Azenta 4titude Xpeel Automated Plate Seal Remover
| Brand | 4titude |
|---|---|
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Regional Classification | Asia-Pacific Manufactured |
| Model | XP-A_230V |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Azenta 4titude Xpeel Automated Plate Seal Remover is an engineered solution for high-throughput, contamination-free removal of thermal and pressure-sensitive seals from microplates and deep-well plates. Unlike mechanical peelers relying on pneumatic grippers or robotic fingers—devices prone to misalignment, edge slippage, or incomplete seal detachment—the Xpeel employs a proprietary adhesive tape-based separation principle grounded in controlled interfacial adhesion mechanics. As each plate traverses the system, a precisely tensioned, low-residue release tape engages the seal surface uniformly across all wells, generating consistent shear force at the seal–plate interface without lateral stress or well-to-well variation. This non-contact, non-thermal method eliminates risk of sample evaporation, condensation, cross-contamination, or plate deformation—critical requirements for assay integrity in regulated environments including GLP, GMP, and ISO 15189-compliant laboratories.
Key Features
- Adhesive-tape-driven seal removal mechanism ensuring >99.9% seal detachment success rate across SBS-standard formats (96-, 384-, 1536-well) and deep-well plates (e.g., 96-well V-bottom, 24-well cell culture, PCR full-skirt)
- Integrated plate clamping station with adjustable vacuum-assisted fixation to prevent lateral shift during tape engagement
- Programmable tape feed control enabling precise tape length per cycle and automatic spool replacement notification
- CE-marked electrical architecture compliant with IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (EMC emission) standards
- Touchscreen HMI with audit-trail-enabled operation logging (user ID, timestamp, plate barcode, seal type, tape batch ID)
- Footprint-optimized design (W × D × H: 320 × 410 × 290 mm) compatible with benchtop integration alongside liquid handlers, storage robots, and plate readers
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Xpeel supports all commercially available microplate sealing materials—including polyolefin thermal seals (e.g., Abgene AB-0740, Excel Scientific THERMOSEAL), aluminum foil pressure seals (e.g., Agilent 5188-5352), and silicone-based resealable films (e.g., Axygen PCR-96-SIL). It accommodates plates conforming to ANSI/SBS 1-2004 dimensional specifications, including low-profile (≤14.5 mm height), full-skirted, and semi-skirted variants. Validation documentation includes protocol templates aligned with ASTM E2500-13 (Good Practice for Specification and Verification of Automated Laboratory Equipment) and supports IQ/OQ/PQ execution under FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic record workflows when paired with validated LIMS or ELN systems.
Software & Data Management
The embedded firmware provides configurable operational modes: single-plate manual run, batch-mode sequential processing (up to 99 plates), and external trigger integration via TTL/RS-232/Modbus TCP. All process events—including tape consumption metrics, seal removal duration per plate, and error codes—are logged in CSV-compatible format with UTC timestamps and SHA-256 hashed integrity verification. Audit trails meet ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and support retrospective review during regulatory inspections. Optional API access enables bidirectional communication with laboratory automation management systems (LAMS) such as STARLIMS or LabVantage.
Applications
- High-throughput screening (HTS) workflows requiring rapid, repeatable unsealing prior to liquid handling or detection steps
- Compound library management where thermal seals must be removed without disturbing dried-down samples or precipitated compounds
- Cell-based assays involving fragile monolayers or 3D spheroids, where mechanical peeling risks shear-induced detachment
- qPCR and digital PCR plate preparation where seal integrity post-removal affects thermal cycling uniformity
- Biobanking operations requiring traceable, non-destructive seal removal from cryopreserved sample plates
- Quality control labs performing stability studies under ICH Q5C conditions, where evaporation minimization is critical for concentration fidelity
FAQ
Does the Xpeel require consumables beyond the proprietary release tape?
Yes—only the certified Xpeel Adhesive Tape Cartridge (part number XP-TAPE-250) is validated for consistent performance; third-party tapes are not supported due to variability in adhesive rheology and backing tensile modulus.
Can the system handle plates with partial or damaged seals?
It is designed for intact, uniformly applied seals. Plates with torn, wrinkled, or delaminated seals may require pre-inspection; no auto-recovery logic is implemented for compromised seal geometry.
Is the device compatible with robotic arm integration?
Yes—standardized mounting holes and Modbus TCP interface enable seamless coordination with Hamilton STAR, Tecan Fluent, and Beckman Biomek platforms using vendor-provided integration kits.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Daily visual inspection of tape path rollers; quarterly calibration of vacuum clamping pressure (±0.5 kPa tolerance); annual firmware update and mechanical alignment verification by authorized service personnel.
How is data integrity ensured during power interruption?
Non-volatile flash memory retains all audit logs and configuration settings; the system performs automatic graceful shutdown and resumes operation from last valid state upon power restoration.
