Gilson PIPETMAX 268 User manual

PIPETMAX® 268
User’s Guide

Trademarks
All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their
respective holders. Use of the trademark(s) in this document does not imply any
aliation with or endorsements by the trademark holder(s).

3
PIPETMAX® 268 | USER’S GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY | 5
Electronic and Hazard Symbols | 6
Safety Notices | 6
Voltage | 6
Safety Interlocks | 7
Pipette Heads | 7
Tip Waste Container | 7
Tray | 8
Liquids | 8
Replacement Parts | 8
CHAPTER 1 | INTRODUCTION | 9
Unpacking | 10
Technical Specifications | 13
Customer Service | 16
CHAPTER 2 | SETUP/OPERATION | 17
Placement | 18
Removable Tray | 19
Connections | 21
Power On and Start Up | 25
Prepare to Run a Protocol | 26
Run Protocol | 29
CHAPTER 3 | MAINTENANCE | 37
Cleaning | 38
Add or Replace Pipette Head(s) | 38
Repair and Return Policies | 39
APPENDIX A | REPLACEMENT PARTS | 40

5PIPETMAX® 268 | USER’S GUIDE
Chapter2|SaFetY
Read this section before installing and operating PIPETMAX® 268.
This instrument is intended to be used in a laboratory environment by trained technical
personnel.
For safe and proper use of this instrument, it is required that both operating and service
personnel follow the instructions contained in this guide when installing, cleaning, and
maintaining the instrument.
The following safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service,
and repair of the instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific
warnings elsewhere in this user’s guide violates safety standards of design, manufacture,
and intended use of the instrument. Gilson assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to
comply with these requirements.
The instrument complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This instrument may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
instrument must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation. Shielded cables must be used with the instrument to ensure compliance
with the FCC Class A limits.
PIPETMAX has been certified to safety standards required in Canada, Europe, and the United
States. Refer to the instrument rear panel label and the Declaration of Conformity document
for the current standards to which the instrument has been found compliant.
IN thIS Chapter
●Electronic and Hazard Symbols | 6
●Safety Notices | 6
●Voltage | 6
●Safety Interlocks | 7
●Pipette Heads | 7
●Tip Waste Container | 7
●Tray | 8
●Liquids | 8
●Replacement Parts | 8

6SAFETY |PIPETMAX® 268
SAFETY
Electronic and Hazard Symbols
Symbol Explanation
Direct current
|Electrical power ON
OElectrical power OFF
Caution
Mechanical hazard
Safety Notices
The following safety notices may appear in this document:
WARNING
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
serious injury
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury
NOTICE
NOTICE indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
equipment damage
Voltage
Access to the rear panel is necessary because the instrument must be detached from all
voltage sources before service, repair, or exchange of parts.
Operate the instrument using the approved power supply provided and only at the voltage
specified on the rear panel label of the instrument.

7PIPETMAX® 268 | USER’S GUIDE
SAFETY
Safety Interlocks
The instrument is configured with one of two safety interlocks. One interlock is used when the
rotating cover is installed on the instrument, and the other interlock is an external sensor and
is used when the instrument is located in a hood.
The safety interlocks prevent the instrument from operating when the rotating cover or hood
door is open.
When the instrument is installed in the hood, the external sensor must face the door of the
hood and be located within 15 cm (6 in) of the door.
Pipette Heads
The instrument is capable of generating significant forces that could cause potential injury
to the user. For an instrument with the rotating cover installed, the safety interlock in the
cover will disable the instrument movement if the cover on the instrument is open. For an
instrument installed in a hood, the external safety interlock sensor mounted on the instrument
will disable the instrument movement if the hood door is open.
Tip Waste Container
The tip waste container may contain residues of flammable or infectious liquids in ejected
tips.
If you use flammable liquids (e.g., ethanol 98%), treat the waste before disposing of it in
accordance with your laboratory guidelines.
Dispose of infectious material, waste, or tips in accordance with national and local safety
regulations.
Figure 1
PIPETMAX 268 Configured with External Safety Interlock Sensor and Placed in Hood

