FOM vectorSC | Vacuum chuck alignment

Introduction

For achieving high-quality coatings, it is essential to maintain the horizontality of the chuck. The FOM vectorSC comes with a pre-aligned chuck that can get tilted over time and requires realignment. In this tutorial, you will be guided through the process of realigning the chuck to ensure optimal coating quality.

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All items that you need

Parts

FOM vectorSC
Slot-die

Tools

Feeler gauge
Hex-key set

Step by step tutorial

Step 1

Location of Chuck

This tutorial will demonstrate how to adjust the level of parallelism of the chuck on FOM vectorSC.
It is adjusted around one pivot point as indicated in the image.
Real image and location of the chuck on a FOM vectorSC.

Step 2

Remove drip tray

First, remove the loose drip tray.
Remove the drip tray holder.
Unscrew the four bolts holding the drip tray holder.

Step 3

Adjustment screw

With the drip tray holder dismounted there is now access to the height adjustment screw.
The location is indicated with a red square.
Use a hex key to either raise or lower the end position.
Note: Clockwise rotation raises the drip tray end, and counterclockwise rotation lowers it.

Step 4

Go to Pivot point location

Go to the Protocol window in the software.
Find the Start position.
Change it to 79, and go to the start position.
The pivot point is now located under the slot-die position.

Step 5

zero slot-die height

If you do not know how to Zero the slot-die height, please check the tutorial: Slot-die alignment.
When the slot-die is aligned at the pivot point of the chuck, please zero the height.
Press and hold the lower right button, as indicated with a red square.

Step 6

Raise the slot-die head & go to load position

Start by raising the slot-die head to a safe position.
Move the chuck to Load position.
Slowly lower the slot-die head.
Note: If misaligned, the zero position is either too close or too far from the chuck compared with the pivot point. Thus, pay attention so you do not crash the slot-die into the chuck.

Step 7

Adjust HEIGHT at load position

If the slot-die is too high at the zero position, lower the chuck by turning the hex-key counterclockwise
If the slot-die is too low at zero position, or will crash into the chuck, raise the chuck by turning the hex key clockwise.
Do this a few times until you have reached a sufficient level of parallelism.