Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer a4SRA...8 a4SRA Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer a4SRA Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer, Operation Manual V1.0 1.2.2 Rear Features The following

4titude Ltd. • The North Barn • Surrey Hills Business Park Damphurst Lane • Wotton • Surrey • RH5 6QTT: +44 (0)1306 884885 • F: +44 (0)1306 884886 • E: [email protected] • www.4ti.co.uk

Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer a4SRA

Operation ManualVersion: 1.0

a4SRA Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer, Operation Manual V1.0 • en1 • 03.2018

a4SRA Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer

a4SRA Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer, Operation Manual V1.0

4titude Ltd. The North Barn, Surrey Hills Business Park Damphurst Lane, Wotton, Surrey, RH5 6QT

UK

Safety Information

This instruction manual contains important operating and maintenance instructions which must be read, understood, and followed by the product user. Failure to use this product according to this instruction manual may degrade or defeat the protection normally provided by this product. Read this instruction manual prior to product use and keep this instruction manual for future reference.

Danger Symbols

Caution – Risk of danger Caution, there is material in the instruction manual which must be read, understood, and followed in order to preserve product safety features.

Caution – Hot Surface Caution, the platen and other internal components may be too hot to touch

Warnings

Personal Injury

• Do not use this product in a manner other than as stated in the Operating Conditions section of this manual as the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

• This product is designed for use in laboratory environments by persons knowledgeable in safe laboratory practices.

• Always wear safety glasses and other appropriate protective equipment when operating this product.

Electric Shock

• This product must be connected to a grounded power outlet for safe functioning.

• Use only the power cord supplied with the product.

• The power cord is the device available for full disconnect from mains input.

• Position the product for use so that the power cord can be easily disconnected without having to move the product.

• Disconnect the power cord before moving or cleaning the unit.

Product Damage

• Keep the product dry and clean.

• Do not immerse the product in liquid for cleaning.

• This unit is not explosion or spark proof.

• Do not operate this product near volatile or flammable materials.



General Operation Safety

• When using infectious, radioactive, toxic and other solutions which may pose health risks, please observe the appropriate safety precautions.

• Do not use this machine in a potentially explosive environment or with potentially explosive chemicals.

• Install the machine in a location free of excessive dust.

• Avoid placing the machine in direct sunlight.

• Choose a flat, stable surface capable of withstanding the weight of the machine.

• Install the machine in the room temperature 10 ‒ 30˚C, relative humidity 0 ‒ 85%.

• Do not block the air vents.

• Make sure the power source conforms to the required power supply specifications.

• To avoid electric shock, make sure the machine is plugged into a grounded electric outlet.

• Do not allow water or any foreign objects to enter the various openings of the machine.

• Switch off the power switch before cleaning or performing any service on the machine, such as replacing the fuses.

• To guarantee sufficient ventilation, ensure that the sealer has at least 30cm of free space on all sides, including the rear.

• Repair should be carried out by authorized service personnel only.

• Use original spare parts and accessories only.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without prior written permission of 4titude® Ltd.

5



Table of Contents

1 a4SRA Introduction ..........................................................................................................................61.1 Unpacking (Packing / Contents Listing) ……………………………………………………………………………6

1.2 Hardware Overview …………………………………………………………………………………………………7

1.2.1 Front Features …………………………………………………………………………………………………7

1.2.2 Rear Features …………………………………………………………………………………………………8

1.3 Touch Screen Overview ……………………………………………………………………………………………9

2 a4SRA Operation ............................................................................................................................102.1 Basic Steps for Operation ………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

