Beckman Coulter Biomek NX User manual

987892AF
April 2019
User’s Manual
Biomek NX and NXPLaboratory Automation Workstations
Multichannel Pod
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
250 S. Kraemer Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821 U.S.A.

Biomek NX and NXPLaboratory Automation
Workstations Multichannel Pod
User’s Manual
PN 987892AF (April 2019)
© 2019 Beckman Coulter, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Beckman Coulter, the stylized logo, and the Beckman
Coulter product and service marks mentioned herein are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Beckman Coulter,
Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Windows 7 and Windows 10 are registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
All other trademarks, service marks, products, or services
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders.
May be covered by one or mor pat. - see
www.beckman.com/patents
Contact Us
If you have any questions, contact our Customer Support
Center.
• Worldwide, find us via our website at
www.beckman.com/support/technical
• In the USA and Canada, call us at 1-800-369-0333.
• Outside of the USA and Canada, contact your local
Beckman Coulter Representative.
Find us on the World Wide Web at:
www.beckman.com
Glossary of Symbols is available at
beckman.com/techdocs (PN C24689).
Original Instructions

987892AF iii
Revision History
Note: Changes that are part of the most recent revision are indicated in text by a bar in the margin of the
amended page.
Issue AE, 06/2016
Updates were made to the following sections: RoHS Notice, Multi Compliance Label.
Issue AF, 04/2019
Updates were made to the following sections:
• Warnings and Cautions Found in this Manual
• Introduction, Deck
• Introduction, removed Optional Devices
• Table 2, Troubleshooting the Biomek NX Instrument
• CHAPTER 1, Multichannel Pod Troubleshooting
• CHAPTER 2, Using the Plate Sensor
• Figure 3.13, Framing to the corner of four wells
• Figure 3.14, Framing to the center of a well
• Figure 3.15, Manual Teaching the X- and Y- axes
• Figure 3.16, Manual Teaching the X- and Y-axes
• Figure 3.17, Manual Teaching (teach Z)
• CHAPTER 4, Accessing Manual Control
• Figure 4.5, Overview Advanced Manual Control for a Multichannel Pod
• CHAPTER 4, Unloading Tips (Windows 10 only)
• APPENDIX A, System Specifications
• Removed Appendix B, Using a Stacker Carousel
• Related Documents
This document applies to the latest software listed/ version and higher versions. When a subsequent
software version affects the information in this document, a new issue will be released to the Beckman
Coulter website. For labeling updates, go to www.beckman.com/techdocs and download the latest version
of the manual or system help for your instrument.

987892AF
iv
Revision History

987892AF v
Safety Notice
Read all product manuals and consult with Beckman Coulter-trained personnel before attempting
to operate instrument. Do not attempt to perform any procedure before carefully reading all
instructions. Always follow product labeling and manufacturer’s recommendations. If in doubt as
to how to proceed in any situation, contact your Beckman Coulter Representative.
Alerts for Danger, Warning, Caution, Important, and Note
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT is used for comments that add value to the step or procedure being performed.
Following the advice in the Important adds benefit to the performance of a piece of equipment or to a
process.
NOTE NOTE is used to call attention to notable information that should be followed during installation, use,
or servicing of this equipment.
Electrical Safety
To prevent electrically related injuries and property damage, properly inspect all electrical
equipment prior to use and immediately report any electrical deficiencies. Contact an Beckman
Coulter service representative for any servicing of equipment requiring the removal of covers or
panels.
High Voltage
This symbol indicates the potential of an electrical shock hazard existing from a high voltage source
and that all safety instructions should be read and understood before proceeding with the
installation, maintenance, and servicing of all modules.
Do not remove system covers. To avoid electrical shock, use supplied power cords only and connect
to properly grounded (three-holed) wall outlets. Do not use multi-plug power strips.

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vi
Safety Notice
Chemical and Biological Safety
Disposal of Electronic Equipment
It is important to understand and follow all laws regarding the safe and proper disposal of electrical
instrumentation.
The symbol of a crossed-out wheeled bin on the product is required in accordance with the Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive of the European Union. The presence of this
marking on the product indicates that:
• the device was put on the European Market after August 13, 2005.
• the device is not to be disposed via the municipal waste collection system of any member state
of the European Union.
For products under the requirement of WEEE directive, please contact your dealer or local Beckman
Coulter office for the proper decontamination information and take back program, which will
facilitate the proper collection, treatment, recovery, recycling, and safe disposal of the device.
Laser Light
This symbol indicates that a potential hazard to personal safety exists from a laser source. When
this symbol is displayed in this manual, pay special attention to the specific safety information
associated with the symbol.
Laser Specifications
Laser Type: Class II Laser Diode
Maximum Output:11 mW
Wavelength: 670
Chemical and Biological Safety
Normal operation of the Biomek NX may involve the use of materials that are toxic, flammable, or
otherwise biologically harmful. When using such materials, observe the following precautions:
• Handle infectious samples according to good laboratory procedures and methods to prevent
the spread of disease.
• Observe all cautionary information printed on the original solutions containers prior to their
use.

987892AF vii
Safety Notice
Moving Parts
• Dispose of all waste solutions according to your facility’s waste disposal procedures.
• Operate the Biomek NX in accordance with the instructions outlined in this manual, and take
all the necessary precautions when using pathological, toxic, or radioactive materials.
• Splashing of liquids may occur; therefore, take appropriate safety precautions, such as using
safety glasses and wearing protective clothing, when working with potentially hazardous
liquids.
• Use an appropriately contained environment when using hazardous materials.
• Observe the appropriate cautionary procedures as defined by your safety officer when using
flammable solvents in or near a powered-up instrument.
• Observe the appropriate cautionary procedures as defined by your safety officer when using
toxic, pathological, or radioactive materials.
NOTE Observe all warnings and cautions listed for any external devices attached or used during operation
of the Biomek NX. Refer to applicable external device user’s manuals for operating procedures of that
device.
NOTE For Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS) information, go to the Beckman Coulter website at
www.beckman.com.
Moving Parts
To avoid injury due to moving parts, observe the following:
• Never attempt to exchange labware, reagents, or tools while the instrument is operating.
• Never attempt to physically restrict any of the moving components of the Biomek NX.
• Keep the Biomek NX work area clear to prevent obstruction of the movement.
Maintenance
Perform only the maintenance described in this manual. Maintenance other than that specified in
this manual should be performed only by Beckman Coulter service representatives.
IMPORTANT It is your responsibility to decontaminate components of the Biomek NX before requesting
service by a Beckman Coulter service representative or returning parts to Beckman Coulter for repair.
Beckman Coulter will NOT accept any items which have not been decontaminated where it is appropriate
to do so. If any parts are returned, they must be enclosed in a sealed plastic bag stating that the contents
are safe to handle and are not contaminated.

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viii
Safety Notice
China RoHS Caution Label
China RoHS Caution Label
This logo indicates that this electronic information product contains certain toxic or hazardous
substances or elements, and can be used safely during its environmental protection use period. The
number in the middle of the logo indicates the environmental protection use period for the
product. The outer circle indicates that the product can be recycled. The logo also signifies that the
product should be recycled immediately after its environmental protection use period has expired.
The date on the label indicates the date of manufacture.
Warnings and Cautions Found in this Manual
Please read and observe all cautions and instructions. Remember, the most important key to safety
is to operate the Biomek NX with care.
The warnings and cautions found within this document are listed below.
WARNING
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Beckman Coulter, Inc., the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
WARNING
Dark non-reflective material affects the sensitivity of the light curtain and
adversely impact its effectiveness. Typical lab dress, such as lab coats and latex
gloves, do not degrade light curtain operation; however, it is advisable to test the
impact of the all lab dress on light curtain sensitivity before operating the Biomek
NX. Verify lab dress impact on light curtain sensitivity as follows: Use Manual
Control in Biomek Software and insert the material no more than 1” past and
approximately 21” above the light curtain panel. Make sure the solid amber
indicator light changes to blinking amber.