8SAFETY |PIPETMAX® 268
SAFETY
Tray
The moving tray is capable of causing injury by pinching. For an instrument with the rotating
cover installed, the safety interlock in the cover will disable the instrument movement if the
cover on the instrument is open. For an instrument installed in a hood, the external safety
interlock sensor mounted on the instrument will disable the instrument movement if the hood
door is open.
Liquids
Observe safe laboratory practices when handling liquids. If working with biological samples
or chemical substances, ensure that there is proper ventilation, and wear personal protective
equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing at all times.
Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets for solvents before use.
Replacement Parts
Be sure to use only replacement parts specified in this user’s guide. Do not repair or change
parts which are not listed in this user’s guide. If it is necessary to change parts not listed,
please contact your local Gilson representative.

9PIPETMAX® 268 | USER’S GUIDE
Chapter 1
CHAPTER1|INTRODUCTION
PIPETMAX® is an automated pipetting solution for the efficient processing of high-throughput
biological assays. Unlike traditional automation platforms, PIPETMAX comes in a benchtop
size that easily fits into any lab.
IN THIS CHAPTER
●Unpacking | 10
●Technical Specifications | 13
●Customer Service | 16

10 INTRODUCTION |PIPETMAX® 268
UNPACKING
Unpacking
PIPETMAX is delivered with most major components already assembled. Keep the original
packaging if PIPETMAX must be returned to the factory.
These instructions assume that you have already cut the shipping straps and tape and have
cut open the box.
1. Remove the open-ended cardboard box.
2. Remove the box of accessories and open it.
3. Lift the printed, outer cardboard box up to remove.
CAUTION
It is recommended that two people lift PIPETMAX out of the box as it weighs
approximately 24.9 kg (55lbs.).
4. Grip PIPETMAX at the recesses near the base. There is one recess in the front, one in
the back, and one on each side. Use these recesses when lifting PIPETMAX out of the
foam-lined, cardboard tray.
NOTICE
Do not attempt to lift PIPETMAX from the cover or from the X-arm (the horizontal arm).
Always lift the instrument from its base.
5. Place PIPETMAX with cover on a lab bench.
PIPETMAX is configured with one of two safety interlocks. One interlock is internal to
the rotating cover installed on the instrument, and the other interlock is an external
sensor used when the instrument is located in a hood. The safety interlocks prevent the
instrument from operating when the rotating cover or hood door is open. If PIPETMAX
was ordered without a rotating cover, it must run in a hood. When the instrument is
installed in the hood, the external sensor must face the door of the hood and be located
within 15 cm (6 in) of the door.
Figure 2
PIPETMAX Configured with External Safety
Interlock Sensor and Placed in Hood
6. Remove the film protecting the rotating cover (ifinstalled).

11
PIPETMAX® 268 | USER’S GUIDE
UNPACKING
7. Remove the shipping screws and bracket using the tool
provided and then store the shipping screws and bracket in
the rear panel for future use if PIPETMAX needs to be shipped
or transported.
8. Remove the shipping brace from the rear panel by loosening
the thumb screws securing the shipping brace to PIPETMAX.
After removing and storing the shipping brace, tighten the
thumb screws.
Figure 4
Shipping Brace
(Rear View of PIPETMAX®)
9. Remove the foam block preventing the tray from moving.
10. Remove the tape securing the alignment cable.
Figure 3
Shipping Screws
(Front View of PIPETMAX®)