2.2 Workflow of Main Screen ………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

2.3 Seal Roll Loading Procedure ……………………………………………………………………………………… 11

2.3.1 Install Seal Roll on Roll Holder …………………………………………………………………………… 11

2.3.2 Loading Procedure ………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

2.3.3 Replacing a Used Seal Roll – Loading a New Roll ……………………………………………………… 19

2.3.4 Changing a Seal Roll – Swapping Between Applications ……………………………………………… 22

2.4 Fine Adjustment of the Seal Position …………………………………………………………………………… 24

2.5 Closing the Door …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25

2.6 Setting the Sealing Parameters ………………………………………………………………………………… 25

2.6.1 Setting the Sealing Time …………………………………………………………………………………… 25

2.6.2 Setting the Sealing Temperature ………………………………………………………………………… 26

2.6.3 Setting the Exit Delay Time ………………………………………………………………………………… 26

2.7 Loading a Plate …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 27

3 Optimizing Seal Quality ................................................................................................................283.1 Plate and Seal Requirements …………………………………………………………………………………… 28

3.2 Plate Adapters …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28

3.3 Available Products ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 29

3.4 Optimize Sealing Parameters …………………………………………………………………………………… 29

4 Routine and Preventive Maintenance .........................................................................................304.1 Cleaning the Heating Block ……………………………………………………………………………………… 30

4.2 Cleaning the Touch Screen ……………………………………………………………………………………… 30

5 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................315.1 Hardware Problem ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 31

6 AppendixA:TechnicalSpecifications ........................................................................................32

7 Appendix B: Ordering Information / Accessories.......................................................................32

8 Appendix C: Warranty ..................................................................................................................33

6



1 a4SRA IntroductionThe roll-fed a4Sᴿᴬ allows for automatic sealing of 96 individual heat seals on top of each individual well of the plate when using Random Access Heat Seal Rolls. Reproducible, accurate sealing is made easy via the optical windows in the material liner, controlled by an optical sensor.

Sealing individual wells protects the contents from evaporation and cross- contamination during experimentation, transportation and storage. I

The a4SRA is a compact, bench-top heat sealer which is suitable for both research and clinical laboratories. Compatible with a wide range of sealing materials and consumables, the sealer can be tailored to suit your application.

When using the a4SRA for the first time, please read this entire operating manual carefully. To guarantee problem free and safe operation, it is essential to observe the following information.

1.1 Unpacking (Packing / Contents Listing)

The device is delivered in an external carton and an internal carton with protective PE foam cushions. Remove the a4SRA from each carton. All packaging should be retained until it has been established that the a4SRA is working properly.

Open the Automatic Heat Sealer package and confirm that all items are included:

• a4SRA Device

• Power Cord

• Operation Manual incl. Warranty Statement

• Quick User Guide

Roll Holder RA 96 Plate Support Adapter

If there are any items missing, damaged, or not according to your order, please contact your distributor or sales representative immediately.

Please refer to section 7, page 32 to see the ordering information of the a4SRA accessories.

7



1.2 Hardware Overview

1.2.1 Front Features

The following picture shows the front of the a4SRA. The table below describes the features shown.

Uptake reel, waste adhesive liner – uptake reel not included

Roll Holder

Ventilation Area

Touch Screen

Door Plate Carrier

Feature DescriptionTouch Screen The interface that allows you to specify the sealing parameters, start and stop the seal cycle.

Plate Carrier The metal platform on which microplates and microplate adapters are loaded.

Door (opened) The movable structure that opens when the plate carrier is extended and closes when the plate carrier retracts.

Ventilation Area The structure for heat ventilation. Note: Please do not block!Uptake Reel The motorised part that pulls the film through the unit for sealing and peeling and collects waste

adhesive liner.

Roll Holder The holder to support the seal roll.

8



1.2.2 Rear Features

The following picture shows the rear side of the a4SRA.The table below describes the features shown.

Connection Panel

Seal Roll Support

Feature DescriptionConnection Panel This area includes power switch, power connector, RS232 port and programming port as well as

the housing for the fuse and spare fuse. Please refer to the picture below.

Seal Roll Support The holder to support the seal roll

RS232 Port

Power Switch Power Connector

Housing for fuseand spare fuse

9



1.3 Touch Screen Overview

The following section provides an introductory overview of the icons on the touch screen of the a4SRA.

