XO-VAC+ Payload Tray¶
The interior of the XO-VAC+ vacuum chamber consists of a cylindrical copper shroud, within which is mounted a payload tray.
The copper shroud conducts heat energy between the Thermal Control system at the back of the device and the payload tray. Heat energy is exchanged with the payload tray and test specimens via conduction and radiation to/from the shroud.
XO-VAC+ payload tray includes three loose temperature sensors as standard which may be positioned by the user in locations of interest on the payload.
Note
Custom sensor arrangements are available. If your XO-VAC+ includes non-standard sensor arrangements, the information should have been supplied in an additional information pack at time of installation.
Handling vacuum parts¶
Note
Always use clean powder free gloves when touching vacuum parts or equipment going inside the vacuum chamber.
Warning
If gloves touch a contaminated surface, they can become contaminated by transfer.
Note
Always leave parts on clean surfaces and limit vacuum parts exposure to air (to limit dust collection).
The main sources of contamination in vacuum chambers are often:
- skin oil / finger grease
- surrounding environments (dust in air)
- materials being tested
If a new device or equipment has been installed inside in the chamber, it is recommended to clean the parts of the chamber which are more likely to get contaminated. See the cleaning page for more.
Mechanical interface¶
The XO-VAC+ comes as standard with M3 and M6 mounting interfaces. It has a load bearing capacity of 20 kg and is made of Aluminium.
The layout is given below.
Note
Custom mechanical interfaces are available. If your XO-VAC+ includes custom mounting, the information should have been supplied in an additional information pack at time of installation.
Warning
The XO-VAC+ payload tray is only designed to be removed by Exobotics personel. The Thermal Control system is delicate and can become damaged during removal.
Fasteners¶
Both non-vented or vented fasteners can be used to on the XO-VAC+ payload tray. The mounting holes are open ended, there is no trapped air when a bolt is inserted in the payload tray.
Tip
COTS fasteners are often contaminated with machine oil or grease. Either clean your bolts before using them in XO-VAC+ or purchase pre-cleaned fasteners. The bolts provided with XO-VAC+ are pre-cleaned.
Cleaning¶
The payload tray can be cleaned using a lint-free cloth (e.g. cleanroom wipes). A few drops of IsoPropyl Alcohol (IPA) on the cloth can help.
A full walkthrough of cleaning your XO-VAC+ is given here.
Downloads¶
The payload tray .step and .dxf files are available for download: