SOCOREX Acura 936 Electronic Single-Channel Pipette

Overview

The SOCOREX Acura 936 Electronic Single-Channel Pipette is a precision-engineered liquid handling instrument designed for demanding micro-volume applications in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical QC, and academic research laboratories. Built upon SOCOREX’s decades-long heritage in Swiss precision metrology, the 936 integrates advanced microprocessor control with human-centered mechanical design to deliver exceptional repeatability, traceable accuracy, and operator fatigue reduction. Unlike conventional air-displacement pipettes, the 936 employs closed-loop motorized piston actuation with real-time position feedback, ensuring consistent plunger travel across all volumes—including sub-microliter ranges down to 0.1 µL. Its measurement principle adheres strictly to ISO 8655-2:2022 for volumetric accuracy verification and is validated against gravimetric standards traceable to NIST and PTB. The device is not merely a tool for dispensing; it functions as a calibrated volumetric endpoint within GLP/GMP workflows where documentation integrity, audit readiness, and inter-operator consistency are non-negotiable.

Key Features

• Ergonomic Acura Handle Architecture: Patented low-center-of-gravity geometry reduces wrist flexion by up to 32% compared to standard pipettes—validated through independent biomechanical studies—minimizing cumulative strain during high-throughput protocols.
• Dual-Orientation LCD Display: High-contrast monochrome screen supports left- or right-handed viewing without repositioning the pipette, enabling seamless transition between pipetting and calibration verification steps.
• Adjustable Tip Ejection System: Features Justip™ technology with 4 mm vertical adjustment range and large anti-slip ejection surface, ensuring reliable tip release across diverse tip brands (including low-retention and filtered variants) while minimizing finger pressure.
• Programmable Speed Control: Front-button actuation allows dynamic switching between fast aspiration/dispense and ultra-slow mode (e.g., for viscous or volatile liquids), with tactile feedback confirming speed state change.
• Cycle Counter & Audit Trail Ready: Double-click activation logs total pipetting cycles since last reset—critical for maintenance scheduling and compliance documentation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with optional software.
• Modular Service Design: Entire aspiration unit is field-replaceable without tools; compatible with autoclaving at 121°C for 20 minutes (per ISO 17664), supporting sterile workflow continuity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Acura 936 accommodates universal conical tip formats—specifically optimized for 2 mL, 5 mL, and 10 mL sterile filtered tips (Cat. No. 936.02 / 936.05 / 936.10). Its sealed piston system prevents aerosol ingress, eliminating cross-contamination risks in RNA work or pathogen handling. All variants comply with ISO 8655-2:2022 for accuracy and ISO 8655-5:2022 for durability testing. Performance validation data—including relative error (±0.9% max at nominal volume) and coefficient of variation (<0.15% at maximum volume)—are provided in the included QC certificate, traceable to national metrology institutes. The instrument meets CE marking requirements under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2011/65/EU (RoHS), and its construction materials conform to USP Class VI biocompatibility standards.

Software & Data Management

While the 936 operates autonomously via intuitive button navigation—requiring no external PC or software installation—it supports optional connectivity via SOCOREX’s AcuraLink™ desktop application (Windows/macOS). This platform enables firmware updates, custom protocol creation (e.g., multi-step serial dilutions), export of cycle logs in CSV format, and generation of PDF calibration reports aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation templates. When configured with electronic signature and audit trail modules, the system satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures in regulated environments. All internal memory retains settings after power loss, and battery status is continuously monitored with low-power alerts.

Applications

• Quantitative PCR (qPCR) master mix preparation requiring precise 0.5–2 µL transfers
• CRISPR-Cas9 RNP complex assembly with nanogram-level reagent conservation
• High-content screening assays using 384-well microplates with tight CV constraints
• Reference material dilution series in metrology labs accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
• Cell culture media supplementation with heat-labile growth factors
• Forensic DNA extraction workflows where carryover prevention is critical

FAQ

Is the 936 suitable for use with corrosive or high-viscosity liquids?
Yes—the stainless-steel piston shaft and chemically resistant PTFE seals enable safe operation with ethanol, DMSO, glycerol, and 10% bleach solutions. For highly viscous samples (>100 mPa·s), the slow-speed mode and adjustable aspiration rate mitigate laminar flow errors.

Can I calibrate the pipette in-house without sending it to a service center?
Absolutely. The 936 supports user-performed calibration via gravimetric method using certified weights and distilled water per ISO 8655-6. Calibration parameters are stored in non-volatile memory and remain valid until manually reset or updated.

What battery life can be expected under typical usage?
A fully charged lithium-ion battery provides ≥12,000 pipetting cycles (at 10 µL, medium speed) before recharge. Battery health is displayed in 25% increments on startup.

Does the warranty cover accidental damage or misuse?
The 24-month limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Accidental damage, unauthorized modifications, or failure to follow sterilization guidelines void coverage—but extended service plans including accidental protection are available upon request.