Seven functional icons are accessible from the home screen, as well as the temperature display area, are present on the touch screen of the a4Sᴿᴬ. The table below describes the features shown in the following diagram.

Shuttle exit delay

Machine on/Wake-up

Machine off/Sleep mode

Seal Function

Actual heatertemperature display

Film feed control

Seal head control

Seal time and temperature setting

Feature DescriptionHeat Seal Adjusts the sealing time and sealing temperature of the instrument.

Recommended seal time range: 0.1-10 seconds Recommended seal temperature range: 15-200˚C

Manual Manually lower the heater block to its lowest position to check the heater block will come into contact with the consumable you wish to seal. Once the down arrow has been pressed the heater will automatically move to its lowest position (seal position).

Film Feed Control Use this menu to control the feed of the seal film after loading a new roll onto the instrument. Four functional icons within this menu make for easy loading and feeding of the film; Jog: manually control the film feed; Start: begin automatic film feed; Stop: cancel automatic film feed; Index: automatically feed film until the sensor recognises the next seal. Adjustable film feed control in mm/second.

Exit Delay Controls the time between the end of sealing and the start of peeling of the backing liner from the heat seal.

Machine On Initiates temperature rise of heat block to set temperature and brings the shuttle out to plate load position.

Machine Off Cools the heater block and retracts the shuttle inside the unit to avoid contamination.

Actual Heater Temp. Display Displays actual heater temperature. Not to be confused with set temperature display.

Seal Function Activates sealing of a plate and peeling of backing liner.

10



2 a4SRA Operation

2.1 Basic Steps for Operation

The basic steps for the a4SRA operation as a standalone device are presented as below:

1) Connect the power cord.

2) Turn on the device.

3) Optimise sealing conditions.

A) Adjust temperature setting (Please refer to page 26).

B) Adjust time setting (Please refer to page 25).

4) Seal.

2.2 WorkflowofMainScreen

11



2.3 Seal Roll Loading Procedure

This section explains how to load the roll for the first time, replace a roll when it has run out or change between rolls. Each time a new roll needs to be mounted, follow the instructions found in section 2.3.1.

When loading the seal roll on the a4Sᴿᴬ for the first time follow the instruction in section 2.3.2. This process is also needed if for any reason the sealing material breaks within the instrument. During normal operation a roll change can be carried out by a more simple process described in Section 2.3.3 and at the end of each roll a simple roll replacement can be carried out according to section 2.3.4.

2.3.1 Install Seal Roll on Roll Holder

1) Four parts are required for the roll holder, two clamping wheels, one spindle and one locking nut.

2) Rotate the Locking Nut and left hand Clamping Wheel onto the spindle but do not tighten the Locking Nut against the Clamping Wheel at this point. Place the spindle through the center of the roll and rotate the right hand Clamping Wheel on the Spindle against the side of the roll. Do not tighten the Wheels at this point.

Left Hand Clamping Wheel

Right Hand Clamping Wheel

SpindleLocking Nut

Random Access Roll seal

4ti-0538/RA

3) Adjust the Spindle by rotating it backwards and forwards until the sealing material is central to ends of the Spindle. Once in the correct position, remove the right hand Clamping Wheel, tighten the Locking Nut against the left hand Clamping Wheel and replace the right hand Clamping Wheel.

12



2.3.2 Loading Procedure

You will need 1 x 2.5 mm and 1 x 4 mm Allen/Hex key.

WARNING: The motor is needed to load the sealing material through the instrument, the a4Sᴿᴬ needs to be plugged in during loading, but initially remain switched OFF. Ensure the heating block has fully cooled down and do not use metallic tools inside the instrument.

1) Begin by removing the uptake reel holder case via the two screws which hold it in place; see red arrows in figure 1. Slide the white case off of the uptake reel holder so the belt becomes accessible; see figure 2.

2) Proceed to remove two bolts which fix the uptake reel holder in place. See purple arrows in figure 1.

3) Continue by removing one screw at the top-side, rear end of the unit.

