The maintenance of microscopes is important to ensure good working order, high accuracy and to prolong their lifespan.
Working and Environmental conditions can slowly degrade the optical and mechanical performance of a microscope to the extent that the end user will find it increasingly difficult to produce consistent results. Regularly scheduled service routines help pinpoint potential problems before they become too serious. This makes it more cost effective than waiting until there is a specific problem when major microscope repair work may be needed. We recommend that your microscopes are serviced at least once per year or more frequently if the instrument receives particularly heavy use.
We provide a friendly, conscientious and value for money service. We aim to respond to breakdowns within 3 working days. We have specialist electrical engineer and workshop facilities for more complex repairs that cannot be done on site or we need to take back to workshop for further analysis and/or order replacement parts in.
Typical Service Schedule
Microscope servicing and repairs cover the optical, mechanical and electrical components, a typical service will include the following schedule :
Viewing Head
Remove head assembly, inspect, check alignment, clean and re-assemble. Remove eyepieces, inspect, clean and re-assemble.
Objective Turret
Remove all objectives, inspect for lens contamination, clean and re-assemble to turret. Check turret rotation and alignment.
Stage
Where appropriate, remove stage and stage clip assembly. Check N – S and E – W mechanisms. Re-grease if necessary and re-assemble. Check stage clip tension. Clean stage platform and re-locate on main body.
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Condenser
Remove condenser. Check and clean lenses and filters. Check Iris diaphram. Clean and re-assemble. Check condenser alignment controls are working correctly.
Field Diaphram
Check field iris lens and diaphram for correct operation. Clean.
Light Source
Check that light source controls are working correctly and adjust alignment if necessary. Check for correct bulb fitting. Check transformer unit, if applicable, for correct operation.
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Main Chassis
Check that all fitments on main chassis are secured. Clean and lubricate parts where necessary. Check that fine/course controls are working correctly. Check that tension and stage locking controls are working correctly.
Final Settings
After completion of the above the following is carried out.
Where appropriate set microscope for koehler illumination
Check objectives against test slide for optimum numerical aperture.
Check and set eyepieces for par focal and graticule alignment where appropriate.
Check illumination and filter controls where appropriate.
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Attachments
In addition to the above, microscopes with the following attachments will have extra work carried out as specified.
Phase Contrast
Set and check all phase contrast objectives/condenser using phase telescope and test slide.
Polariser
Check polariser and analyser lenses for location and alignment.
Fluorescence
Check mercury bulb for hour’s usage and alignment. Set for optimum light penetration. Check fluorescent filter cartridge and other lenses in light train.
The above work will be carried out to comply with our quality standards. Additional work necessary as a result of damage, malfunction or repairs will be charged for over and above the contracted/quoted service price. The scope of service may change as a result of different types of microscopes i.e. metallurgical, operating, or stereo. However the above is intended as a general specification that covers most commonly used microscopes.
Please note: J B Microscopes Ltd are not responsible for the electrical safety or P.A.T. test on Microscope Equipment. It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that this is complied with.
