1-4
Introducing the Biomek® 3000 Laboratory Automation Workstation
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
1.2.2
Head Assembly
The head assembly is supported and positioned by the bridge and moves in the Y- and
Z-axes. The head assembly may hold various interchangeable tools, such as the
P200L Single-Tip Tool or MP200 Multi-Tip Pipette Tool, that perform liquid-
handling and other operations. The capabilities of the Biomek 3000 instrument
change with the tool.
1.2.3
Tools
The Biomek 3000 uses interchangeable tools to perform various operations, such as
aspirating and dispensing, washing, or moving labware around the deck.
Tools are stored on the deck in a tool rack when not in use and can be installed or
removed from the head assembly automatically as part of an automated method. This
allows multiple tool types to provide different functionality to the instrument within a
method.
Tool types available for the Biomek 3000 head include:
•
pipetting tools — single-channel and eight-channel tools used to aspirate and
dispense liquid (refer to the
Biomek® 3000 Laboratory Automation
•
gripper tool — tool to grasp and move labware around the Biomek 3000
deck (refer to the
Biomek® 3000 Laboratory Automation Workstation User’s
•
wash system — the wash system includes single-channel and eight-channel
tools used to perform washing and bulk dispense operations (refer to the
Biomek® 3000 Laboratory Automation Workstation User’s Manual,
•
high density replication (HDR) tools — tools used to perform low-volume
liquid transfer operations by liquid adhesion using stainless steel pins. Pin
plates are available in 96-pin and 384-pin capacities (refer to the
3000 Laboratory Automation Workstation User’s Manual,
Note:
HDR tools require at least two tool racks, one for the HDR tool and
one for the fan unit to dry pins after sterilization
1.2.4
Labware Positioners
Labware positioners are used to hold microplates, tube racks, reservoirs, or tip racks
on the Biomek 3000 deck. The gripper tool can move labware to and from these
labware positioners to other labware positioners or devices integrated on the left or
right side of the Biomek 3000 workstation.
1.2.5
Tool Racks
The tool rack is a special labware positioner used to hold up to five interchangeable
tools in a single deck position during a method.
Note:
The gripper tool requires a special tool rack that accommodates the gripper
tool and up to two additional tools.