12 INTRODUCTION |PIPETMAX® 268
UNPACKING
Standard Equipment
After PIPETMAX and its accessories are unpacked, you should have the following:
●PIPETMAX with alignment head, dual eight-channel tip ejector foot, and rotating cover or
external safety interlock sensor installed
●Allen Wrench (for removing shipping bracket)
●USB Cable
●Tip Reload Block
●Tip Disposal Bin
●USB Drive
●Black Plug
●Power Supply
●Power Cord
DOCUMENTATION
The following documents are included with PIPETMAX:
●Installation Qualification/Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) Procedures
●Declaration of Conformity
●Quality Control (QC) Checklist
●Items Included Checklist
●Setup Guide
●Packing List
●Gilson Quality Control Report Pipette Head (one for each pipette head)
Accessories
REQUIRED
Some accessories are required, but are ordered separately.
●Tablet with TRILUTION® micro Software pre-loaded or TRILUTION micro on a USB drive
for installation on a PC
●Pipette Head(s)
●Removable Tray
●BLISTER REFILL
●Racks
For part numbers, refer to Appendix A | Replacement Parts on page 40.
OPTIONAL
The following optional accessories are also available:
●Tablet Holder
●Riser Kit for Off-bed Tip Disposal
●Orbital Shaker
●Microscan 2D Barcode Reader
For part numbers, refer to Appendix A | Replacement Parts on page 40.

13
PIPETMAX® 268 | USER’S GUIDE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Technical Specifications
Please be aware of the following before operating PIPETMAX.
NOTICE
Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Gilson could void the
warranty.
PIPETMAX®
Technical
Specification Definition
Communication USB
Connections
Three USB host ports and one USB device port
Two inputs (contact closure, TTL), two relay outputs, and one switched +12V DC 1A output
NOTICE
Switching voltages higher than 30V or greater than 1A of current
may damage the instrument.
Control Touchscreen tablet or PC control via USB and TRILUTION® micro Software
Dimensions
(W x D x H)
PIPETMAX with rotating cover
54.4 x 65.5 x 53.1 cm (21.4 x 25.8 x 20.9 in)
PIPETMAX with rotating cover installed on optional riser assembly for o-bed tip disposal
54.4 x 65.5 x 69.6 cm (21.4 x 25.8 x 27.4 in)
PIPETMAX without cover
50.8 x 64.3 x 49.5 cm (20 x 25.3 x 19.5 in)
PIPETMAX without cover installed on optional riser assembly for o-bed tip disposal
52.3 X 65 X 65.8 cm (20.6 x 25.6 x 25.9 in)
Environmental
Conditions
Indoor use
Altitude: up to 2000 m
Temperature range: 5°C–40°C
Humidity: Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31°C, decreasing linearly to
50% relative humidity at 40°C
Front Panel Two USB host ports and STOP button
Labware
Compatibility Standard shallow- and deep-well microplates and microcentrifuge tubes
PIPETMAX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED ON PAGE 14)

14 INTRODUCTION |PIPETMAX® 268
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PIPETMAX®
Technical
Specification Definition
Liquid Contact
Materials
Description Material
Tips 100% Virgin Polypropylene
Tip Disposal Bin Pro-fax 6523 (Polypropylene with colorant)
Tip Disposal Bin (O-bed) Polypropylene
Tip Chute
Pro-fax 6523 (Polypropylene with colorant)
Aluminum 5052 with Hentzen, URA-ZEN, White, Matte Finish,
Fine Texture Paint
Pipette Heads
and PIPETMAN®
DIAMOND Tips
(Sterilized
option available
for some tips)
Pipette Head PIPETMAN® DIAMOND Tips Pipette Head
VolumeRange(µL)
Flow Rate
Range
(mL/min)
MAX8x20
DL10 1–20
0.0225–3.75
DFL10 1–10
DF30 1–20
D200 1–20
MAX8x200
D200 20–200
0.225–37.5
DF200 20–200
MAX4x1200
D1200 50–1200
1.125–187.5
DF1200 50–1200
All pipette heads have functional volume limitations due to the resolution associated with each
head.
Pipette Head Volume Resolution
Example
Requested
Volume
Pipetted
Volume
Reported
Volume
MAX8x20 0.01 µL 10.456 µL 10.45 µL 10.456 µL
MAX8x200 0.1 µL 100.45 µL 100.4 µL 100.45 µL
MAX4x1200 1 µL 100.5 µL 100 µL 100.5 µL
When a user-entered volume or system-calculated volume is beyond the resolution of the
pipette head, the software will truncate the volume to correct for the resolution limits. In some
instances, the volumes may be incorrectly reported as the non-truncated values.
PIPETMAX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

