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Planar HD Series Stage User's Manual
Chapter 4: Maintenance
The Planar HD series stages are designed to be maintenance free positioning systems. Due to the non-con-
tact air bearing design, there are no friction surfaces or dynamic seals to wear or require lubrication. However,
it is important to clean the bearing surfaces and encoder strips to maintain the accuracy of the stage. This
chapter will detail the cleaning process and specify recommended cleaning solvents.
N O T E : The bearing area must be kept free of foreign matter and moisture; otherwise, the performance
and life expectancy of the stage will be reduced. See Section 2.3. for air requirements.
To minimize the possibility of bodily injury, confirm that all electrical power is disconnected
prior to making any mechanical adjustments.
4.1. Service and Inspection Schedule
Aerotech recommends that the Planar HD be inspected once per month until a trend develops for the specific
application and environment.
4.2. Cleaning and Lubrication
There are no elements on the Planar HD that require lubrication. Periodic cleaning to remove dust is rec-
ommended.
4.2.1. Recommended Cleaning Solvents
Before using a cleaning solvent on any part of the stage, it is recommended that clean, dry compressed air is
used to blow away small particles and dust. All encoder surfaces and magnet tracks should be cleaned with
isopropyl alcohol. Aluminum hardcoated metal surface may be cleaned with acetone. Acetone should not be
used on magnet tracks because it could break down the epoxy that holds the magnets in place.
Table 4-1:
Recommended Cleaning Solvents
Item
Encoders, Magnets
Hardcoded Aluminum
Do not the cleaning encoder scales with Acetone. Cleaning the encoder scales with Ace-
tone can result in permanent damage to the scale.
www.aerotech.com
Recommended Cleaner
Isopropyl Alcohol
Acetone
Chapter 4
Maintenance
25
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