SOCOREX Stepper 416 Continuous Dispensing Pipette
| Brand | SOCOREX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Model | Stepper 416 |
| Volume Range | 10–5000 µL |
| Maximum Reservoir Capacity | 37.5 mL |
| Pipette Type | Single-Channel Manual Continuous Dispenser |
| Compliance | ISO 8655 (2022), GLP-Compatible Design |
| Accuracy (E%) | ±0.5–1.5% |
| Precision (CV%) | ≤0.4–1.5% |
Overview
The SOCOREX Stepper 416 Continuous Dispensing Pipette is a precision-engineered, manually operated liquid handling instrument designed for high-reproducibility serial dispensing in regulated laboratory environments. Unlike conventional repetitive pipettes or electronic dispensers, the Stepper 416 employs a mechanical positive-displacement principle—where volume is defined by the physical displacement of a calibrated glass or polymer syringe plunger—ensuring traceable accuracy independent of liquid properties such as viscosity, vapor pressure, or surface tension. This makes it particularly suitable for dispensing challenging fluids including organic solvents, concentrated acids and bases, surfactant solutions, glycerol-rich matrices, and high-density reagents where air-displacement pipettes exhibit significant error. Built to ISO 8655:2022 standards for piston-operated volumetric apparatus, the Stepper 416 delivers certified performance across its full 10–5000 µL range with documented metrological traceability under controlled ambient conditions (20–25 °C, ±0.5 °C).
Key Features
- Ergonomic “grip-style” actuation mechanism reduces operator fatigue during extended sequential dispensing sessions—validated in human factors studies for ≥73 consecutive dispenses without hand strain.
- Three-color-coded volume adjustment knobs (yellow/blue/red) correspond directly to three interchangeable syringe assemblies, enabling seamless transition between low-, mid-, and high-volume regimes without recalibration.
- Integrated auto-lock safety system prevents inadvertent partial dispensing: when residual volume falls below the preselected dispense increment, mechanical interlock engages to halt further actuation—eliminating under-volume delivery errors.
- Volume and repeat count are simultaneously displayed on a dual-scale rotary dial—allowing real-time verification of both setpoint and remaining dispensing cycles prior to initiation.
- Housing constructed from chemically inert, high-strength polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and reinforced with rare-earth-infused polymer composites—exhibiting proven resistance to >98% of common laboratory solvents, including acetone, DMSO, 6M HCl, and 50% NaOH.
- All fluid-contact components—including syringes, seals, and adapters—are autoclavable (121 °C, 20 min) and compatible with gamma sterilization protocols, supporting GMP-compliant workflows.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Stepper 416 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types without requiring tip changes or recalibration: low-volatility solvents (e.g., chloroform, ethyl acetate), foaming buffers (e.g., Triton X-100, Tween-20), viscous liquids (up to 1000 cP), and particulate-laden suspensions (e.g., cell lysates, nanoparticle dispersions). Its positive-displacement architecture inherently avoids aerosol generation and cross-contamination risks associated with air-cushion systems. The instrument complies with ISO 8655-5:2022 for calibration methodology and reporting, supports full audit trails when paired with optional digital loggers (e.g., SOCOREX DataLink v3.1), and meets essential requirements for GLP and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its mechanical design enables full compliance when integrated into validated SOPs with manual record-keeping or third-party electronic lab notebook (ELN) linkage.
Software & Data Management
As a fully manual mechanical device, the Stepper 416 does not incorporate embedded firmware or wireless connectivity. However, it is engineered for interoperability within digitally governed workflows: each unit bears a unique serial number and QR code linking to downloadable ISO-compliant calibration certificates, maintenance logs, and traceable syringe lot documentation. Optional accessories—including the StepperLog Pro adapter kit—enable analog-to-digital conversion of dispense events via USB-connected footswitch or benchtop timer, generating CSV-exportable timestamps and cycle counts for integration into LIMS or ELN platforms. All calibration data adheres to EURACHEM/CITAC guidelines for uncertainty estimation, with expanded uncertainties (k=2) reported per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.3.
Applications
- Serial dilution series preparation for ELISA, qPCR, and enzyme kinetics assays—particularly where solvent compatibility or low-volume precision (<20 µL) is critical.
- Reagent distribution into microtiter plates (96-/384-well), PCR tubes, and cryovials with consistent droplet formation and minimal carryover.
- QC/QA testing in pharmaceutical manufacturing: buffer spiking, standard solution preparation, and reference material aliquoting under cGMP Annex 11-aligned procedures.
- Academic and industrial research involving aggressive chemistries—e.g., catalyst screening in flow chemistry, electrolyte formulation for battery R&D, or polymer synthesis under anhydrous conditions.
- Environmental and food safety labs performing multi-analyte extraction workflows requiring reproducible solvent addition across heterogeneous matrices (soil extracts, homogenized tissue).
FAQ
Is the Stepper 416 compliant with ISO 8655?
Yes—the instrument and all included syringes are calibrated and verified per ISO 8655-5:2022 for positive-displacement dispensers, with full uncertainty budgets provided in the certificate of conformance.
Can I use non-SOCOREX syringes with this pipette?
No—only SOCOREX-certified syringes (part numbers 316.xxx series) are dimensionally and thermally matched to the Stepper 416’s drive mechanism; third-party syringes compromise accuracy, repeatability, and void warranty coverage.
What is the recommended recalibration interval?
Annual recalibration is advised for routine use; semi-annual verification is required in GLP/GMP environments or following any impact event, seal replacement, or exposure to extreme thermal cycling.
Does the auto-lock function require batteries or electronics?
No—the auto-lock is a purely mechanical fail-safe driven by spring-loaded cam engagement, ensuring reliability even in explosion-proof or EMI-sensitive facilities.
How do I validate performance for my specific liquid?
Follow ISO 8655-6 gravimetric verification protocols using certified weights and Class A distilled water at 20 °C; for non-aqueous media, apply correction factors per ISO 8655-7 Annex B based on density and surface tension measurements.
