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Howdy everyone,
I have a disconnected set of Heidenhain glass scales, on a used Fadal CNC, that I want to use. They are filthy so need cleaned.
Has anyone attempted to clean glass scales? I have cleaned them on cheaper DROs and plotters but never this size.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks
I either use de-natured alcohol, or visit the nearest opticians, they have non-streak glass cleaner for spectacles, they will also supply the right type of lint free cloth.
You may also have to clean the scale grating attached to the moving head.
Al.
Thanks.
I will talk to a local optician. The glass scales aren't working now so it's not a huge issue if they break but it sure would be nice to use them and avoid backlash issues on a 20 year old machine. I'll let everyone know how it goes.
Glass is pretty impervious to most chemicals, so it's a case of getting gunk and grease off without scratching or breaking it. Window cleaners are often ammonia-based, but another good glass degreaser is acetic acid - ie white vinegar. You might already have a cloth - many flat panel TVs come with a lint-free microfiber cleaning cloth that would be ideal.
Glass is quite impervious but what about markings? One scale that i disassembled had some sort of metalic way markers - looked like vapour deposited and etched. It didn't looke like gold - no idea how it will react to chemicals.Quote:
Originally Posted by genixia
Most of the quality scales such as Heidenhain are photo etched, and do not erase when cleaned.
You would have to use some really abrasive compound to erase them.
Al.
We had a scale that was flooded with compressor oil from an overflowing air filter bowl. Purged the lines with alcohol and clean air then used a quick drying electrical contact spray on the scale and read head after an end of the scale housing was removed.
It's not the right way but it was quick and still works 18 months later.
I have used brake cleaner in the past simply because it was all I had and because of the straw on the aerosol can it is easy to get inside and then a quick blow off with compressed air.