CAMAG ATS 4 Automatic TLC Sampler

Overview

The CAMAG ATS 4 Automatic TLC Sampler is an engineered solution for high-precision, reproducible sample application in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) workflows. Designed and manufactured in Switzerland, the ATS 4 implements dual-mode deposition—contact-based capillary spotting and non-contact pneumatic spray—to accommodate diverse stationary phases, including soft hand-cast silica gel plates, rigid pre-coated layers, and specialized chemically bonded phases. Its operation relies on precise stepper-motor-driven XYZ positioning, coupled with programmable syringe actuation and regulated gas flow control, ensuring consistent sample volume delivery and minimal solvent front distortion. The instrument supports method-driven automation compliant with GLP and GMP environments, particularly where traceability, audit readiness, and inter-laboratory comparability are critical—such as pharmaceutical stability testing, herbal fingerprinting, and forensic impurity profiling.

Key Features

• Dual deposition architecture: Contact spotting (for low-volume, high-resolution spot application) and non-contact spray mode (for uniform band or square deposition, minimizing edge effects and layer erosion on delicate plates)
• Integrated plate-heating module: Adjustable temperature control during application mitigates solvent spreading when using high-boiling solvents (e.g., aqueous buffers or glycerol-containing matrices), improving spot compactness and reproducibility
• Motorized Z-axis lift: Automatically accommodates TLC/HPTLC plates from 0.1 mm to 4 mm thickness without manual recalibration—eliminating operator-induced alignment error
• Puncture-and-pierce sampling mechanism: A hardened stainless-steel cannula first penetrates septa of 2 mL vials; the syringe needle then advances through the cannula, preventing silicone particle contamination and maintaining long-term syringe integrity
• Onboard microprocessor memory: Pre-loaded methods (including coordinates, volumes, dwell times, gas pressure profiles, and heating parameters) can be executed autonomously—no PC connection required during routine runs
• Compact monolithic design: All functional modules—including syringe drive, gas manifold, stage, and optics interface—are integrated into a footprint of 420 × 460 × 380 mm (W × D × H), optimizing benchtop utilization in regulated QC labs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ATS 4 accepts standard 2 mL autosampler vials (12 × 32 mm) across 66 positions or optionally interfaces with ANSI/SLAS-compliant 96-well microtiter plates. It delivers accurate nanoliter-to-milliliter volumes across three interchangeable syringes (10 µL, 25 µL, 100 µL), each calibrated per ISO 8655-3 and traceable to NIST standards. The system meets ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for analytical instrument qualification (AIQ), supporting documented performance verification via winCATS’ built-in calibration and validation protocols—including linearity assessment, carryover evaluation, and precision testing at multiple volume levels. Full compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 is enabled through winCATS’ electronic signature, audit trail, and role-based access control—ensuring data integrity throughout method development, transfer, and routine analysis.

Software & Data Management

Control and method development occur exclusively through winCATS software (v1.4.12+), CAMAG’s validated chromatography data system. winCATS provides synchronized orchestration of the ATS 4 alongside CAMAG’s TLC Scanner 4, Reprostar 3, and Visualizer digital imaging station—all controllable from a single workstation. The software supports multi-user environments with hierarchical permissions, version-controlled method libraries, and automated report generation (PDF/CSV/XLSX) compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. Raw acquisition data—including timestamped syringe position logs, gas pressure traces, heater duty cycles, and real-time volume dispense confirmation—is stored in encrypted, tamper-evident binary archives with SHA-256 checksums. Exported datasets retain full metadata linkage for retrospective reprocessing or regulatory submission.

Applications

The ATS 4 serves as a foundational component in regulated HPTLC workflows across pharmaceutical, natural product, food safety, and environmental laboratories. Typical use cases include: quantitative assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) per USP ; forced degradation product mapping under ICH Q1A–Q5C stress conditions; simultaneous multi-analyte screening in botanical extracts (e.g., flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes); residual solvent analysis in excipients; and rapid purity assessment of synthetic intermediates prior to column chromatography. Its ability to apply identical sample bands across replicate plates enables robust relative quantitation using densitometric scanning, while contact-spotting fidelity supports limit tests and identity confirmation per EP 2.2.27.

FAQ

Can the ATS 4 operate without a connected computer?
Yes—methods downloaded from winCATS are stored in non-volatile flash memory and executed via front-panel controls.
Is the heating function programmable per sample zone?
No—the heating plate operates at a user-defined uniform temperature during the entire run; gradient or zonal thermal control is not supported.
What gas purity is recommended for spray mode?
Instrument-grade nitrogen (≥99.998% purity) or oil-free compressed air meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 1:2:1 is required to prevent nozzle clogging and oxidation of sensitive analytes.
Does CAMAG provide IQ/OQ documentation for the ATS 4?
Yes—factory-verified Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols, aligned with ASTM E2500 and EU Annex 11, are available upon request.
How often must syringes be recalibrated?
Annual recalibration is recommended; however, winCATS includes automated volume verification routines that may extend intervals based on usage logs and statistical process control (SPC) trends.