15
PIPETMAX® 268 | USER’S GUIDE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PIPETMAX®
Technical
Specification Definition
Pipette Head
Mounts Two PIPETMAX Pipetting Heads
Positioning
Performance
Machine Accuracy (without tips) in XYZ = +/-0.2 mm (0.008”)
System Accuracy (with current tips) in XYZ = +/-0.9 mm (0.035”)
Power
Requirements
External Power Supply
Voltage Input
Frequency: 50 to 60 Hz
Voltage: 100–240V AC
Voltage Output
Voltage: 24V DC
Current Rating: 6.25A, 150W
Removable Tray
Capacity
9-position removable tray (microplate footprints, but not for 384-well microplates)
9-position removable tray for 384-well microplates
Safety and
Compliance
PIPETMAX has been certified to safety standards specified for Canada, Europe, and the United
States. Refer to the instrument rear panel label and the Declaration of Conformity document for
the current standards to which the instrument has been found compliant.
Volumetric
Specification for
Transfers
Maximum Permissible Errors
Pipette Head
Volume of
Distilled
Water
Systematic
Error (μL)
Random Error
(μL)
Systematic
Error (%)
Random Error
(%)
MAX8x20
1 L ±0.08 ≤0.05 8.00 5.00
10 L ±0.15 ≤0.10 1.50 1.00
20 L ±0.25 ≤0.12 1.25 0.60
MAX8x200
20 L ±0.50 ≤0.16 2.50 0.80
100 L ±1.00 ≤0.30 1.00 0.30
200 L ±2.00 ≤0.50 1.00 0.25
MAX4x1200
50 µL ±4.00 ≤0.70 8.00 1.40
120 µL ±4.00 ≤0.70 3.33 0.58
600 µL ±6.00 ≤1.50 1.00 0.25
1200 µL ±9.60 ≤1.80 0.80 0.15
PIPETMAX TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)

16 INTRODUCTION |PIPETMAX® 268
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
PIPETMAX®
Technical
Specification Definition
Weight 24.9 kg (55 lbs.)
XYZ Motion
Parameters
XMin Max Default
Power 1% 100% 50%
Speed 1 mm/sec 550 mm/sec 350 mm/sec
Acceleration Speed Value 4000 mm/sec22200 mm/sec2
YMin Max Default
Power 1% 100% 50%
Speed 1 mm/sec 550 mm/sec 350 mm/sec
Acceleration Speed Value 4000 mm/sec2900 mm/sec2
ZMin Max Default
Power 1% 100% 60%
Speed 1 mm/sec 140 mm/sec 120 mm/sec
Acceleration Speed Value 4000 mm/sec2650 mm/sec2
Customer Service
Gilson, Inc. and its worldwide network of authorized representatives provide customers with
the following types of assistance: sales, technical support, applications, and instrument repair.
If you need assistance, please contact your local Gilson representative. Specific contact
information can be found at www.gilson.com. To help us serve you quickly and efficiently,
please refer to Before Calling Us onpage39.

