Recoat System Maintenance; Recoat Leds; Empty The Manual Injection System; Flush The Manual Remote Injection System - THORLABS vytran PTR406 User Manual

Fiber Recoaters with Linear Proof Testers

11.3. Recoat System Maintenance

11.3.1. Recoat LEDs

If the recoat LEDs need to be replaced, contact Thorlabs for service.

11.3.2. Empty the Manual Injection System

If the recoat mold assembly is stored for any length of time, the acrylate injector port must be emptied, particularly
if it is stored near a fluorescent light source. If it is stored when not empty, the material may cure (harden) in the
port. To empty the injector, open the recoat mold top. Turn the injection plunger clockwise to force the UV acrylate
material out of the injection port and onto the recoat mold plate. Wipe up the acrylate as it is ejected with a soft lint-
free cloth. Clean the mold thoroughly and store with several layers of soft lens tissue between the plates.

11.3.3. Flush the Manual Remote Injection System

The recoat pumping system should be flushed clean every 6 months as part of the recoat material replacement
procedure. Before flushing the system, make sure to have lens tissue and cleaning solution (acetone or alcohol)
available prior to proceeding. To flush the system:
1. Raise the Recoater top.
2. Position the selection lever to the Inject position (lever horizontal).
3. Screw in (turn clockwise) the knurled syringe screw until a slight resistance is felt at the end of travel. Do
not use excessive force when turning in the screw once the end of travel is reached. The end of travel point
is reached when the leading edge of the syringe screw is approximately level with the step in the syringe
body.
Note: Make sure to collect the recoat material as it comes out of the injection port. Do not allow recoat
material to run down the face of the mold and under the mold plate.
4. Replace the recoat bottle with one containing clean solvent.
5. Turn the selection lever to the Fill position (lever down).
6. Unscrew (turn counterclockwise) the knurled syringe screw to draw the solvent from the bottle into the
syringe. Continue unscrewing the syringe screw approximately 3/4" or until it is felt to spin freely.
Note: Do not pull on the syringe screw once the end of travel is reached; this will pull the plunger out from
the syringe body.
7. Turn the selection lever to the Inject position (lever horizontal) and screw in (turn clockwise) the syringe
screw until the inject end of travel point is reached.
Note: If the syringe screw was fully unscrewed until it spun freely, a slight forward pressure may initially
be required to re-catch the threads.
8. Watch the injection port for signs of solvent.
9. The above steps of filling and injecting the syringe must be repeated several times to fully displace recoat
material from the system. Repeat until clean solvent flows from the injection port.
10. Clean the mold plates of all excess solvent and recoat material. Acrylate should be disposed of with solid
chemical waste.
11. Remove the bottle containing the solvent and dispose of the solvent according to proper handling
guidelines.
12. Repeat step 5-7 with no bottle present to purge any solvent from the injection system.
13. Prime the system by following the instructions in Chapter 6.
Rev A, September 14, 2020
Chapter 11: Maintenance
Page 41