The Importance of Annual Microscope Service

Microscopes are essential tools used every day in laboratories around the world.  The ongoing advances in both optical design and mechanical functionality have resulted in precise, easy-to-use microscopes.  To keep your microscope working properly, annual service and inspection are very important and highly recommended.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of both the optics and the mechanics of a microscope will keep the instrument properly aligned and functioning smoothly.  Microscope service should be performed only by a highly trained service technician with a comprehensive understanding of your microscope’s functionality.

The technician should be trained on how all components of the microscope work with one another.  A typical laboratory microscope is comprised of fourteen to twenty components or more, whereas a typical forensic comparison microscope may have over double that number of components, many of which are made up of several sub-components.

A routine service call should include cleaning and adjusting of all components as well as an inspection of each component to ensure that the microscope functions at its’ optimum level.  If one component is not aligned or adjusted properly, the function of the entire system will be in question.  Two examples are:

1. Aging Grease Issue:  As grease ages, it tends to harden.  Grease is used in microscopes to keep the gears that move the stage and focus unit both loose and moving smoothly.  Oftentimes, older grease will cause the stage to “stiffen” and reduce the fluidity of movement in the gears.  It is important to have a technician who understands this issue not only re-grease the gears but rather removes old grease and applies fresh grease to the microscope gears.
2. Condenser Issue:  If a condenser is not aligned properly, the user may notice that the image seen through the microscope appears refracted and has more contrast than it should, leading to a magnified image that is not accurately displayed. In addition, the microscope user may also see vignetting in the field of view.

When you schedule microscope service through Leeds Service Department, our service technicians will inspect, adjust and clean the following:

• Illumination system
• Electrical system
• Mechanical functions and adjustments
• Lubrication points
• Alignment of the optical path
• Internal and external glass optics
• All external surfaces

Suggestions to help to ensure that your microscope is working well:

• When not in use, make sure to cover your microscope with a dust cover to protect from dust and particles
• Use Leeds Lens Cleaner to help maintain a clean lens on your microscope
• Immersion Oil helps to maximize the amount of light produced by the image.  Immersion oil should be cleaned from lens and slide surfaces when observations are complete. Oil left on lens surfaces will eventually dry and be very difficult to remove
• Replacement bulbs can be purchased on Leeds website.  If you are unsure of what bulb you need for your microscope, please contact Leeds Service Department to discuss options.
• Schedule your annual service appointment with Leeds service department, 763-546-8575.

Leeds service is performed all over the United States as well as at our headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.  In addition, Leeds service department provides relocation services to our forensic system customers.

Leeds is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited for calibration.