Axis position tester (commonly used for axis position detection of optical lenses (such as eye lenses, contact lenses), or axis positioning calibration of mechanical parts, etc. The following is a list of usage precautions based on the optical lens axis position tester as the core, combined with general operating specifications):
1、 Before use: Prepare to adapt to the environment
Equipment status check
Before starting up, confirm that the power connection is stable and that the plug and cable are not damaged (to avoid the risk of short circuit or leakage); Check if the device body is placed smoothly, adjust the support feet to make the table level (axis measurement is sensitive to levelness, and tilting can easily cause optical positioning deviation).
Check if the optical components (such as lenses, stages, and positioning scales) are clean: If there is dust or fingerprints, use specialized lens paper or dust-free cloth to gently wipe them. It is strictly prohibited to directly wipe them with alcohol, water, or other liquids (to prevent damage to the optical coating); Confirm that the pointer, dial (mechanical model), or display screen (digital model) are free of any abnormalities such as lagging or flickering.
Environmental condition control
Avoid using in environments with strong light exposure (such as direct sunlight on a countertop) or drastic changes in light - strong light can interfere with the signal recognition of optical sensors, causing drift in axis readings; It is recommended to operate under soft indoor scattered light or specialized instrument lights.
Stay away from strong electromagnetic interference sources (such as high-power motors, welding machines, microwave ovens): The electronic components of digital axis testers are susceptible to interference, which may result in digital jumps and calibration failures; Although mechanical models have strong anti-interference ability, they also need to avoid vibration sources (such as machine tools and fans) to prevent pointer shaking from affecting readings.
Control environmental temperature and humidity: Optical instruments are suitable for use in environments with temperatures ranging from 15~25 ℃ and humidity levels of 40%~60%. High temperatures can cause thermal expansion and deformation of components, while high humidity may lead to fogging of lenses and rusting of metal parts.
2、 In operation: Standardized operation and sample processing
Sample placement and positioning specifications
When placing the lens (or tested part), handle it gently to avoid collision with the edge of the stage or the optical positioning pin (to prevent sample scratching or damage to the equipment positioning structure); Ensure that the center of the sample is aligned with the measurement reference axis of the instrument - if the lens is misaligned, it will directly cause axis measurement errors (such as aligning the optical center of the eyeglass lens with the cross reference line of the stage).
For samples with curves and irregular shapes (such as contact lenses and curved lenses), special fixtures should be used to fix them. It is forbidden to directly press the sample with hands for measurement (hand pressure can cause deformation of the sample, and fingerprint contamination can affect optical detection).
Calibration and Range Selection (Key Steps)
Calibration must be performed before each use: Use a standard calibration plate (such as a standard lens with a known axis position) for zero point and accuracy calibration - first place the calibration plate on the stage, press the "Calibration" button to let the instrument automatically recognize the reference value. If the reading deviates from the standard value beyond the allowable range (usually within ± 1 °), the mechanical knob (mechanical version) needs to be manually adjusted or calibrated through the menu (digital version). Uncalibrated instruments are strictly prohibited from being used for testing.
Choose the appropriate measurement mode based on the sample type: for example, when measuring myopia lenses, hyperopia lenses, and astigmatism lenses, switch to the corresponding mode. When measuring small-sized contact lenses, select the "micro sample" mode to avoid detection failure due to incorrect mode selection (such as misjudging the astigmatism axis as the spherical lens axis).
Readings and operational details
When reading mechanical models, the line of sight should be kept perpendicular to the pointer and dial (to avoid "parallax error" caused by strabismus); The digital version needs to wait for the display screen reading to stabilize before recording (usually 1-2 seconds to avoid instantaneous fluctuations), while paying attention to whether the unit is correct (the axis unit is mostly "degrees", some instruments can switch to "radians", which needs to be confirmed to be consistent with the requirements).
Frequent power switching or repeated pressing of function keys are prohibited during operation: frequent start stop may cause aging of the optical sensor, and repeated gear switching may lead to poor internal circuit contact.
If any abnormalities occur during the measurement (such as pointer jamming, digital jumping, error prompts), the power should be immediately turned off to check whether the sample is misaligned and whether the optical components are contaminated. It is forbidden to forcefully pry or disassemble the instrument (professional maintenance personnel should be contacted).
3、 After use: maintenance and storage
Instant cleaning and organization
After turning off the power, wipe the residual stains on the surface of the stage and lens with a dust-free cloth, remove the sample and store it properly; Organize cables to avoid loose interfaces caused by cable entanglement.
If a sample with oil stains or sweat has been measured (such as contact lenses worn by the user), a special cleaning agent (such as optical instrument cleaning agent) should be used to gently wipe the stage, and then dry it with a dry cloth to prevent residual stains from corroding the surface.
Long term maintenance and storage
Regularly (1-2 times a month) check the calibration status of the instrument: verify the accuracy with standard calibration pieces, and if the deviation exceeds the standard, recalibrate in a timely manner; Mechanical models need to regularly add a small amount of lubricating oil (special lightweight lubricating oil, avoiding the use of viscous grease such as engine oil) to movable parts such as knobs and rails to prevent jamming.
When not in use for a long time, the instrument should be placed in a dedicated dust cover and placed in a dry, ventilated, and vibration free environment, avoiding direct sunlight or near heat sources (such as heaters and ovens). At the same time, the power plug should be removed to prevent long-term standby and damage to the circuit.
Establish usage records: Record the date of each use, operator, calibration results, and abnormal situations for easy problem tracing and regular maintenance.
Safety and Compliance Precautions
Non professionals are prohibited from disassembling the instrument casing, which contains optical sensors, precision circuits, and other components. Unauthorized disassembly may result in permanent damage and pose a risk of electric shock.
If the instrument malfunctions (such as inability to turn on, serious reading deviation), it is necessary to contact the manufacturer's authorized repair station. Parts cannot be replaced by oneself (especially core components such as optical lenses and sensors, which may cause accuracy failure if they are not original parts).
In short, the core of the axis position tester is "precise positioning+standardized operation+regular maintenance", and all precautions revolve around "reducing errors, protecting equipment, and ensuring safety" - whether it is a mechanical or digital model, strictly following the operating procedures is the key to ensuring measurement accuracy and equipment life.