Frequently asked questions

General questions regarding the Flexus platform are answered below. Simply click on the 'drop down' box and select from the list.

What is a robotic XYZ liquid handling platform?

A robotic liquid handling platform is an automated XYZ arrangement of pipetting tips, operating under software control, and used to automate liquid handling procedures and applications in the laboratory

How does Flexus differ from other robotic sample processors on the market?

Flexus is a robotic liquid handler that uses state of the art mechanics and electronics to achieve a truly modular product range, offering flexibility, precision, accuracy, upgradeability, and reliability. It looks good too…

How can Flexus save me money?

Flexus utilises a revolutionary new pump design, eliminating the need for costly replacement of syringes and valves.

The micro annular gear pumps are installed in the robotic arm, eliminating the need for space consuming syringe pumps and extended lengths of feed tubing. Operating on a positive displacement method, the pumps can precisely pipette volumes from 1µl to 2ml. This design feature minimises maintenance costs for the customer, and service costs for the supplier.

And the Flexus is skilfully engineered to require minimum maintenance, and to offer extreme serviceability in case of failure, so minimising downtime.

How many sampling tips can I have on my Flexus?

Each arm is constructed from one or two arm sections, and each section can carry 1, 2 or 4 pipetting tips, or a robotic handling tool.

Standard configurations are:

Model	Arm 1	Arm 2
40 00	4 pipetting tips	none
44 00	8 pipetting tips	none
40 0H	4 pipetting tips	robotic handler
44 0H	8 pipetting tips	robotic handler
00 0H	No pipetting tips	robotic handler

Note: Flexus may be available with fewer than 4 tips, and some configurations may be upgradeable. Please contact Anachem for further information.

Workstations are available in 3 standard deck widths – 100cm, 150 cm and 200 cm, with our without X-range extension beyond the deck. Other widths are available on request

Can the robotic handler reach outside the deck to an external module?

Yes. You can order a Flexus with an extended X-rail, so the range of the robotic handler reaches beyond the deck. The overhang can be on either side of the deck, or both.

What are the available options on the standard platform?

You have plenty of choice, for example sample tracking by bar code, plate shaking, incubation, washing, reading and even centrifugation. You can have disposable tips (or a combination of washable and disposable). Other modules are available, and you can decide the exact configuration and size of your Flexus. And the software offers great flexibility too…

None of the standard configurations meet my needs. Can I order a customised version?

Call us to discuss your needs! A “combi-arm” of tips plus handler may be available.

Why is the Flexus pipetting arm so special?

The core component of the Flexus is the pipetting arm, which houses all functionality, including the pumps. The Flexus arm is available with 1-8 YZ pipetting modules, each with a dedicated pump, or a robotic handler device. A combination of pipetting tips and handler may also be available.

What is a robot friendly microplate centrifuge?

A robot-friendly microplate centrifuge is a module used to spin microplates as part of a fully automated assay. The centrifuge from Anachem is a module that can be easily integrated into a robotic sample processor, such as the Flexus platform. The centrifuge facilitates loading and off loading plates by the Flexus robotic handling device.