Eppendorf epMotion 96 Flex 96-Channel Automated Liquid Handling Workstation
| Brand | Eppendorf |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | epMotion 96 Flex |
| Plate Capacity | 96-position |
| Pipetting Accuracy | ≤ 4.5% at 5 µL |
| Pipetting Range | 0.5–1000 µL |
| Throughput | 96 samples per cycle |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 34.5 × 41.5 × 62 cm |
Overview
The Eppendorf epMotion 96 Flex is a benchtop 96-channel automated liquid handling workstation engineered for high-precision, high-throughput pipetting in molecular biology, genomics, drug discovery, and quality control laboratories. Based on positive displacement and air displacement pipetting principles—configurable via interchangeable pipetting heads—the system delivers reproducible volumetric transfer across the full range of 0.5–1000 µL. Its modular architecture supports both standard 96-well and 384-well microplates without mechanical reconfiguration, enabling seamless transition between assay formats. Designed and manufactured in Hamburg, Germany, the epMotion 96 Flex complies with ISO 8655-2 (volumetric accuracy and precision of piston-operated volumetric apparatus) and meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. The system operates independently or integrates into larger lab automation ecosystems via standardized API interfaces.
Key Features
- Tool-free, one-touch pipetting head exchange—supports 96-channel fixed-tip, 96-channel adjustable-tip, and 96-channel reagent dispensing heads for flexible assay setup.
- Ergonomic low-profile design (62 cm height) optimized for use inside Class II biosafety cabinets; all interactive elements—including capacitive touchscreen and manual jog controls—are positioned at operator-accessible height.
- Integrated real-time calibration verification: onboard gravimetric validation routines support routine performance checks traceable to NIST-certified weights.
- Motor-driven Z-axis with programmable tip immersion depth and aspiration/dispense speed profiles—critical for viscous, volatile, or foaming liquids.
- Self-diagnostics and error logging compliant with GLP/GMP documentation standards; event timestamps and user ID tracking enabled by default.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The epMotion 96 Flex accommodates ANSI/SLAS-standard microplates (96-, 384-, and 1536-well), PCR plates, deep-well blocks, tube racks (including 0.2–50 mL formats), and custom labware via user-defined coordinate mapping. All liquid contact surfaces are chemically resistant to common solvents (e.g., ethanol, DMSO, 10% bleach) and autoclavable (tips, adapters, and sealing gaskets). The system conforms to IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and carries CE marking for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use where applicable. For regulated environments, audit trail functionality satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with Eppendorf’s validated software configuration.
Software & Data Management
Controlled exclusively via the epMotion Control Software v4.x—a Windows-based application supporting method creation, execution, and export in CSV, XML, and PDF formats—the platform enables drag-and-drop protocol building with nested loops, conditional logic, and multi-step liquid class definitions. Raw data files include metadata such as pipette serial number, environmental temperature/humidity (via optional sensor module), and timestamped step-by-step execution logs. Data integrity is enforced through role-based access control (administrator, operator, viewer), electronic signatures, and encrypted local storage. Exported datasets are compatible with LIMS integration (e.g., LabWare, STARLIMS) via ODBC or RESTful API.
Applications
- High-throughput nucleic acid normalization and library preparation for NGS workflows.
- Cell-based assay setup including dose-response matrices and transfection reagent dispensing.
- QC/QA sample dilution series generation for ELISA, qPCR, and immunoassay validation.
- Automated plate replication, cherry-picking, and hit confirmation in early-stage compound screening.
- Reagent inventory management via integrated barcode scanning (optional hardware add-on).
FAQ
Does the epMotion 96 Flex require external calibration services?
No—routine calibration verification can be performed in-house using supplied gravimetric protocols and certified reference weights. Full factory recalibration is recommended annually or after major component replacement.
Can the system handle low-retention or protein-binding liquids?
Yes—when configured with low-binding tips and optimized liquid class parameters (e.g., pre-wet cycles, reduced aspiration speed, surface tension compensation), the system achieves ≤3.0% CV for BSA solutions at 10 µL.
Is remote monitoring supported?
The workstation supports networked status reporting via SNMP and email alerts for completion, error, or maintenance events—but does not support real-time remote control without additional IT infrastructure and security review.
What consumables are compatible beyond Eppendorf-branded tips?
Only Eppendorf-certified 96-channel tips (e.g., epT.I.P.S. LoRetention, ResearchPlus-compatible) are validated for accuracy and leakage prevention; third-party tips void warranty and compromise ISO 8655 compliance.
How is software validation handled for GxP environments?
Eppendorf provides IQ/OQ documentation packages and URS templates aligned with ASTM E2500 and Annex 11. Customers perform site-specific PQ under qualified personnel supervision.