987892AF ix
Safety Notice
Warnings and Cautions Found in this Manual
WARNING
To reduce the risk of personal injury, operate the Biomek NX instrument only with
all protective shields in place.
WARNING
To prevent injury, use proper decontamination procedures.
• Wipe up all spills on the deck immediately.
• Approximately every six to twelve months, schedule a Beckman Coulter
service call to lubricate the linear rail.
CAUTION
If service is required, contact a Beckman Coulter Service Engineer.
WARNING
Do not remove tower covers to access electrical wiring or fuses. Change only the
fuses that are accessed from the outside of the instrument, without removing
covers. Contact a Beckman Coulter Service Engineer if further access is required.
WARNING
Turn off and unplug power to the instrument before changing fuses. Failure to do
so can cause electrical shock or equipment damage.
CAUTION
CAUTION: To prevent damage due to electrical static discharge (ESD), wear a wrist
ground strap when handling a multichannel head.
CAUTION
Before removing the fourth shoulder screw, take hold of the head firmly to make
sure it does not fall once all screws are removed.
WARNING
The gripper may bend if not taught (framed) properly with the AccuFrame.
WARNING
Do not connect or disconnect any cable while power is applied to the Biomek NX.

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Safety Notice
Warnings and Cautions Found in this Manual
WARNING
Avoid all labware on the Biomek NX deck when removing or installing grippers. It
is recommended that all labware in the vicinity of the pod be moved or removed
to avoid spills and contact with labware.
CAUTION
Use caution when removing gripper fingers. Since gripper fingers mount tightly
into the Multichannel Pod, they pull free of the Multichannel Pod suddenly.
CAUTION
Do not make any changes to the pod axes limits in Hardware Setup without
contacting a Beckman Coulter Service Engineer or Beckman Coulter Customer
Technical Support.
CAUTION
If the hardware configuration is not updated using Hardware Setup, hardware
crashes or inaccurate liquid transfer may occur.
CAUTION
To avoid hardware crashes, a new D-axis limit must be established and the gripper
framed in the Biomek Software after the head has been configured in Hardware
Setup.
CAUTION
Always ensure that the gripper is retracted before homing.
CAUTION
Before selecting OK to home all axes, the following conditions must be met:
• Make sure there is no liquid present in the tips
• Make sure there are no disposable tips loaded
• Make sure the Framing Probe is NOT installed on the Multichannel Pod.
• Make sure the gripper on the Multichannel Pod is retracted.

987892AF xi
Safety Notice
Warnings and Cautions Found in this Manual
WARNING
Turn off power to the Biomek NX instrument before attaching or removing
AccuFrame from the instrument deck.
WARNING
Make sure the light curtain is not violated by the AccuFrame cable. If the light
curtain is violated, the framing process halts immediately.
WARNING
Make sure the AccuFrame cable does not interfere with pod movement.
CAUTION
Use Shift deck only before other ALPs or positions are taught. Shift deck shifts all
ALPs and positions, resulting in incorrect coordinates if applied to previously
framed ALPs and positions.
CAUTION
Select Move Z-Max to move the pod to its highest point before extending the
gripper. To avoid breaking labware or bending the gripper fingers, make sure the
gripper fingers will not hit any labware when extended.
CAUTION
Do not retract gripper when it is holding labware.
WARNING
CLASS II LASER PRODUCT
THIS PRODUCT CONFORMS TO APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF 21 CFR 1040 AT
THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE.
CAUTION
To avoid serious damage to the instrument, make sure that the laboratory site
voltage/frequency matches the voltage/frequency that was ordered for the
instrument.
WARNING
Do not attempt to remove or replace covers while the unit is powered on.
Disconnect power before removing or replacing a cover.

