The liquid handling systems we have designed have been used to dispense into a wide variety of plates, tubes, and custom vessels. A representative list is provided below:

• 96-well SBS microplates
• 384-well SBS microplates
• 96-well SBS vacuum filtration plate with pierce-able septum cap mat
• 0.5 ml – 2.0 ml screw cap and leashed-cap microtubes (e.g., Sartsedt)
• 15 ml – 50 ml centrifuge tubes (e.g., Falcon tubes)
• Custom IVD cartridges
• Glass and plastic labware (e.g., flasks, beakers, test tubes, etc.)

Processing samples to prepare them for downstream analysis is a core competency. Techniques we have experience with include:

• Solid phase extraction
• Mastication/maceration
• Heating/cooling
• Vortexing
• Ultra-filtration
• Fermentation
• Purification

We have extensive experience designing custom vision systems and integrating OEM vision systems. Vision system designs and applications include the following:
Designs:

• Custom optical filters
• Custom quartz lenses
• Industrial cameras
• Image capture systems
• Custom image analysis software

Applications:

• 1D and 2D bar-code scanning
• Object detection, recognition, orientation, and inspection
• Hyper-spectral imaging

We have designed equipment suitable for a range on controlled environments, including:

• Biocontainment (BSL1 – BSL3)
• Aseptic/Sterile
• Radiation isolators
• Clean rooms

We have a wide variety of application software experience across a range of hardware platforms and software languages and tools.
Software languages and tools include:

• C
• C++
• C#
• Visual Basic
• .NET
• Python
• RSLogix (ladder logic)
• RSLinx/FactoryTalk (HMI)
• GIT (version control)
• Bugzilla (issue tracking)

Hardware platforms include:

• Embedded controllers
• PC’s
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s)
• Human Machine Interfaces (HMI’s)

Applications include:

• Machine/instrument control
• Data acquisition
• Method creation/execution
• SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition)
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integration
• Remote access
• Bar/QR code generation/reading
• Label generation/application
• Telemetry

Designing to control cost during product development is one of our core competencies. Our extensive experience with material, manufacturing and assembly costs gives us the foresight to incorporate cost reduction measures early in the design and development process. Our experience with a wide range of custom and OEM solutions allows us to decide confidently and systematically when to make or buy.

Yes. We have worked with numerous clients that are certified to operate under ISO 13485 guidelines. Past projects for regulated markets include IVD instruments and devices, and associated manufacturing equipment.

We have extensive experience as both manufacturers of low-volume custom equipment and as high-volume product developers. We assemble and test all our turnkey automation systems and custom equipment prior to delivery. We utilize a wide range of vendors for processes such as metal and plastic machining, sheet metal work, molding, plating and painting. Because we are ultimately responsible for assembling and delivering cost-effective, functioning hardware, we pay very careful attention to how these parts are designed and manufactured. This experience also supports and informs our work as product developers. As product developers, we have designed numerous products for other vendors to manufacture. We typically support these designs through first article inspection and assembly.

When we deliver turnkey automated systems and custom equipment, the hand-off to the client begins with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), continues with operator training, transitions to delivery and installation, and concludes with on-going warranty service and support. Contract design projects are handled in a similar manner. After the design is completed and drawings and data are delivered to the manufacturing resource, we continue to be engaged to ensure that design intent is preserved throughout manufacturing and assembly. We remain available as a resource to the client and any of its manufacturing partners. We can and have assisted with first article part inspection and assembly of pilot production units.