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Fiber Connector Inspection and Cleaning Guide

It is imperative that the fiber connector is checked for dust, dirt, or damage every time it is connected to any optical device, before use. The use of a dirty or damaged fiber connector can result in serious injury and/or laser damage. Maxphotonics is not responsible for any damage due to contaminated connectors.

For cleaning a fiber connector, you need the following materials:

Powder-free rubber gloves or fingerstall
Lint-free optical cleaning wipes and/or swabs
Anhydrous ethanol (Optical level, pure >99.5%)
Acetone (Optical level, pure >99.5%)
Compressed air (oil-free, water-free)
Microscope
Light source

IMPORTANT
It is imperative that you wear powder-free rubber gloves during this cleaning procedure! It is hereby stated that damage to the fiber connector can occur due to mishandling, the use of incorrect cleaning procedures, or chemicals for cleaning. This is not covered by the warranty. Anhydrous ethanol and acetone should be managed and stored according to local laws and instructions.

Operating Procedures
Clean and maintain the fiber laser according to the following procedures:

1. Switch off the laser power, and place the key switch on position of "OFF"
2. Remove the black outer protective sleeve and leave the white inner cap on and clean the fiber connector exterior with optical cleaner, wipe it with a clean optical wipe and dry it with compressed air;
3. Place fiber connector in the holder of the microscope; (7-1)
4. Remove the protective inner cap from the connector; (7-2)
5. Focus the microscope onto the connector surface;
6. Use a light source to illuminate the face of the fiber connector so that the light is reflected off the surface of the endface. This is achieved if you see a bright golden shine from the QBH connector endface.
7. Inspect the endface surface carefully. Contamination will lead to dark spots/burns on the surface and possibly damage to the fiber and/or laser. If contamination is visible on the endface, cleaning is necessary.
8. Take out the cap and sleeve, then connect the fiber connector with the cutting head quickly and fasten them. (Place the cap face down on a clean surface or a lint-free wipe.)

7-3 Cleaning protective lens with swabs

IMPORTANT:
- Do not reuse a lint-free optical wipe or swab.
- Do not touch the protective lens of the fiber connector.
- Do not blow directly, or else new dirt will be brought.
- Do not touch the tip of the cleaning swab with your fingers.
- Cleaning is necessary before placing the protective cover and sleeve.
- Never blow air directly at the surface because you could embed contaminants into the surface. Always blow across the surface!
- If the fiber connector could not be installed in the optical system immediately, please cover it with the protective cap cleaned with compressed air.

CAUTION:
- It is hereby stated that damage to the fiber connector can occur due to mishandling, the use of incorrect cleaning procedures, or chemicals for cleaning. This is not covered by the warranty

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