Accuris AutoMATE 96 User manual

Operation Manual
V1.0
MP9604

Thank you for purchasing the AutoMATE™96 Microplate Pipetting Workstation. This
user manual details the instrument’s features, specifications, as well as complete
operating instructions; please read it carefully before operation. Keep this user
manual for later use.
Important:
Please keep the box and packaging material for this instrument. If service is
required, the box will be needed to ship the instrument to our Service
Department.
Initial Inspection
Please inspect the instrument as well as all included accessories when you first open
the packaging. If you find anything damaged or missing, please contact Benchmark
Scientific or your local distributor immediately.
BENCHMARK SCIENTIFIC / ACCURIS INSTRUMENTS
PO Box 709
Edison, NJ 08818
USA
Phone: [phone]
Website: www.benchmarkscientific.com / www.accuris-usa.com
Email: i[email protected] / [e-mail]

Safety Warnings and Guidelines
1. Important information for safe use
Users should understand how to use this instrument before operating.
Please read this manual carefully prior to operation.
Any improper operation may cause injury. Please read this manual
carefully and operate safely according to the guidelines.
2. Operation and Maintenance
The operation and maintenance of the instrument should comply with the basic
guidelines and warnings below. Incorrect operation or maintenance will have
detrimental effects on the life, performance, and safety features of the instrument.
The instrument is a normal indoor instrument which conforms to
classⅠof the GB 4793.1 standard.
This instrument is designed for use in a laboratory
environment. The device must be operated by skilled
laboratory personnel with appropriate training.
To prevent injury or voiding the warranty, the operator should not
attempt to repair the instrument without explicit guidance from
Accuris Instruments. If service is required, please contact Accuris
Instruments or your local distributor for repair.
Before powering on, confirm that the voltage used meets the electrical
requirements of the instrument as stated on the rating plate. If the
electric cord is damaged, replace it with the same type of cord. Hold
the socket firmly before pulling the plug from an outlet. Do not pull the
electric cord.
The temperature of the heating block can be high; please do not touch
it while it is in use to prevent injury.
The instrument should be installed in an environment of standard
room temperature, low dust, low humidity, and away from direct
sunlight, electromagnetic interference, and heat sources. Do not block
the vents on the instrument.
Always power off the instrument when you are finished using it.
Unplug the power cord and cover the instrument with a cloth or plastic
sheet to prevent excessive dust from entering the housing.

Pull the connector plug from the electrical outlet immediately
and contact the vendor in the event of:
•Liquid entering the housing.
•Abnormal operation: such as any abnormal sound or
smell.
•The instrument is dropped or there is any damage to
the housing.
•Any malfunction.
3. Maintenance
The instrument should be cleaned regularly using a soft cloth dampened with
a small amount of alcohol.
4. Transportation and storage requirements
Ambient temperature: -20℃~ 55℃
Relative humidity: ≤ 80%
Place in a well-ventilated room, away from corrosive gas.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1Introduction.....................................................................................................8
1. Service Life..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2. Features...........................................................................................................................8
Chapter 2 Specifications..................................................................................................9
1. Product performance index .............................................................................................9
2. Outline Dimension .........................................................................................................11
Chapter 3 Composition of Instrument..........................................................................12
1. The main structural components.................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2. Replace operation of the pipetting module structure.....................................................13
3. 96 to 384 operation........................................................................................................14
Chapter 4 Use of Instrument .........................................................................................15
1. Check before experiment runs ....................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2. Software Usage Guide...................................................................................................18
2.1. Start software............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2. Main interface of software..........................................................................................19
2.2.1. Basic Mode.............................................................................................................19
2.2.1.1.Position................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.1.2.Position settings................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.1.3.Information..........................................................................................................22
2.2.1.4.Function............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.2.Advanced Mode....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.2.1. New....................................................................................................................24
2.2.2.2. Save as..............................................................................................................28
2.2.2.3. Manage..............................................................................................................29