Figure 1 Figure 2

4) Pinch the belt and gently tilt the uptake reel holder towards the belt to release any tension; see figure 3. Remove the uptake reel holder and place to one side.

Figure 3

13



5) Remove the left side panel by loosening six screws as shown below:

Figure 4

6) Remove the right side panel by loosening six screws as shown below:

Figure 5

14



7) Remove two screws from the top of the rear panels (one each) and one screw from the rear of top cover. This will enable you to remove the front and top cover later.

Figure 6

8) Now remove two screws from the bottom of the front panel.

Figure 7

9) Remove front panel by sliding it forward.

15



How to thread the seal through the instrument

1) Place the loaded roll holder on the device, locating the ends of the roll holder in the seal roll support. One end of the roll holder is coated with silicone, this acts as a brake to the roll and should be placed into the clamp section of the spindle support (left side of seal roll area when looking at the unit from the front).

Push the roll down until it sitsfirmly at the bottom of the clamp section.

The picture below shows the correct orientation of the seal roll (The orientation of the seal roll should be as indicated by the purple arrow). Incorrect orientation can cause damage to the heating block. Pull off about 30 cm of seal off the roll and thread the seal into the unit via the slot as shown by the red arrow in the picture below:

Figure 8

2) Turn the a4Sᴿᴬ so you can access the right side of the unit to thread the seal through the whole instrument.

3) Start by folding the end of the seal over on itself and thread the seal under the rear guide bar; see figure 9 below.

4) Continue by pulling the seal through the sensor gauge and over alignment bar 1; see figure 10 below.

Figure 9 Figure 10

16



5) Ensure the seal continues over the top of alignment bar 2, found to the rear of the heat block; see figure 11 below.

6) Now thread the seal through the slot in the middle of the front guide bar; see figure 12 below.

Figure 11 Figure 12

7) Switch the a4Sᴿᴬ on.

Warning: Take great care when accessing internal parts within the instrument.

8) Select Film Feed Control from the instrument touch screen. Ensure the heat block does not begin to warm up.

9) Pass the tag end up behind the blue nip roller as shown below

Figure 13

17



10) Holding the seal from above the blue nip rollers pass the seal between the blue nip rollers and press and hold jog on the touch screen panel. This will drive the blue nip rollers, pinching the seal and feeding it back through the underside. As seen in the following pictures:

Figure 14 (Above blue nip rollers) Figure 15 (Below blue nip rollers)

11) Now fold the seal over and pass it back up the outside of the front blue nip roller.

Figure 16

12) Pull the seal up round the outside of the blue nip roller, press and hold jog on the touch screen to feed the seal through. Access the tag end of the seal from behind the touch screen display.

Ensure to pull enough seal through so that it can be pulled through the slot in the top cover once screwed back into place.

Figure 17

18



How to replace the cover having loaded a seal roll:

1) Refit the front and top cover into position

2) Proceed to tighten two screws at the front (lower); seefigure7.

3) Tighten two screws at the top of the rear panels (one each) and one screw from the rear of top cover; see figure6.

4) Position the uptake reel holder into place by first attaching the belt to the drive mechanism, you will need to tilt the uptake reel holder to fit the belt. Ensure the belt is located properly around the upper and lower drive mechanisms before screwing into place. The protruding parts of the belt need to slot into the recesses of the cogs.

5) Once the belt has been fit, tighten two bolts to lock the uptake reel holder into place.

6) Replace the uptake reel holder cover and tighten two screws. Tighten one screw, found on the top cover to the rear of the unit; seefigure1.

7) Now fit the waste uptake reel onto the uptake reel holder and lock into place; seefigure18.

8) The uptake reel holder rotates forward, so the seal must be taped to the back side of the waste uptake reel. Make sure to wind at least one full rotation of the seal around the uptake reel to ensure a strong connection; seefigure19.

Figure 18 Figure 19

9) Replace both right and left side panels; see figures 4 and 5. Note the different locations of the screw holes to differentiate the left and right panels before starting to screw them into place.

