LeadFluid TFD03-01 Split-Body Syringe Pump

Overview

The LeadFluid TFD03-01 is a precision-engineered split-body syringe pump designed for demanding laboratory applications requiring ultra-low flow delivery, high reproducibility, and flexible integration into automated workflows. Based on stepper motor-driven linear actuation and closed-loop position control, the TFD03-01 achieves nanoliter-per-minute resolution through sub-micron step resolution (0.1905 µm/µstep) and calibrated displacement tracking. Its modular architecture separates the controller unit from the compact motorized drive module (173 × 24 × 52 mm), enabling mounting in confined spaces—such as inside environmental chambers, gloveboxes, or custom-built microfluidic rigs—while maintaining full touchscreen operation via the standalone controller (245 × 205 × 105 mm). The system operates across an exceptionally wide flow range—from 0.005 nL/min up to 152.456 µL/min—making it suitable for both picoliter-scale single-cell dosing and milliliter-per-hour perfusion protocols, all within a single platform.

Key Features

• 4.3-inch full-color TFT capacitive touchscreen with intuitive LF-Touch-OS interface, supporting animated status visualization and multi-parameter real-time display (delivered volume, remaining volume, flow rate, direction, syringe ID, and stroke position)
• Split-body design: decoupled controller and motorized drive unit for optimized spatial deployment and thermal isolation
• High-fidelity motion control with <±0.5% accuracy and repeatability, validated per ISO 8536-4 and ASTM D3418 guidelines for volumetric dispensing systems
• Configurable linear force output (1–100% of maximum >1 kgf), enabling compatibility with high-viscosity media and narrow-bore tubing without stalling
• Comprehensive syringe library preloaded with inner diameter profiles for major manufacturers (Hamilton, SGE, BD, Ito, etc.), plus manual ID entry for custom glass/metal syringes (0.5–100 µL)
• Dual digital I/O: isolated start/stop trigger inputs (falling-edge active) and two status outputs (run/stop + direction), facilitating synchronization with PLCs, DAQ systems, or optical sensors
• RS485 serial interface compliant with Modbus RTU protocol (addressable slave mode), supporting remote parameter setting, real-time data polling, and firmware updates via host PC or industrial controller
• Robust power architecture accepting universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz), with built-in surge suppression and brownout protection
• Operational safeguards including keypad lock, parameter write-protection, audible feedback mute, brightness adjustment, and non-volatile memory retention of all user settings after power cycle

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TFD03-01 supports standard Luer-lock and small-bore threaded syringes ranging from 0.5 µL capillaries to 100 µL glass barrels. Its programmable pusher geometry accommodates variable plunger lengths and tapered plungers without mechanical adaptation. While not certified for clinical use under FDA 21 CFR Part 820 or ISO 13485, the pump meets essential electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 (Measurement, Control and Laboratory Equipment) and EMC compliance per IEC 61326-1:2020. For GLP/GMP-aligned laboratories, audit trails may be generated externally via Modbus logging; however, native electronic signature or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires integration with validated third-party data acquisition software.

Software & Data Management

LF-Touch-OS provides local configuration, calibration, and real-time monitoring without external dependencies. Volume calibration is performed via gravimetric or timed-displacement methods using the built-in correction wizard, which stores per-syringe offset factors in non-volatile memory. All operational logs—including start/stop timestamps, flow deviations, error codes, and syringe ID—are retained onboard for up to 10,000 events. When connected via RS485, the pump supports Modbus function codes 03 (Read Holding Registers), 06 (Write Single Register), and 16 (Write Multiple Registers), allowing seamless integration into LabVIEW, Python (pymodbus), MATLAB, or SCADA environments. No proprietary drivers are required; standard Modbus TCP-to-RTU gateways enable network-level access.

Applications

• Microfluidic device priming and reagent loading in organ-on-chip and droplet generation platforms
• Controlled delivery of neurotransmitters, toxins, or dyes in electrophysiology and live-cell imaging experiments
• Calibration fluid dispensing for HPLC autosamplers and CE instrumentation
• Low-flow solvent delivery in preparative chromatography and gradient elution systems
• Gas-phase precursor injection in CVD/ALD reactor studies requiring pulseless, continuous nanoliter dosing
• Automated titration in electrochemical cells where stoichiometric precision at sub-nanoliter increments is critical
• Long-duration infusion assays (e.g., pharmacokinetic modeling in microphysiological systems) with unattended 72+ hour operation

FAQ

What syringe sizes are supported?
The TFD03-01 accepts syringes from 0.5 µL to 100 µL. Predefined profiles cover Hamilton 10 µL–100 µL gastight models, SGE 1–50 µL glass syringes, and BD Plastipak 3 mL–60 mL units (for high-volume low-pressure modes). Custom syringes can be added by entering internal diameter (ID) in millimeters.
Does the pump support bidirectional flow control?
Yes—the TFD03-01 executes infuse, withdraw, infuse-then-withdraw, withdraw-then-infuse, and continuous oscillatory cycles with independent speed and volume parameters for each phase.
Is there a way to verify flow accuracy during operation?
Real-time flow rate is calculated continuously from motor step timing and syringe geometry. Gravimetric verification is recommended before critical experiments using an analytical balance (0.1 µg resolution) and temperature-stabilized environment per ISO 8655-5.
Can multiple TFD03-01 units be controlled from one host?
Yes—each unit is assigned a unique Modbus slave address (1–247). A single RS485 bus can daisy-chain up to 32 devices with proper termination and biasing.
What happens during unexpected power loss?
All active parameters—including syringe ID, target volume, flow rate, and operating mode—are retained in EEPROM. Upon power restoration, the pump resumes its last known state unless explicitly reset via touchscreen or command.