Degration of the gear head(s) of the stage causes large backlash and makes stage positioning inaccurate. Main problem is wear of the clutch part of the gear head unit. It can be fixed by yourself as the procedure below.

Types of JEOL gear head

There are two types of the JEOL stage gear head.

Step 1: Check backlash

Move gears by hands to check backlash. Gears should not have backlash. If gears have backlash, even small movement, the clutch part needs to be maintained.

Step 2: Remove the cover

Remove three screws and the cover.

Step 3: Disassemble

Remove three screws and disassemble the gear head.

Step 4: Cleaning

Clean up all parts using acseton with ultrasonic cleaner.

Step 5: Fix clutch (1)

Apply small amount of epoxy resin adhesive to the cluch pin.

Step 6: Fix clutch (2)

Insert the gear and remove it to put small amount of epoxy resin adhesive on the clutch slit. Then, wait.

Step 7: Adjust clutch

Insert and remove the gear to adjust movement of the clutch system.

Step 8: Assemble

Assemble the gear head unit, applying suitable grease.

Step 9: Check

Check movement of gears and the clutch.