10) To complete the seal loading procedure, press index in the film feed control menu. This will automatically align the next seal under the heating block and ensure the unit is ready to seal the next plate.

19



2.3.3 Replacing a Used Seal Roll – Loading a New Roll

The a4Sᴿᴬ will automatically detect the end of a roll and request the loading of a new roll. This process is a lot easier than the mounting of the first roll and can be carried out by following the steps below.

At the end of every roll a strip of black tape is located ½ a meter from the end. Once the tape passes beneath the sensor it triggers a message on the screen to prompt the user to change material as the roll is about to finish. At the beginning of a new roll, double sided tape is located on the leading edge of the material, this is to ensure there is a strong connection between the old and new material. Another piece of black tape is located ½ a meter back from the leading edge of the material. This notifies the unit the roll has been changed and to count back four index’s before stopping a seal beneath the heating element ready to seal the next plate.

The figures are for illustrative purposes only. It isn’t necessary to remove the covers of the unit to carry out the reel change.

1) When sealing a plate ½ meter from the end of a seal roll, during the stripping process, where the uptake reel removes the clear adhesive liner from a sealed plate, the black tape will pass underneath the sensor (see figure 20) triggering the Reel Change Required message on the screen (see figure 21).

Figure 20

Figure 21

2) Now change the roll over, pulling the remaining seal off of the near-empty core and attach the new roll via the double sided tape which is already taped to the leading edge of the new roll.

20



3) Once the roll has been changed, press the Reel Changed button and the following screen (figure22) will ask you to confirm “HAS THE REEL BEEN CHANGED!”

Figure 22

4) Once confirmed the Seal will pass through the instrument until the next piece of Black tape (which is found on the new seal roll) passes beneath the Sensor. This notifies the unit to count back four index holes to ensure the join and black tape are clear of the heat block. Seefigure23.

Figure 23

5) The seal will stop on the fourth index hole back from the second piece of black tape and be ready to seal the next consumable. Seefigures24and25.

Figure 24 - Stopped on fourth index and ready to seal next consumable Figure 25 - Black tape clear of heat block

21



6) When the sensor detects the fourth index hole after the black tape passes beneath the sensor, it triggers a screen to notify the user the machine is ready.

Figure 26

7) Click on Machine Ready and the instrument is ready to seal the next plate!

22



2.3.4 Changing a Seal Roll – Swapping Between Applications

This section explains how to change a seal roll on the a4Sᴿᴬ when a seal roll is already loaded, how to unload a roll and load a new roll.

1) Ensure the unit is switched on

2) Gently lift the currently loaded seal roll from its support position and unwind a length of seal before cutting the roll free from the unit; seefigure27.

Figure 27

3) Now cut the seal free from the roll leaving a length of seal available to join onto the next roll.

Figure 28

23



4) Unwind a length of seal from the new roll and stick it down on top of the old seal using the adhesive on the underside of the material; seefigure29.

Figure 29

5) Apply tape over the joins of the sealing material. A strong clear adhesive tape should be used such as standard packaging tape.

NOTE! 4titude® recommends to tape the top and bottom of the seal 2 – 3 times to ensure the tape doesn’t break away from each other when being fed through the unit.

Figure 30

6) Fixtherollfirmly back into the spindle support position.

24



7) Enter the Film Feed Control menu and press Start. Read steps 8, 9 and 10 before completing this step.

Figure 31

8) The unit will now automatically feed the seal through the unit, when you see the join wind onto the waste uptake reel, press Stop. Alternatively, you can press and hold your finger on Jog, for a more controlled film feed. Film will only feed as and when you press and hold the button.

9) Once you are sure the Join is out of the unit and on the waste uptake reel, press Index and the unit will automatically align the next available seal ready to seal the next plate.

10) Changing of the seal roll is now complete.

2.4 Fine Adjustment of the Seal Position

The a4Sᴿᴬ allows sealing of a large variety of plates and sealing materials with an adhesive backing liner. Seal rolls must be a width of 100 mm and correctly loaded in the roll support position at the rear of the unit.

