2026-03-22
Operators running our fibre laser marking bays at the coast now need to update their lens cleaning routines to counter salt air and humidity. Consistent wipe-downs keep mark quality sharp between scheduled maintenance.
Workshops in Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha see faster build-up of haze and residue on fibre laser marker lenses due to salt air, humidity and fine airborne grit. These conditions are far harsher than inland sites, especially in winter or after coastal rain.
Left unchecked, this grime reduces mark quality on metals, acrylic and plastics. Fuzzy or uneven marks can show up before the week is out, even if the lens was wiped down at the start of the shift. Mild steel racks and open windows can add to the salt and dust load.
We recommend all coastal bay operators add a lens wipe with a microfibre cloth at the end of every shift as well as at morning start-up. For sites seeing morning condensation or extra humidity, a midday check is wise.
Keep spare clean cloths sealed in a bag to avoid picking up grit or salt from the air. Never use old rags, paper towel or solvent wipes, as these can scratch the lens or damage coatings.
Each lens clean should be logged on your job sheets to track cleaning frequency and spot changes in mark quality. This helps with operator accountability and makes it easier to troubleshoot if mark sharpness drops.
Regular cleaning does not replace scheduled filter checks or full bay maintenance, but it prevents everyday coastal grime from becoming a bigger issue over time. Prompt action means less downtime and steadier mark clarity for all batches.