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xii
Safety Notice
Warnings and Cautions Found in this Manual
WARNING
Avoid direct exposure to the laser beam. Never look directly into the laser beam,
and never leave the laser on, open, or unattended.
WARNING
Always have the laser module access cover, located on the bar code reader, in
place when operating or troubleshooting the laser module.
CAUTION
If a label is applied by any means other than the Beckman Coulter Print and Apply
device, an increase in bad reads or no reads may occur.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the shuttle, first place the AccuFrame into the Framing Tool
Adaptor. Then place the AccuFrame with the attached adaptor on the shuttle.
CAUTION
Risk of contamination. Selecting Unload Tips will cause the disposable tips to be
shucked from the tip mandrels at the current pod position. The pod will not move
to a disposal ALP location prior to unloading the tips. Ensure the pod is positioned
above a Disposal ALP before selecting Unload Tips.

xiii
Contents
Revision History, iii
Safety Notice, v
Alerts for Danger, Warning, Caution, Important, and Note, v
Electrical Safety, v
High Voltage, v
Disposal of Electronic Equipment, vi
Laser Light, vi
Laser Specifications, vi
Chemical and Biological Safety, vi
Moving Parts, vii
Maintenance, vii
China RoHS Caution Label, viii
Warnings and Cautions Found in this Manual, viii
Biomek NX Multichannel Introduction, xxi
Instrument Overview, xxi
Control Modes, xxi
System Components, xxii
Towers, xxii
Indicator Lights, xxiv
Multichannel Pod, xxiv
Deck, xxv
ALPS, xxv
Optional Devices, xxv
Device Controller, xxv
Protective Barriers, xxvi
Light Curtain Protection System, xxvii
Side Safety Shields, xxvii
Preventive Maintenance, xxviii
Light Curtain Maintenance, xxviii
Troubleshooting, xxviii
Changing Fuses, xxix
Multichannel Pod, 1-1
Overview, 1-1
Main Components of the Multichannel Pod, 1-1

xiv
Contents
Pod Movements, 1-2
Control Modes, 1-3
Interchangeable Heads, 1-3
Changing Heads, 1-3
Removing Heads, 1-4
Installing Multichannel Heads, 1-7
Gripper, 1-10
Framing the Gripper, 1-11
Preventive Maintenance, 1-11
Troubleshooting, 1-12
Replacing Gripper Fingers, 1-13
Removing Gripper Fingers, 1-13
Installing Gripper Fingers, 1-14
Configuring the Biomek NX Multichannel
in Biomek Software, 2-1
Overview, 2-1
Accessing Hardware Setup, 2-1
Understanding the Options in Hardware Setup, 2-2
Configuring the Biomek NX Multichannel Instrument, 2-3
Configuring a Multichannel Pod, 2-3
Configuring a New Head, 2-4
Setting Multichannel Pod Properties, 2-5
Using the Plate Sensor, 2-7
Saving, Restoring, and Deleting Settings, 2-8
Saving Pod Settings, 2-8
Restoring Pod Settings, 2-9
Deleting Pod Settings, 2-10
Framing Instructions, 3-1
Overview, 3-1
Framing Deck Positions on the Biomek NX Using AccuFrame, 3-1
Homing All Axes of the Pods, 3-3
Attaching the Framing Fixture to the Pod, 3-4
Installing AccuFrame, 3-5
Framing the Position, 3-6
Selecting Appropriate Teaching Instructions, 3-9
Manually Framing Deck Positions on the Biomek NX, 3-10
Using the Graphic Alignment Tool, 3-14
Using the Delta Value and Directional Buttons, 3-16
Framing the Z-Axis, 3-17
Framing the Gripper, 3-19
Testing Gripper Framing Accuracy, 3-24

