Understanding the Bubble Materials and Characteristics, and how to clean the camera bubbles across Bosch models?

Question

Understanding the Bubble Materials and Characteristics, and how to clean the camera bubbles across Bosch models?

Answer

Understanding the Bubble Materials and Characteristics:

Bosch cameras utilize various materials for their bubbles, including acrylic, polycarbonate, and nylon. Each material has distinct characteristics:

• Acrylic: Offers high optical clarity and is resistant to yellowing over time. However, it is less impact-resistant than polycarbonate. Acrylic bubbles are commonly used in high-resolution applications where image clarity is top priority.

• Polycarbonate: Known for its high impact resistance, polycarbonate is more durable but softer compared to acrylic. Its optical clarity is comparable to glass or acrylic, although its surface is much softer. Special care is required when handling and cleaning to avoid scratching.

• Nylon: Used in IK10-rated bubbles, nylon provides both impact resistance and HD image resolution.

To determine the material of your camera's bubble, refer to the product specifications or consult directly the datasheets on this link.

General Bubble Handling and Cleaning:

• Handling
  The bubbles are packaged with a protective plastic sheet. It is recommended that the bubble remain stored this way until it is ready for installation. Please limit handling the bubble, as any scratches can quickly affect visibility.

• Cleaning
  If cleaning the bubble is required, use the following procedures and comply with all the recommendations and warnings listed below.

Recommended Supplies for Cleaning:

Note: Not all paper towels are created the same, some have particles that can scratch bubbles.

• Recommend using the Viva paper towel brand.

• NOVUS No. 1 Plastic Clean & Shine (available at https://www.novuspolish.com/plastic_clean_shine.html )

To avoid permanently damaging the bubble:

• Do not use abrasive or highly alkaline cleaners on the bubble.

• Do not use Benzene, Gasoline, Acetone, or Carbon Tetrachloride on the bubble.

• Do not clean bubbles in the on very hot or sunny days.

Step-by-Step guide to clean the bubble:

• Disassembly of the camera.

  • Disconnect the power to the camera.

  • Remove the camera from its mount and place it on a flat surface, make sure the base is on the flat surface and the bubble is pointing up to prevent scratching the bubble.

  • Remove the bubble from the camera.

• Initial bubble inspection.

  • Hold the bubble up to a ceiling light and look through the bubble.

  • Note any smudges, debris, or other substances on the inner and outer bubble surfaces.

• Cleaning the Bubble Exterior - The exterior of the bubble is hard coated for extra protection.

  • Use fresh water on excessive dirt/sand/debris to prevent large particles from scratching the bubble during cleaning.

  • Clean the bubble surfaces using NOVUS No. 1 Plastic Clean & Shine and a clean soft paper towel/soft cloth.

    • Never scrub the bubble with any abrasive material or cleaners.

    • Spray the cleaning solution onto the paper towel first, then gently wipe the bubble with the wet paper towel.

  • When the bubble is clean, dry thoroughly with a new dry paper towel to prevent water spots.

• Cleaning the Bubble Interior - The extremely soft interior surface should not be cleaned by rubbing or dusting with a cloth.

  • Start by using clean dry compressed air, preferably from a spray can. This will remove any dust from the interior surface.

    • If this is all that is needed then do not continue to avoid damaging the soft interior surface.

  • If the bubble is still dirty

    • Get a new clean paper towel.

    • Spray the cleaning solution onto the paper towel first, then begin cleaning the bubble interior from the bottom-most part and clean toward the outside edge.

    • Use a new dry paper towel to wipe the inside of the bubble again to ensure that no moisture is left.

    • Dry the entire bubble, inside and out.

• Final bubble inspection:

  • Hold the bubble up to the ceiling light again and look through the bubble. Check that any smudges, debris, or other substances on the inner and outer bubble surfaces have been removed. Clean again if necessary.

• Reassembly.

  • Assemble the bubble back to the camera without touching the bubble.

    • Check for fingerprints one last time, do a quick clean if necessary.

  • Apply power to the camera.