with an adhesive layer, and a tool like a flat-head screwdriver can be useful to help pry the mirrors away from the housing.

Clean the mirror with the cleaning fluid cotton swab.

While the inside of the periscope housing is accessible, use the cleaning fluid cotton swab to clean the inside of the window at the top of the housing.

Then reinsert the mirror, positioned so two of the hex screws are near the bottom and one is near the top. Reinsert the four Phillips head screws, loosely at first, tightening once everything is lined up.

Periscope Housing (Bottom) Optics Cleaning

Finally, remove the four corner Phillips head screws from the bottom mirror. Do not adjust the hex screws.

Remove the mirror and clean it with the cleaning fluid cotton swab.

Reinsert the mirror, positioned so two hex screws are near the bottom and one is near the top.

Reinsert the four Phillips head screws, loosely at first, tightening once everything is lined up.

Replace Side Panel

Reinstall the left side panel by reattaching the four screws on the side of the machine and the two screws on the back of the machine.

Now that you have finished the optics cleaning procedure, plug the machine in and turn it on.