Instruction manual

Calibration, Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Warranty
Adjustment Screw Maintenance Procedure
Rev. B MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual 325
Adjustment screws are threaded into brass inserts, which are affixed to the scanner body with
epoxy. Although screws are not heavily lubricated, a light film of oil is applied to them at the
factory to prevent galling. This allows sufficient lubrication for fine adjustment, while minimizing
drift (i.e., loosening) between the screws and scanner body due to the slow displacement of
lubricant from screw threads.
Problems develop whenever screws become fouled with fine grit: screws may be difficult to turn
and/or exhibit any of the following symptoms:
• Eccentric, rotational “limp” (i.e., alternatively easy, then difficult to turn).
•Faint, crunching or grinding noises when rotated.
• Microscope cannot engage sample surface, i.e., motor is unable to rotate rear adjustment
screw.
If any of these conditions are noted, screws should be backed out and cleaned as described below.
Note: If screws are frozen (i.e., cannot be rotated), DO NOT attempt to force them!
Return the scanner body and screws to Veeco for repair.
The user should inspect screws at least every three months, more often if possible. It is a good
practice to check screws whenever the scanner body is removed by turning manually and feeling for
resistance. This is especially true of the rear, motor-actuated screw, which may be fouled without
the user’s notice.
Ball Bearing
Setscrew (applies
Plastic bushing
Brass threaded insert
Knob
Screw
(Scanner body)
Screw hole (on 3-screw models)
pressure to bushing)
(top)