Z-Drive Assembly

for the CETAC ASX-500 Series Autosampler

Platform (ASX-520/260/130/XLR-8)

Quick Installation Guide

Manual Part Number 610143 Rev 1, © 2012 CETAC Technologies, Printed in USA
 Overview
This installation guide describes how to install the Z-drive assembly onto your
autosampler.

Do these instructions apply to my autosampler?

These instructions apply to CETAC ASX-500 series autosamplers, including
(but not limited to) the ASX-520, ASX-260, ASX-130 and XLR-8.
The pictures in this guide show an ASX-520 autosampler. Your autosampler
may look different, but the instructions apply to all autosamplers with Z-drives
like the ones shown.

How does the Z-drive work?

The Z-drive is driven by a length of cable (line) which is made of PEEK tubing.
A rotor on the back of the autosampler moves the cable, which slides the probe
up and down on the Z-drive. A mounting block on the back of the autosampler
pivots back and forth to allow free motion of the cable while preventing the
cable from kinking.

How should I care for the Z-drive?

CAUTION Do not allow the cable to bend sharply. Avoid pushing up on the slider or pushing
on the Z-drive cable.
Do not tighten the thumbscrews or nuts with anything other than your fingers.
Cleaning instructions and other maintenance information may be found in the
Operator's Manual for your autosampler.

Installing the Z-Drive Assembly

Ensure the power cord is not connected before proceeding with
WARNING installation.

1 Remove autosampler from packaging materials.

2 Place the autosampler on a flat surface. Do not connect power. (Figure 1).

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 Figure 1. The autosampler is shipped with the Z-drive not attached.

3 Remove the Z-drive assembly (Figure 2) from its packaging.

Sleeve (Protects
Z-Drive Cable)

Sample Tube

Z-Axis Slider

PEEK Nut

Sample Probe Y-Axis Slider

Z-Drive Cable
(Varies Depending
on Version)
Home flag

Figure 2. Z-drive assembly.

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4 Slide the Z-drive assembly onto the autosampler arm.

Figure 3. Sliding Z-drive on arm tube.

5 Slide the Z-drive assembly onto the Y-axis leadscrew nut (the black block
which moves back and forth along the arm). Lift the bushings with your
fingernails to get them over the edge of the leadscrew nut.

Figure 4. Lifting the bushings over the edge of the leadscrew nut.

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6 Secure by tightening the thumbscrews.

Figure 5. Tightening the thumbscrews.

7 Feed the cable through the rear guide block, then tighten the PEEK nut to
secure it (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Tighten PEEK nut for cable casing adjustment.

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8 Turn the rotor clockwise as far as it will go (Figure 7).

Rotor Pin

Stator Stop

Figure 7. View of rotor with rotor pin at stator stop.

9 Slide the cable onto the rotor on the back of the autosampler (Figure 8).
Loosen the thumbscrew on the rotor to allow the cable to pass through the
clamp (Figure 11).

Figure 8. Sliding Z-drive cable into rotor groove.

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10 Gently move the Z-axis slider until the gap between the slider and cap is
approximately 3/32” (~2mm) (Figure 9).

3/32” (~2mm)

Figure 9. View of gap between probe bracket and cap.

11 Hold the cable flat against the rotor and secure the cable by tightening
thumbscrew on the rotor (Figure 10). Maintain the gap while the rotor pin is
making contact with the stator stop (full clockwise rotation of rotor). The
thumbscrew should be as tight as possible using just your fingers.

Figure 10. Securing cable to rotor.

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12 Rotate the rotor back and forth to ensure that it moves freely. Ensure that the
full width of the cable is under the clamp (Figure 11).

Clamp

Figure 11. Verifying cable movement and cable clamp

13 Center the Y-arm tube in the autosampler X-travel slot in order to properly
adjust the drive cable (Figure 12 and Figure 13). This step applies to all
models of ASX-500 series autosamplers.

X-travel slot

Figure 12. Arm centered for cable casing adjustment.

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 Figure 13. Proper cable orientation.

14 The Z-drive assembly is now properly installed on the autosampler.