xv
Contents
Troubleshooting, 3-24
Manually Controlling the Biomek NX
in Biomek Software, 4-1
Overview, 4-1
Accessing Manual Control, 4-1
Using Manual Control, 4-2
Homing All Axes of the Pod, 4-2
Moving the Pod to a Specific Deck Position, 4-3
Stopping the Pod, 4-3
Viewing the Firmware Version, 4-4
Accessing Advanced Manual Control, 4-4
Using Advanced Manual Control, 4-4
Viewing the Current Position of the Pod, 4-6
Moving the Pod to a Safe Roving Height, 4-7
Performing Relative Moves for the Pod, 4-8
Setting Delta Values for the Pod, 4-9
Understanding and Using the Vector Builder, 4-9
Performing Absolute Moves for the Pod, 4-10
Extending and Retracting the Gripper, 4-12
Unloading Tips (Windows 10 only), 4-12
Specifications, A-1
System Specifications, A-1
Using a Stacker Carousel (Windows 7 Only), B-1
Overview, B-1
Integrating the Stacker Carousel, B-1
Positioning the Stacker Carousel on the Deck, B-3
Mounting the Stacker Carousel, B-4
Attaching the Alignment Bracket, B-5
Attaching the Stacker Carousel, B-8
Attaching the Side Shield, B-9
Operating the Stacker Carousel, B-12
Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting, B-12
Integrating the Bar Code Reader, B-13
Attaching Bar Code Reader Bracket, B-13
Attaching Bar Code Reader to Shuttle, B-14
Positioning Bar Code Reader, B-16
Applying Power to the Bar Code Reader, B-22
Aligning the Laser Beam, B-23
Configuring the Stacker Carousel in Hardware Setup, B-26
Installing Stacker Carousels, B-26
Configuring Stacker Carousels, B-28
Removing Stacker Carousels, B-29

xvi
Contents
Framing the Stacker Carousel, B-29
Index
Beckman Coulter, Inc.
Customer End User License Agreement
Warranty and Returned Goods Requirements, 1
Related Documents

xvii
Illustrations
Illustrations
1 Biomek NX with Multichannel Pod, xxii
2 Right tower outside, xxiii
3 Left tower outside, xxiii
4 Right tower inside, xxiv
5 Protective barriers for the Biomek NX Instrument, xxvi
6 Replacing fuses in tower, xxx
1.1 Multichannel Pod installed on Biomek NX, 1-1
1.2 Multichannel Pod — Main Components, 1-2
1.3 Wrist ground strap attached to the deck, 1-4
1.4 Bottom Cover Removed from Pod, 1-5
1.5 Plunger screws and shoulder screws removed from
multichannel head, 1-6
1.6 Sequence for removing four plunger screws and four shoulder
screws on all multichannel heads, 1-7
1.7 Chamfer locations on a Multichannel head, 1-8
1.8 Sequence for installing four plunger screws and four shoulder
screws on all multichannel heads, 1-9
1.9 Grippers, 1-10
1.10 Installed replaceable grippers, 1-13
1.11 Removable front gripper assembly, 1-14
2.1 Hardware Setup for a Biomek NX Multichannel Instrument, 2-2
2.2 Hardware Setup showing the configuration of a Multichannel
Pod, 2-4
2.3 Warnings must be addressed before homing process begins, 2-5
2.4 Hardware Setup displaying Enable Plate Sensor, 2-8
2.5 Error for no plate sensed, 2-8
2.6 Save Configuration, 2-9
2.7 Load Settings, 2-10
2.8 Confirmation to reset stored configuration, 2-10
2.9 Delete Settings, 2-11
2.10 Confirmation to delete stored configuration, 2-11
3.1 AccuFrame framing tool, 3-2
3.2 Warning to address before homing process begins, 3-4
3.3 Framing Fixture, 3-5