2.2.2.4. Records .............................................................................................................30
2.2.2.5. Preview..............................................................................................................31
2.2.2.6. Running .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.2.3. Settings...................................................................................................................34
2.2.3.1. Parameters settings...........................................................................................34
2.2.3.1.1. Liquid parameter.............................................................................................35
2.2.3.1.2. Speed parameter............................................................................................35
2.2.3.1.3. Default Tips.....................................................................................................36
2.2.3.2. System...............................................................................................................36
2.2.3.3. Maintenance......................................................................................................39
2.2.4. Labware..................................................................................................................40
2.2.5. User Settings..........................................................................................................43
2.2.5.1. User settings......................................................................................................43
2.2.5.2. Change user......................................................................................................45
2.2.6. SWITCH button function.........................................................................................46
Chapter 5 Product Maintenance....................................................................................47
1. Maintenance tool ...........................................................................................................47
2. Daily maintenance.........................................................................................................47
3. Regular maintenance.....................................................................................................48
4. Annual maintenance......................................................................................................48
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting............................................................................................48
1. Common failure and solutions.......................................................................................48
2. Software Error Alarm List...............................................................................................49

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Chapter 1 Introduction
The AutoMATE™96 from Accuris Instruments is a fully automated, high
throughput liquid handling workstation that improves productivity when filling
microplates. Capable of dispensing up to 96 channels simultaneously, the
AutoMATE 96 significantly reduces the processing time and errors associated
with manual pipetting.
The included tablet features an intuitive app for programming and operation.
Unlike many 96-well pipetting stations, the AutoMATE 96 is “hands-free”, with
motorized tip loading/ejection and a four position, automated, sliding platform
that precisely aligns the tips with the appropriate microplate/reservoir. Once
programmed, the instrument can run protocols to completion without any
manual positioning or adjustment.
Three interchangeable heads allow for a pipetting range from 1.0µL to
1000µL. The AutoMATE 96 is compact enough to fit onto a standard lab
bench or into a biosafety cabinet.
1. Key Features
➢Precise pipetting - The pipetting range can be selected according to the
specific requirements.
➢Multiple pipetting functions - sample transfer, gradient dilution, plate
replication, combining samples from multiple plates, 96/384 plate
conversion and more.
➢4 position platform: Select tip, plate, and reservoir positions. Program
automatic movement of the platform.
➢Easy to use - Intuitive interface for manual and programmed operations.

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Chapter 2 Specifications
1. Required Installation Environment
Environmental Temperature: -20°C - 55°C
Operating Temperature: 10°C –40°C
Relative Humidity: ≤ 80%
Atmospheric Pressure: 86.9 kPA –106.0 kPA
Input Voltage: AC 100～240V, 50Hz/60Hz
2. Instrument Specifications
Model
AutoMATE™96 (MP9604)
Pipetting Heads
20ul, 200ul, 1000ul (interchangeable)
Platform
positions
Four
Plate
positioning
Automatic / motorized
Operation
interface
Tablet, basic mannual operation and progremmed operation
Channels
8 / 96
Compatible Tips
Accuris AutoMATE tips
Operating
Android
Display
8 inch tablet, color display
Instrument port
USB B
Power supply
100 to 240VAC, 50/60Hz, 100W
Tablet
connection
Bluetooth
N.W.(KG)
32.6 Kg
Size(WxDxH)mm
69.0x35.0x67.3 cm

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3. Pipetting Head Specifications
Pipette Head
MP9600-20PH
(20 µL)
MP9600-200PH
(200 µL)
MP9600-1000PH
(1000 µL)
Number of
pipetting
channels
96
96
96
Pipetting
range/µL
1~20
5~200
100~1000
Pipetting
accuracy
1µL: ≤±12%
5µL: ≤±5%
100µL: ≤±2.5%
2µL: ≤±5%
20µL: ≤±2%
500µL: ≤±1%
10µL: ≤±1%
100µL: ≤±1%
1000µL: ≤±1%
20µL: ≤±1%
200µL: ≤±1%
Pipetting
precision
1µL: ≤10%
5µL: ≤3.5%
100µL: ≤1.25%
2µL: ≤5%
20µL: ≤1.5%
500µL: ≤0.4%
10µL: ≤1%
100µL: ≤0.8%
1000µL: ≤0.4%
20µL: ≤0.8%
200µL: ≤0.4%

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4. Dimensions
Fig 1. Dimensions

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Chapter 3 Instrument Overview
1. Structure
Fig 1. AutoMATE 96 Structure
1. Shell
2. Front casing
3. Tablet
4. Pipette
Head
5. Front
Plate
6. 4-position
motorized platform
7. Operational
LED Indicator
8. SWITCH key
9. Instrument
Base
10. USB
Inlet
11. Power switch
12. Power Inlet

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2. Pipette Head Installation / Replacement
①Push front casing up ②Remove the front edge ③Loosen the locking
.levers
④Replace pipetting head ⑤Tighten levers ⑥Replace front casing &
front edge
Fig 3. Pipette Head Replacement

