Agilent Technologies R Series, User Manual

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Chapter 1: Introduction
BenchCel Microplate Handling Workstation R-Series User Guide
16
Labware considerations
About this topic
This topic provides guidelines for selecting automation-ready labware
for use in the BenchCel Workstation.
Acceptable
microplates
Use only labware that meet the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) standards. For the latest labware standards, go to
www.sbsonline.org. You can also contact the labware manufacturer to
inquire about ANSI-compliant labware.
The BenchCel Workstation uses gripping mechanisms to hold
microplates securely and repeatably in the stacker rack and in the robot
arms. The BenchCel Workstation typically holds the microplates halfway
between the top of the microplate and the top of the microplate skirt.
The following diagram shows the BenchCel stacker grippers holding a
microplate in the stacker rack. Notice the gripper-microplate contact
point.
Lidded microplates
Microplates that do not have lids or have shallow lids (lids that do not
reach the microplate skirt) provide enough clearance to allow secure
and repeatable gripping. Microplates with deeper lids can be more
challenging, because the microplate must be held by the skirt. If the
skirt is too flexible, the stacker grippers will bend the skirt. The bent skirt
can grip the microplate lid stacked beneath, inadvertently removing the
lid.
Note: Some labware vendors might offer alternative lids that are
shallower. Contact the vendor for details.
Mic r oplate
Shallow lid: good
g
r ippe r clea r a n ce
Deep lid: n o g r ippe r
clea r a n ce, m ust be
held by the ski r t
No lid: excelle n t
g r ippe r clea r a n ce