TG-I Glass Plate Cutter for Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) – KEZHE SHANGHAI
| Brand | KEZHE SHANGHAI |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | TG-I |
| Price Range | USD 140–700 (FOB Shanghai) |
| Instrument Category | TLC Auxiliary Equipment |
| Cutting Platform Dimensions | 300 × 250 mm |
Overview
The TG-I Glass Plate Cutter is a purpose-engineered manual cutting instrument designed exclusively for the precise, repeatable segmentation of pre-coated glass-backed thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates. Unlike general-purpose glass cutters or improvised tools, the TG-I employs a fixed-guidance mechanical carriage system that constrains blade travel along orthogonal axes—ensuring straight, perpendicular cuts with minimal chipping or edge microfracture. Its operational principle relies on controlled linear force transmission through a hardened steel scoring wheel (included), applied at optimal pressure and angle to initiate clean cleavage along scored lines. The device is not a measuring or analytical instrument; rather, it serves as a critical sample preparation tool in chromatographic workflows where consistent plate geometry directly impacts migration uniformity, solvent front reproducibility, and Rf value comparability across runs. It supports standard commercial TLC plates (e.g., silica gel 60 F254, aluminum oxide, cellulose) mounted on 1.0–1.5 mm thick soda-lime or borosilicate glass substrates.
Key Features
- Sturdy anodized aluminum alloy base (300 × 250 mm footprint) provides dimensional stability and resistance to lab solvents and cleaning agents.
- Adjustable stop blocks with fine-tuned vernier scales enable rapid setup for recurring cut dimensions (e.g., 10 × 10 cm, 5 × 20 cm segments).
- Spring-loaded blade carriage ensures consistent downward force (±5% tolerance) independent of operator technique—critical for minimizing substrate damage.
- No electrical components or calibration requirements; fully mechanical operation ensures long-term reliability and zero downtime.
- Integrated dust collection groove channels glass debris away from cutting path, reducing contamination risk during subsequent plate handling.
- Tool-free blade replacement system accommodates interchangeable scoring wheels (0.8 mm radius, diamond-coated tip, included) with standardized M3 mounting.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TG-I cutter is validated for use with commercially available glass-supported TLC plates ranging from 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm total thickness, including those coated with silica gel, alumina, kieselguhr, or reversed-phase C18 layers. It is incompatible with flexible plastic-backed or polyester-film substrates. All structural components meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU material restrictions. Manufacturing adheres to ISO 9001:2015 quality management protocols. While the device itself does not generate analytical data, its consistent output supports compliance with USP , EP 2.2.27, and JP 6.05 method validation requirements for TLC-based identity and purity testing—particularly where plate uniformity is referenced in assay specifications.
Software & Data Management
The TG-I Glass Plate Cutter operates without embedded firmware, connectivity, or digital interfaces. As a Class I passive laboratory tool under IEC 61010-1, it requires no software validation, audit trail generation, or electronic record retention. However, its deterministic mechanical behavior enables full traceability when integrated into documented lab procedures: cut dimensions, plate batch numbers, and operator IDs may be recorded manually in paper-based or LIMS-linked SOPs (e.g., SOP-TLC-PREP-003). No 21 CFR Part 11 compliance burden applies, simplifying qualification in regulated QC/QA environments.
Applications
- Preparation of standardized TLC plate segments for parallel development in multi-solvent screening studies.
- Cutting oversized plates into uniform sub-units prior to derivatization or densitometric scanning.
- Isolation of discrete zones from developed plates for targeted mass spectrometry (TLC-MS) or micro-extraction workflows.
- Manufacturing support in pharmaceutical QC labs performing compendial TLC tests per USP monographs (e.g., aspirin, paracetamol, chloroquine).
- Educational laboratories requiring robust, low-maintenance equipment for undergraduate chromatography instruction.
FAQ
Can the TG-I cutter be used with plastic-backed TLC plates?
No—it is engineered specifically for rigid glass substrates. Attempting to cut polymer-backed plates may damage the guide rails and compromise dimensional accuracy.
What blade life can be expected under routine lab use?
With proper cleaning after each use (isopropanol wipe), the included diamond-coated wheel typically maintains scoring integrity for ≥500 linear meters of cut length.
Is calibration required before first use or after maintenance?
No calibration is needed; dimensional accuracy is maintained by factory-assembled precision-machined guides and hardened steel linear bearings.
Does KEZHE provide GMP documentation for this device?
Yes—upon request, KEZHE supplies a Certificate of Conformance, Factory Test Report (including platform flatness measurement per ISO 1101), and Material Declarations compliant with REACH Annex XIV.