xviii
Illustrations
3.4 Deck Editor, 3-7
3.5 Position Properties, 3-7
3.6 Confirm, 3-8
3.7 Teaching Instructions, 3-8
3.8 Deck Editor, 3-10
3.9 Position Properties for a Positive Position ALP, 3-11
3.10 Manual Framing Wizard — Warning, 3-11
3.11 Manual Framing Wizard if tips are not already loaded, 3-12
3.12 Manual Framing Wizard if tips are loaded, 3-12
3.13 Framing to the corner of four wells, 3-13
3.14 Framing to the center of a well, 3-14
3.15 Manual Teaching the X- and Y- axes, 3-15
3.16 Manual Teaching the X- and Y-axes, 3-16
3.17 Manual Teaching (teach Z), 3-18
3.18 Hardware Setup, 3-20
3.19 Warning to make sure gripper is ready for framing, 3-20
3.20 Pick previously framed deck position to frame the grippers, 3-21
3.21 Advanced Manual Control for moving gripper during
framing, 3-21
3.22 Moving pod into gripping position, 3-22
3.23 Gripper framing position on the AccuFrame, 3-22
3.24 Correct and incorrect gripper framing alignment, 3-23
4.1 Confirms Manual Control is connecting, 4-1
4.2 Manual Control, 4-2
4.3 Warnings must be addressed before homing process begins., 4-3
4.4 Firmware version information, 4-4
4.5 Overview Advanced Manual Control for a Multichannel Pod, 4-5
4.6 Vector Builder, 4-10
4.7 Enter Absolute Move Coordinates, 4-11
B.1 Stacker Carousel, B-2
B.2 Stacker shuttle positions, B-3
B.3 Stacker Carousel Integration, B-4
B.4 Attaching alignment bracket, B-5
B.5 Attaching Riser Plate, B-7
B.6 Stacker Attachment, B-8
B.7 Attaching the side shield components to Biomek NX, B-9
B.8 Aligning the stack shuttle, B-10
B.9 Front view of stacker integration, B-11

xix
Illustrations
B.10 Stacker Carousel final placement (top view rear position, right
side), B-12
B.11 Bar Code Reader Bracket, B-14
B.12 Bar code reader shuttle mount access cover removed, B-15
B.13 Mounting bracket attachment, B-15
B.14 Mounting bar code reader, B-16
B.15 Bar code reader in narrow side scanning position, B-17
B.16 Bar code reader in narrow side scanning position, B-17
B.17 Bar code reader in wide right side scanning position, B-18
B.18 Bar code reader in wide right side scanning position (bottom
view), B-18
B.19 Bar code reader in rear narrow side scanning position, B-19
B.20 Bar code reader in rear narrow side scanning position (bottom
view), B-19
B.21 Bar code reader in wide left side scanning position, B-20
B.22 Bar code reader in wide left side scanning position (bottom
view), B-20
B.23 Bar code reader in front narrow side scanning position, B-21
B.24 Bar code reader in front narrow side scanning position (bottom
view), B-21
B.25 Bar code reader attachment bracket, B-22
B.26 Bar code reader — Laser beam position over bar code label., B-24
B.27 Adjust laser alignment as necessary, B-25
B.28 Label positioning on microplate, B-26
B.29 New Devices, B-27
B.30 Installing a Stacker Carousel by right-clicking, B-27
B.31 Hardware Setup showing the configuration view for a Stacker
Carousel, B-28
B.32 Adding the AccuFrame and Framing Tool Adaptor to the Stacker
Carousel shuttle, B-30

xx
Tables
Tables
1.1 Multichannel Pod Axes Movement, 1-2
1.2 Tip compatibility and max volumes on Multichannel Heads, 1-3
1.3 Multichannel Pod Troubleshooting, 1-12
2.1 Hardware Setup Options, 2-2
2.2 Multichannel Pod Properties, 2-6
3.1 Troubleshooting Framing, 3-24
4.1 Advanced Manual Control selection areas for the Multichannel
Pod (Refer to specific subsections for instructional use.), 4-6
A.1 System Specifications, A-1