Best sealing results are achieved if the seal is placed right in the centre of the plate. To achieve this, it may be necessary to make fine adjustments to the X- or Y-axis of the seal position to improve sealing efficiency.

X- and Y-axis Fine Adjustment

For Y-axis adjustment of the seal position, the frame of the plate carrier can be moved slightly. Using an Allen key, carefully loosen the four screws holding the frame in place as shown below. Move the frame to the desired position and fasten the screws again. The position of the seal can be checked by sealing a sample plate. If necessary, redo the procedure.

Y-ax

is A

djus

tmen

t

X-axis Adjustment

25



2.5 Closing the Door

Under certain circumstances, e.g. if the instrument will not be used for a certain time, it may be advisable to close the door of the unit.

1) Touch “Machine Off” on the touch screen. The shuttle will retract inside the unit, door will close and the unit will begin to cool down.

2) To reopen, touch “Machine On” on the touch screen. The shuttle will re-emerge, opening the door and the unit will begin to heat up again.

2.6 Setting the Sealing Parameters

Optimising the sealing parameters is essential to create a high quality plate seal.

2.6.1 Setting the Sealing Time

Setting the sealing time effects the amount of dwell time, the time in which the heat seal block will remain in contact with the sealing material on the microplate.

The seal time setting can be adjusted as follows:

1) Select the Heat Seal button on the touch screen. The time and temperature adjustment window will pop-up as shown below.

Tap heat seal to optimise sealing

conditions

Heats up/cools down the unit to/from set temperature

Grey – Heater off/cooling downGreen – Heater on/heating up

Actual heater temperature

Adjust sealing temperature

Adjust sealing time

26



2) Touch Set Time to adjust the time setting to your desired sealing time. A keyboard will appear where you can input the desired dwell time.

Figure 32

3) Touch Enter to confirm the displayed setting, or Esc to revert to the original setting.

4) The newly set time will now appear in the seal time display box.

2.6.2 Setting the Sealing Temperature

Setting the sealing temperature adjusts the temperature that the internal heating block is held at prior to sealing a plate.

Temperature settings can be adjusted as follows:

1) Select the Heat Seal button on the touch screen. The time and temperature adjustment window will pop-up as shown above.

2) Touch Set Temperature to adjust the temperature setting to your desired temperature. A keyboard will appear where you can input the desired temperature.

3) Touch Enter to confirm the displayed setting, or Esc to revert to the original setting.

4) The newly set temperature will now appear in the temperature display box and on the main screen.

When sealing the range of random access plate consumables with our standard roll material 4ti-0539/RA, typical sealing parameters can be found below:

2.6.3 Setting the Exit Delay Time

The exit delay setting controls the interval time between sealing a plate and then peeling the backing liner as the plate exits the machine. This is to allow sufficient time for the seal to bond to the plastic during cooling. If you try to peel the seal too quickly after sealing the seal will lift from the consumable because it is too warm. The heat seal between the seal and the plate needs to be stronger than the adhesion of the seal to the backing liner. If seals are being pulled off of the plates and remain on the backing liner the exit delay (cooling time) can be increased. Additionally, if increasing the cooling time does not eliminate the removal of seals, then you can adjust either the sealing time or sealing temperature settings described above.

27



1) Tap the Exit Delay button on the home screen; the following screen will appear

Figure 33

2) Tap on the time setting, key in the new value and press enter.

3) The exit delay is now set.

4) Typical exit delay time between 3 and 5 seconds.

2.7 Loading a Plate

1) Place the plate to be sealed on the plate carrier, using an appropriate adapter if necessary (see section 3.2).

2) Wait for the heating block to reach the set temperature. The heating status can be observed in the heat seal menu and in the centre of the main screen.

3) Sealing will not be possible until the set temperature is reached.

4) Once set temperature has been reached, press Seal .

