Plate X Time Adjustments

The Plate X Time (PLXT) gives a good indication of how the plate positions under the
photometer during readings. Plate X Times between 17-23 seconds are within
specification. Adjustments are made by changing the compression on the wave washer
located at the end of the Plate X Actuator Lead Screw. To access the actuator, first
remove the X-Y cover from the machine.
There is a hole to access the Plate X Actuator pulleys on the right side of the plate, to the
left of the Plate Junction Board. There is a set screw underneath the black belt that joins
the Lead Screw pulley to the Plate X Motor pulley. Find the set screw by rotating the
pulley and pushing the black belt to the side with the 1/16” hex key from the ChemWell
Tool Kit.

The adjustment should be made in one motion; loosen the set screw, squeeze the pulley to
the actuator (left) and re-tighten the set screw. This will add tension to the wave washer
and slow the mechanism, resulting in higher PLXT values. Be careful not to over-
tighten the set screw since this can crack the plastic pulley and disable the
mechanism completely. This is a very small area to work in, so be patient. It is
necessary to get a finger on the pulley in order to provide the force necessary to compress
the washer sufficiently.
 To increase the speed of the mechanism (lower PLXT values), release some of the
tension off of the wave washer. This can sometimes be done by loosening the set screw
and using the hex key to slightly wiggle the pulley so there is not as much tension on the
wave washer. Adjusting this mechanism is tedious and may take several attempts to get
within specification. Try to adjust the mechanism so the PLXT is 17-23 seconds.