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3. 384-Well Microplate Pipetting
384-well Microplate Adapter
Place the 384-well microplate adapter onto a platform position. Place the 384-well
microplate onto the bottom left side of the adapter. During a program run, the
AutoMATE 96 will dispense into two horizontal positions, and then instruct the user
to move the 384-well microplate to the top left side of the adapter to dispense into
the final 2 horizontal positions.
384-well Microplate Positioning

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1. Installation
1.1. Pre-installation inspection
The instrument should be unpacked by an experienced laboratory technician with
experience and background suitable for installing and testing automated lab
equipment. The persons installing the instrument should carefully inspect all items
that accompany the instrument and compare to the included Packing List. If there
are any questions about the condition of the instrument or included accessories,
please make a detailed record and contact Accuris Instruments or your distributor.
1.2. Installation environment
①This product is designed for indoor use only
②Operating temperature range: 10℃~ 40℃.
③Relative humidity: below than 80%, no condensation.
④Atmosphere pressure: 86.0 k Pa~106.0k Pa.
⑤Power input: 100~240VAC, 50Hz/60Hz.
⑥Power sockets must be properly grounded.
⑦The minimum distance between the back of the instrument and the wall is
10 cm.
⑧The instrument should be installed on a stable surface with dimensions of
at least 730X360mm and designed to hold at least 35kg.
1.3. Installation sequence
①Open the shipping packaging.
②Carefully lift and transfer the instrument to the stable and level surface
where it will be used.
③Make sure that there is enough space to the left and right for the moving
platform. It is recommended that signs or notes are posted to remind lab
personnel to keep these areas clear.

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④Connect the power cable to an appropriate electrical outlet and to the
back power inlet on the instrument and turn on the power switch.
⑤Power on the included tablet computer. Make sure that the battery is
charged appropriately for use with the included adapter and cord. Open the Auto-
Mate 96 series app on the tablet.
1.4. Check the Software Version
After opening the Auto-Mate 96 app, check the instrument software version on the
start-up screen. The software version displayed on this interface should be the
same that is recorded in the product performance test table. See Fig. 1.
Fig 2 Software version

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Chapter 4 Instrument Setup
1. Preparation Before Use
An experienced laboratory technician, with the requisite knowledge and
background, should be the one to unpack and install the instrument. The
technician should thoroughly examine all items that arrive with the instrument and
compare them to the Packing List. Should there be any doubts or questions about
the instrument or its accompanying accessories, such should be recorded and
Accuris Instruments or the relevant distributor should be contacted.
Before beginning any pipetting process, the following checklist should be
completed:
•Confirm that the tablet controller is connected to the instrument.
•Ensure that there are no obstructions to the moving platform and that it
moves freely to both the right and left.
•Verify that the power supply connected to the instrument is steady and
meets the power supply requirements: Voltage: 100~240V (±10%);
Frequency: 50Hz/60Hz.
•Turn on the main power switch, as depicted in Figure 5, to the "I" position.
Confirm that the instrument is powered on and that the Operational
Indicator Light is lit.
Fig 3. Power Switch

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2. Software Guide
On the included Android Tablet, select the “AutoMATE™ 96” app icon to enter the
application interface.
Fig 4. AutoMATE™96 App Icon
Select the user (Admin or other), enter the corresponding user password, and click
“Login”to enter the main interface, as shown in the figure below.
Fig 5. Login interface

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2.1. Main Interface
After logging in, the main interface will display (Figure 8). On the main interface,
choose one of the two pipetting modes: Manual Mode or Automated Program
Mode, as shown in the figure below.
Fig. 6 AutoMATE™96 Application Main Interface
2.1.1 Manual Mode

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Choose "Manual mode" to enter the basic mode, as shown in the figure below.
Fig. 7 Manual Mode Interface
Platform Positions:
The motorized platform has four positions: P1 corresponds to platform position 1,
P2 corresponds to platform position 2, and so on. To change to another platform in
the Manual Mode Interface, select a different platform position to highlight it blue
(Figure 10); the instrument will automatically position itself to the platform position
specified.
Fig. 8 Platform Position Selection
Tip Loading & Ejection
To load / eject pipette tips in the Manual Mode Interface, select the “Load Tips” or
“Eject Tips” icons to highlight it blue (Figure 11); the instrument will automatically