17PIPETMAX® 268 | USER’S GUIDE
Chapter Two
CHAPTER2|SETUP/OPERATION
PIPETMAX® and its components should be set up in the order described in this chapter.
TRILUTION® micro Software provides control of the PIPETMAX during setup and operation,
which is described in this chapter. For more information about TRILUTION micro, view the
help information in the software, accessible from the button or the user’s guide available
on the website.
IN THIS CHAPTER
●Placement | 18
●Removable Tray | 19
●Connections | 21
●Power On and Start Up | 25
●Prepare to Run a Protocol | 26
●Run Protocol | 29

18 SETUP/OPERATION |PIPETMAX® 268
PLACEMENT
Placement
Place PIPETMAX with cover on a lab bench.
PIPETMAX is configured with one of two safety interlocks. One interlock is internal to the
rotating cover installed on the instrument, and the other interlock is an external sensor used
when the instrument is located in a hood. The safety interlocks prevent the instrument from
operating when the rotating cover or hood door is open. If PIPETMAX was ordered without
a rotating cover, it must run in a hood. When the instrument is installed in the hood, the
external sensor must face the door of the hood and be located within 15 cm (6 in) of the door.
Figure 5
PIPETMAX® Configured with
External Safety Interlock Sensor and Placed in Hood

19PIPETMAX® 268 | USER’S GUIDE
REMOVABLE TRAY
Removable Tray
A removable tray for placement of labware and tip racks is required.
Options
There are two removable tray options: 9-position removable tray (microplate footprints, but
not for 384-well microplates) and 9-position removable tray for 384-well microplates.
9-POSITION REMOVABLE TRAY
When placing labware and tip racks on the 9-position removable tray, refer to the following
information:
●Tip racks can be placed in the back row middle and right positions, and the front row
middle position ONLY. These positions have installed clips to hold the tip racks in place.
It is recommended to use a full rack of tips because an error may be encountered if using
two partial racks of tips containing the same type of tip.
●The tip waste chute can be placed in the back row, left position ONLY. It is recommended
to place the tip disposal bin in this position. It cannot be placed in positions with installed
clips.
●All racks and plates can be placed in any position on the tray.
Exceptions:
●384-well microplates cannot be placed on this tray.
●A maximum of two thermal (PT or CT) racks total can be placed on this tray as these
are considered heavy bed elements.
○Refer to the instructions provided with the racks to modify the tray to allow for rack
placement.
●Circulating Temperature (CT) racks can be placed in the front row, left or right
position s O N LY.
○Refer to the instructions provided with the rack to modify the tray to allow for rack
placement.
●The Orbital Shaker for PIPETMAX® can only be placed in the front row, left or right
position s O N LY.

20 SETUP/OPERATION |PIPETMAX® 268
REMOVABLE TRAY
9-POSITION REMOVABLE TRAY FOR 384-WELL MICROPLATES
When placing labware and tip racks on the 9-position removable tray for 384-well
microplates, refer to the following information:
●Tip racks can be placed in the back row middle and right positions, and the front row
middle position ONLY. These positions have installed clips to hold the tip racks in place.
It is recommended to use a full rack of tips because an error may be encountered if using
two partial racks of tips containing the same type of tip.
●The tip waste chute or tip disposal bin must be placed in the back row, left position ONLY.
●All racks and plates can be placed in any position on the tray.
Exceptions:
●A maximum of two thermal (PT or CT) racks total can be placed on this tray as these
are considered heavy bed elements.
○Refer to the instructions provided with the racks to modify the tray to allow for rack
placement.
●Circulating Temperature (CT) racks can be placed in the front row, left or right
position s O N LY.
○Refer to the instructions provided with the rack to modify the
tray to allow for rack placement.
●The Orbital Shaker cannot be placed on this tray.
INSTALLATION
While holding the handles on the sides of the tray, lower the removable
tray onto the fixed tray. It is keyed and will only mount one way. Grip
the removable tray and then gently rock it back and forth. If it seems
that the removable tray is shifting position on the fixed tray, use a 3 mm
Allen wrench and gentle pressure to adjust the spacers on either side
of the fixed tray (see Figure 7 and Figure 8). Spacers should just barely
contact the removable tray. Remove and then replace the removable
tray to ensure there is not any significant interference.
Figure 6
Tray Installation
Figure 7
Tray Installation
Figure 8
Tray Installation