Stepper Continuous Dispenser
| Brand | BIO-DL |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | Stepper Continuous Dispenser |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Stepper Continuous Dispenser is a manually operated, adjustable positive-displacement liquid handler engineered for high-precision, repetitive dispensing tasks in research, quality control, and clinical laboratories. Unlike air-cushion pipettes, it operates on an external piston displacement principle—where the piston makes direct contact with the liquid via a disposable tip—ensuring consistent volumetric delivery regardless of liquid density, viscosity, or vapor pressure. This mechanism eliminates compressibility errors and minimizes carryover, making the Stepper especially suitable for challenging fluids including organic solvents, glycerol-rich solutions, concentrated acids/bases, and polymer melts. Its robust mechanical design supports reliable operation across routine benchtop workflows without reliance on electronics or battery power.
Key Features
- External piston-driven positive displacement architecture for true volumetric accuracy with viscous, volatile, or corrosive liquids
- Ergonomic, one-handed operation with tactile volume adjustment dial and intuitive push-button dispensing actuation
- Adjustable dispensing range from 10 µL to 5,000 µL (5 mL) in discrete, user-selectable increments—no recalibration required between settings
- Quick-change tip system compatible with standard conical polypropylene or chemically resistant PTFE-coated tips (e.g., BIO-DL Stepper Tip Series)
- Metal-reinforced housing with chemical-resistant surface finish; designed for long-term stability under frequent use and routine decontamination
- No internal fluid pathways—entirely tip-based fluidics—reducing risk of cross-contamination and simplifying maintenance
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Stepper Continuous Dispenser is validated for use with a broad spectrum of laboratory liquids, including but not limited to: aqueous buffers (PBS, Tris-HCl), ethanol/water mixtures, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 70% glycerol solutions, 1 M HCl, 1 M NaOH, and silicone oils (up to 10,000 cSt). Its all-metal piston seal and inert tip interface comply with ISO 8655-3 (2022) requirements for positive displacement pipettes. While not an electronic instrument, its mechanical reproducibility supports adherence to GLP and GMP documentation practices when paired with standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and periodic verification per CLSI EP15-A3 guidelines. Calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) are available upon request.
Software & Data Management
As a fully manual, non-electronic device, the Stepper Continuous Dispenser does not incorporate embedded firmware, connectivity interfaces, or digital data logging capabilities. It is intentionally designed for simplicity, reliability, and regulatory flexibility—eliminating concerns related to software validation, cybersecurity, or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance burdens. Users maintain full control over dispensing parameters through physical dials and visual scale indicators. For laboratories requiring audit-ready records, integration with external electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS systems is achieved via manual entry or barcode-assisted workflow tracking using compatible tip racks and log sheets.
Applications
- Serial dilution preparation in ELISA, qPCR, and cell-based assay development
- Reagent pre-aliquoting for high-throughput screening plates (96-/384-well formats)
- Dispensing of viscous standards (e.g., viscosity reference oils) in calibration labs
- Controlled addition of catalysts or initiators in polymer synthesis protocols
- Repeated dosing of corrosive reagents (e.g., TFA, thionyl chloride) in peptide synthesis workflows
- Preparation of calibration standards for ICP-MS and HPLC where solvent compatibility and low carryover are critical
FAQ
What types of tips are compatible with the Stepper Continuous Dispenser?
BIO-DL Stepper-specific conical tips (sterile and non-sterile options), as well as third-party positive-displacement tips meeting ISO 8655-3 dimensional tolerances, are supported.
Is the Stepper suitable for sterile applications?
Yes—when used with certified sterile, RNase/DNase-free tips and appropriate aseptic technique, it is routinely employed in cell culture and molecular biology workflows.
How often should the Stepper be calibrated?
Per ISO 8655-5, manual positive displacement dispensers should undergo performance verification at least once per month—or before each critical experiment—using gravimetric assessment per ASTM E542 and ISO 8655-6 protocols.
Can the Stepper dispense into narrow-neck containers or microcentrifuge tubes?
Yes—the included extended-length tips and optional angled tip adapters enable precise delivery into vessels with restricted access, including 1.5 mL tubes and vial inserts.
Does the Stepper require routine lubrication or maintenance?
No—its sealed piston mechanism is factory-lubricated for lifetime operation; only external cleaning with 70% ethanol or isopropanol is recommended between uses.
