Here we will clarify the terms: Cleaning, Service, and Repair

Cleaning:

• the removal of contamination (particulate, oils, grease, sample materials, immersion oil etc.) from the optical surfaces and light source components of the microscope.
• An important aspect is that the cleaning of a coated optical surface damages it. Proper cleaning using appropriate materials and techniques minimizes this damage. Improper materials or technique can seriously damage the optical coating.*
  • Please never use Kimwipes, Kleenex, or your shirt sleeve to clean any microscope optics.
• General equipment inventory & assessment – annotated
• Assembly & Functional assessment – annotated
• Disassembly & Cleaning – likely includes de-greasing
• Lubrication & Reassembly
• Final operational assessment

Service:

Is needed when any of the adjustments on the microscope are stiff or loose

• disassembly of the component
  • Coarse Focus
  • Fine Focus
  • Condenser Adjustment
  • Mechanical Stage
  • ‘Head’ rotation
  • Nose-piece rotation
  • Filter slide mechanisms
• cleaning of the component, removing plasticized (old) lubricants
• Lubrication – with the proper lubricant.
• Reassembly and adjustment.

Repair

When a part of the microscope has failed or is misshapen due to wear or abuse.

This part will be refurbished if possible, or replaced.

Note: * Cleaning of some optical surfaces, is on rare occasion, not necessary. As optical surfaces are delicate, minimizing work on them will lead to longer life of said optics. If the work is not necessary – obviously you will not be billed for it.