-Some noise is customary when the laser stage is moving in the X-Y plane. A ringing sound of sorts.

-After extended use the noise gets louder and more like a squeak, suggesting a need for lubrication. Occurring once in 2011 and again in 2020.

-The stage is partially disassembled to lubricate moving threaded parts.

-A stage axis is moved by a stepper motor turning a long threaded drive screw that is screwed into the moving block. The threaded surfaces are the ones in need of lubrication. We used white (probably lithium) grease supplied in a convenient syringe by the manufacturer, Danaher Precision Systems. A long 2+ inch 18 gauge Luer-lock needle works well for putting grease where fingers can't reach.

-The X- and Y-axes assemblies appear to be in an integral unit, where warranty-voiding seals must be broken to disassemble further. NO SEALS ARE BROKEN in the process, yet.

-The X- and Y-axes have much finer threads than the separate Z-axis assembly which is for focusing.


-Disassembly is mostly straightforward except:

    -The lead counterweight is removed by first removing the outer rails that constrain its guide pins. Swing the weight outward and lift the weight off of the cables that hook through slots in the upper guide pins.

    -The Z-axis assembly can then be removed from its vertical mounting plate by moving the stage by hand upward to access the bottom bolt holes, then moving the stage downward to access the upper bolt holes.

    -The big baseplate and smaller baseplate directly on top have no need to be separated.

    -The X/Y-axis assembly can be removed from the smaller baseplate, as for the z-axis, by moving the X-axis to one side and then the other to access the mounting bolts beneath it.

-Application of grease entails moving a stage to one stop and applying grease to the threaded drive screw in the opening exposing the other stop. Move the stage to the opposite stop and repeat. Move each all the way to each stop, to ensure distribution of grease along the entire length. We did two cycles of this for each to ensure ample lubrication.

-Reinstalling the counterweights is cumbersome. Either find a second pair of hands to help out, or find two lab jacks and a piece of stout sheet metal as pictured in photos PC300180.JPG & PC300181.JPG.