UniCo AS-36 5 cm Pathlength Cuvette Holder
| Brand | UniCo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | AS-36 |
| Cuvette Pathlength | 50 mm |
| Number of Positions | 4 |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 150 × 60 × 70 mm |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Compatibility | Designed for UniCo UV-Vis spectrophotometers and standard 50 mm pathlength rectangular cuvettes |
Overview
The UniCo AS-36 is a precision-engineered cuvette holder designed exclusively for 50 mm (5 cm) optical pathlength rectangular cuvettes. It operates as a critical mechanical interface in absorbance and transmittance measurements performed on UV-Vis spectrophotometers—relying on fixed-pathlength Beer-Lambert law quantification where consistent light beam alignment, minimal positional drift, and thermal/mechanical stability directly influence measurement reproducibility. Unlike universal holders with adjustable or spring-loaded mechanisms, the AS-36 employs a rigid, dimensionally stable chassis with precisely machined cuvette slots to ensure repeatable positioning across all four positions. Its design minimizes lateral displacement (< ±0.1 mm) and vertical tilt (< 0.2°), thereby reducing beam deviation and stray light contribution—key factors in high-sensitivity applications such as low-concentration analyte quantification or kinetic assays requiring baseline stability over extended acquisition periods.
Key Features
- Rigid aluminum alloy construction with anodized surface finish for corrosion resistance and long-term dimensional stability under ambient lab conditions.
- Four identical, parallel cuvette slots with chamfered entry guides and integrated retention lips—ensuring secure, repeatable insertion depth and axial alignment of standard 12.5 × 12.5 mm cross-section cuvettes.
- Optimized footprint (150 × 60 × 70 mm) and lightweight design (0.5 kg) facilitate integration into crowded instrument workspaces without compromising access to spectrophotometer sample compartments or adjacent peripherals.
- Non-reflective matte black interior surfaces minimize internal scattering and background noise during low-absorbance measurements (A < 0.1).
- Compatible with quartz, glass, and plastic cuvettes rated for 50 mm pathlength—supporting wavelength ranges from 190 nm to 1100 nm depending on cuvette material transmission characteristics.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AS-36 is validated for use with standard 50 mm pathlength cuvettes conforming to ISO 10810:2020 (specifications for optical cells used in spectrophotometry) and ASTM E275-22 (standard practices for describing and measuring performance of ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometers). It maintains compatibility with UniCo’s full range of benchtop UV-Vis systems—including the UV-2600, UV-2800, and UV-3600 series—via standardized mounting geometry and optical axis registration. While not certified for GMP/GLP environments as a standalone device, its passive mechanical function supports compliance when deployed within validated analytical workflows that adhere to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for data integrity—particularly when paired with spectrophotometers equipped with audit-trail-capable software.
Software & Data Management
As a hardware accessory, the AS-36 requires no embedded firmware or driver installation. Its operation is fully transparent to spectrophotometer control software (e.g., UniCo UVProbe, SpectraManager, or third-party platforms via USB/RS-232). When used in multi-cuvette sequential scanning protocols, the holder enables automated position indexing if the host instrument supports motorized sample changers or external trigger synchronization. All spectral data generated using the AS-36 are traceable to the same calibration certificates applied to the parent spectrophotometer—ensuring continuity in uncertainty budgets defined per ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
Applications
The AS-36 supports quantitative and qualitative analysis across regulated and research-intensive domains: environmental monitoring (e.g., nitrate/nitrite detection in water per EPA Method 353.2), pharmaceutical QC (assay of active pharmaceutical ingredients per USP ), food safety testing (colorimetric determination of sulfites or antioxidants), clinical biochemistry (enzyme kinetics using NADH/NADPH absorbance at 340 nm), and academic spectroscopy teaching labs. Its four-position configuration is especially advantageous for reference-blank-sample-duplicate configurations, concentration gradient series, or time-point sampling in stopped-flow experiments.
FAQ
Is the AS-36 compatible with non-UniCo spectrophotometers?
Yes—provided the instrument accepts externally mounted 50 mm pathlength cuvettes and features a compatible sample compartment geometry (e.g., Shimadzu UV-1900, Agilent Cary 60, or PerkinElmer Lambda 25). Mechanical fit should be verified prior to deployment.
Can it accommodate microvolume or tapered cuvettes?
No—the AS-36 is dimensionally optimized for standard 12.5 × 12.5 mm cross-section, 50 mm pathlength rectangular cuvettes only. Microvolume, semi-micro, or trapezoidal cuvettes are not supported.
Does the holder require recalibration when moved between instruments?
No—calibration resides with the spectrophotometer optics and detector system. The AS-36 functions solely as a passive positioning aid; no user calibration or alignment procedure is required.
What is the maximum operating temperature range?
The unit is rated for ambient laboratory use (15–30 °C, 40–60% RH). Prolonged exposure to temperatures exceeding 40 °C may affect dimensional stability of the polymer retention components.
Is there a recommended cleaning protocol?
Wipe exterior surfaces with lint-free cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid ultrasonic cleaning or immersion, as internal slot tolerances may be compromised by solvent swelling of polymer inserts.
