Labware Manager

Important

The Labware Manager feature is only available to Administrator users. These settings control the instrument’s physical movement, and incorrect values may cause crashes. Adjustment is recommended only if instructed by FORMULATRIX Support.

The Labware Manager is a tool used to calibrate labware types to ensure proper alignment and handling with racks on the deck and positioning at the stations. aµtoPULSE supports default labware types: 1.5mL Microtube 3x4, 15mL Conical Tube 4x6, 50mL Conical Tube 2x3, and Chip Caddy.

Labware Manager Page

Labware Manager is divided into two tabs:

  • Deck: Provides labware parameters and manual controls to calibrate labware on the deck.

  • Station: Provides manual controls to calibrate labware at the station.

Understanding the Labware Manager Settings

Deck Tab

Deck Tab

The Deck tab includes the following parameters:

Note

Parameters such as Labware Type, Capacity, and Dead Volume are predefined and cannot be modified.

Parameter/Setting

Description

General Information

Defines labware specifications:

  • Labware Type: Supported labware selection: Tube or Chip.

  • Capacity: The maximum liquid volume the tube or chip can hold.

  • Dead Volume (only applicable to tubes): Minimum liquid volume that cannot be aspirated.

  • Labware Height: Vertical height of the labware.

  • Number of Columns: Total columns in the labware.

  • Number of Rows: Total rows in the labware.

  • Column Pitch: Distance between columns.

  • Row Pitch: Distance between rows.

  • Y Offset Gripper: Front-to-back offset for gripper alignment.

Gantry

Use the control buttons to maneuver the gantry to the selected location on the deck. Set the step value (in mm) you want the gantry to move along the X, Y, and Z axis.

Motion Control Pad

  • Current Position: Real-time X, Y, and Z coordinates of the gantry position above the deck.

  • Velocity: Sets the gantry movement speed.

  • MOTOR HOMING: Returns the gantry to homing position.

Deck Position

The target gantry coordinates on the deck. Use Get Value getvalue to save the new or current position and Move To moveto to return the gantry to that position.

Gripper

Use the control buttons to OPEN opengripperlogo and CLOSE closegripperlogo the gripper. Enter the step size to set the movement increment, determining how fast the gripper actuates.

Gripper Control Pad

  • Current Position: The current gripper’s displacement (Ds) value, indicating its present open or closed position.

  • Gripper Current Reading: Real-time motor current of the gripper (in mA), indicating its load during operation.

Gripper Position

The target gripper position. Use Get Value getvalue to save the new or current position and Move To moveto to position the gripper to the new position.

Pick and Place Test

Use this panel to test the gantry and gripper movement on a specific rack well by clicking PICK UP pickup to lift the tube/chip and PUT DOWN putdown to return it.

Movement Test

Use this panel to test the gantry movement between rack wells. Select the well position (COLUMN and ROW), then click MOVE whitemove to position the gantry above the well.

Station tab

Station Tab

The Station tab includes the following parameters:

Setting

Description

Gantry

Use the control buttons to maneuver the gantry to the selected location on the station. Set the step value (in mm) you want the gantry to move along the X, Y, and Z axis.

Motion Control Pad

  • Current Position: Real-time X, Y, and Z coordinates of the gantry position above the station.

  • Velocity: Sets the gantry movement speed.

  • MOTOR HOMING: Returns the gantry to homing position.

Gripper

Use the control buttons to OPEN stationgripperopen and CLOSE stationgripperclose the gripper.

Station Position

The target gantry coordinates on the station. Use Get Value getvalue to save the new or current position and Move To moveto to return the gantry to that position.

Slider

Moves the slider in the station FORWARD forward and BACKWARD backward to support chip placement.

Chip Clamp

Secure the chip in the station using CLAMP clamp and release it using UNCLAMP unclamp.

Pick and Place Test

Use this panel to test the gantry and gripper movement on a station by clicking PICK UP pickup to lift the tube/chip and PUT DOWN putdown to return it.

Calibrating Labware

Prerequisites:

  • Make sure the deck and station are clear.

  • You have prepared the required labware type or chip.

  • No protocols are running.

Note

Calibration is only performed on Nest 7 and Station 1. On-screen instructions are available for your guidance.

To calibrate labware:

  1. In the Navigation Bar, click Labware Manager.

  2. Select a labware type or chip caddy to calibrate, then click EDIT.

    Select a Labware and Click EDIT

  3. OPTIONAL: Click the labware name at the top left to rename it, then click on an empty space to save the new name.

    Rename a Labware

  4. Under the Deck tab:

    a. OPTIONAL: Specify the General Information according to your physical labware.

Tip

When measuring the Y Offset Gripper using the Gantry and Gripper, move slowly and in small steps to avoid hitting labware or instrument parts.

b. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the tube or chip on Nest 7.

Guidance in the Deck Tab

Important

When calibrating the chip, ensure the transfer tubes are clear of obstacles before moving along the X or Y axes.

c. Always perform Pick and Place Test and Movement Test after calibration.

  1. Go to the Station tab, and follow these steps:

    a. Make sure the slider position on Station 1 is backward.

    b. Put the required tube adapters on Station 1.

    c. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the tube or chip.

Guidance in the Station Tab

d. Always perform the Pick and Place Test after calibration.

  1. Once the calibration is complete and the results are confirmed accurate, click SAVE.

Save Button