Cleaning Process - Aerotech ABL9000 Series User Manual

Maintenance

4.2.2. Cleaning Process

It is recommended that all air bearing and encoder surfaces are cleaned often to prevent damage to the stage
or decreased performance. The entire stage should be blown with clean, dry, compressed air often to prevent
dust from building up in the linear motors, encoders, and air bearing surfaces. Due to the non-contact design,
these surfaces operate very close together, allowing dust to easily buildup and cause damage.
In order to clean the encoder strips, move the stage to one extreme corner of travel. Remove power to the
stage and carefully wipe the strips with a clean, lint-free cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Once the solvent
has all dried, restore power, move the stage to the opposite extreme corner of travel, and repeat the process.
In most cases, this will allow the entire encoder strip to be accessed for cleaning.
The cleaning process for the granite faces will differ depending on the type of cleaner purchased. Follow
instructions on the container for specific details. In order to access the entire length of the granite air bearing
surfaces, it will be necessary to move the stage. Begin with the stage at one extreme corner of travel and
remove power. Clean all accessible granite surfaces, and once the cleaner has dried, restore power and
move the stage to the opposite extreme corner of travel. This should expose all previously covered granite
surface. Repeat the cleaning process, and then restore power to the stage once all solvents have dried.
The process for cleaning magnet tracks, metal air bearing surfaces, and other parts of the stage is very sim-
ilar with the exception of the solvent used. In order to clean entire surfaces, it may be necessary to move the
stage to several different positions.
Figure 4-1:
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ABL/ABLH9000 Series Stage User's Manual
Air Bearing Surfaces and Encoder Scales Require Periodic Cleaning
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