Abstract: A system for loading and unloading of magnetic discs into and out of a processing chamber in a manner to provide and maintain the discs in spaced positions from each other. A quantity of discs are contained within respective slots of a cartridge carrier movable between first and second positions. In a first position a tubular mandrel is inserted through the aligned central openings of the discs within the cartridge, the mandrel having spaced circumferential grooves spaced correspondingly with the spacing between discs retained in the cartridge. The mandrel is inserted through the central openings of the disc with the respective grooves in alignment, and the cartridge is moved to its second position to leave the discs supported by the respective grooves of the mandrel. The mandrel with the discs supported thereon is inserted into a chamber for processing.