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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    683

    Cleaning Linear Glass Scales

    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

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24216

    Re: Cleaning Linear Glass Scales

    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.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    683

    Re: Cleaning Linear Glass Scales

    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.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Posts
    47

    Re: Cleaning Linear Glass Scales

    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.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    110

    Re: Cleaning Linear Glass Scales

    Quote Originally Posted by genixia View Post
    Glass is pretty impervious to most chemicals, so it's a case of getting gunk and grease off without scratching or breaking it. l.
    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.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24216

    Re: Cleaning Linear Glass Scales

    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.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Posts
    50

    Re: Cleaning Linear Glass Scales

    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.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Posts
    170

    Re: Cleaning Linear Glass Scales

    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.

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