Sapphire is an exceptional choice for a range of applications in medical, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace industries, among others. Swiss Jewel supplies stock and custom sapphire windows that withstand high-temperature environments while maintaining their transparency and purity better than other materials.
While sapphire windows are durable and wear-resistant in harsh environments, they must still be handled delicately and cleaned appropriately. Improper cleaning may lead to contamination and scratches. Review the steps below the next time you need to clean your sapphire windows.
Considerations Before You Begin
Whether or not your sapphire windows are coated can impact your cleaning process. Your windows may have an anti-reflective coating, high-reflective coating, or another custom coating that improves optical performance. Coated windows are a bit more fragile, and this should be kept in mind while handling and cleaning.
Another consideration is your cleaning environment. Ideally, the room should be clean, spacious, and well-lit so you can clearly see your work.
Materials You’ll Need
Make sure you have the following materials prepared:
- Solvent made of distilled water, acetone, or another industry-approved reagent solution
- Lens tissue or swab
- A can of compressed air
- Gloves when handling the windows
5 Steps for Cleaning Your Sapphire Windows
- Prepare for cleaning.
Ensure your environment is sterile, check that you have all of your materials ready to use, and put on your powder-free gloves.
- Remove dust with compressed air.
Using your compressed air, blow any top dust away from the sapphire window. This step removes any large particles prior to wiping the window.
- Prepare solvent.
Wet your lens tissue with the solvent. A couple of drops is plenty; the lens tissue should never be soaked with solvent.
- Wipe the sapphire window surface.
Carefully, press the lens tissue against the window surface and move from one end to the other.
- Repeat as needed.
For especially stained windows, you may need to repeat these steps. Always use a fresh lens tissue and solvent when cleaning again.
Do’s and Don’ts When Cleaning Sapphire Windows
This delicate cleaning process can be executed effectively by following the correct steps and applying these key tips:
Do always wear gloves. The windows (and any other components you handle) should be kept sterile, and fingerprints can create smudges and potentially damage the component.
Don’t skip the step of removing the top layer of dust by blowing compressed air. This eliminates any large particles that, if left behind, could scratch the window’s surface under a lens tissue.
Do change lens tissues or swabs after use. Never use a tissue or swab twice as that can spread dust back onto the surface.
Don’t clean your sapphire window if it doesn’t need cleaning. Only put your windows through the cleaning process if there is dirt or dust present. Unnecessary cleaning can raise the risk of damage.
Do allow the sapphire windows to air dry after cleaning. Ensure they dry fully before returning them to their machine or application.
Don’t wipe hastily when cleaning with the lens tissue. Apply just enough pressure when wiping, and work slowly throughout the process.
Contact Swiss Jewel
The team at Swiss Jewel is dedicated to providing customers with precise, top-grade components that uniquely fit their needs. For questions about cleaning your Swiss Jewel sapphire windows, contact us today.