28



3 Optimizing Seal Quality

3.1 Plate and Seal Requirements

The a4Sᴿᴬ is an automated sealing solution, primarily designed to accommodate the Random Access consumables which meet the standard established by the Society of Biomolecular Sciences (SBS). The Random Access plates are PCR 96-well, 2 component plates with individually removable wells. However, this is not to be considered as a limitation of the a4Sᴿᴬ, as various other plates and seals have been designed to meet customer sealing needs.

When determining the suitability of a plate for heat sealing, it is important to look at its design and the quality of manufacturing. In general terms, it is important for the plate design to have raised rims around each well, giving a defined sealing ring around each well. When assessing the seal quality, it is important to study a recently removed seal looking for a regular pattern of sealing rings from one end of the plate to the other.

Incomplete sealing, indicates that the plate is either not perfectly flat (or not flattened during the sealing process) or that the plate is not supported adequately in the plate holder. Additionally, the angle of the stripper bar may not be at the required angle to strip the backing liner, or the leading edge of the seal is overhanging the consumable causing tears to the seal when stripping.

3.2 Plate Adapters

The a4Sᴿᴬ is designed to specifically seal plates with an overall height of 57 mm. This means that almost all plates on the market must first be placed in to an appropriate adapter to bring the sealing surface into the correct height range for the sealer. In addition to this, PCR plates require an adapter to support the plate precisely enough to produce an even seal.

Plate Type Plate Height Adapter

4ti-0960/RA

011614.4 mm

012026.54 mm

013641.20 mm

096016.1 mm

038410.6 mm

4ti-0675-1

To ensure the plate and adapter are of sufficient height to be sealed, you can manually control the heating block via the Manual menu on the home screen. Follow the instructions below; to ensure the plate height is sufficient.

1) Ensure the shuttle is loaded with adapter and plate and the shuttle is closed inside the unit (door closed). To do this press Machine Off.

2) Once the shuttle has retracted inside the unit and presents the plate beneath the sealing head, click on Manual; you will open up the following screen:

Figure 34

29



3) Press on DOWN; this will lower the heating block to its lowest position. If the heating block contacts and compresses against the plate surface then the height of the plate is sufficient. If it doesn’t come into contact with the plate then the adapter that the plate sits on needs to be modified or replaced with a custom adapter so that it brings the plate into play with the sealing head.

4) Press UP to return the heating block to its home position.

In addition to this, 4titude® have produced custom sealing blocks for various consumables on the market. Please contact 4titude® for further details.

3.3 Available Products

Code Description Qty.4ti-0539/RA Random Access Pierce Heat Seal Strong

Strong heat sealing foil, peelable from COC plates, pierceable, suitable for PCR/sample shipping/compound storage Roll 120 m x 96 mm; approx. 3,000 seals (96 sealing discs per repeat); complete with waste roll

1 roll

4ti-0960/RA RandomAccess96WellSkirtedPCRPlate 96 individual tubes in plate format, 96 individual tubes in plate format, low profile, 0.1 ml clear polypropylene tubes, white polycarbonate frame, cut corner H1

50 plates

3.4 Optimize Sealing Parameters

Once you have established that your plate quality is sufficient, you are using the correct plate carrier and you have chosen your sealing material, it will be necessary to optimize the sealing parameters of time and temperature.

This can be achieved using empty plates.

In general terms it is sensible to keep one of the parameters constant and vary the other when optimising. For example, set the sealing time to 2 seconds and gradually increase the temperature, monitor the results until you are satisfied with the quality of the resulting seal. You can then further fine tune the quality by adjusting the time, maintaining your desired temperature, we recommend doing so in 0.1 second increments.

30



4 Routine and Preventive Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning the Heating Block

During the sealing process the heating block inside the sealing chamber descends and presses the seal onto the plate surface. The heating block is not coated with non-stick material, so extra care should be taken when loading the seal to ensure the heating block doesn’t come into contact with the adhesive side. Even with the seal loaded correctly, seal material, residue and dirt can accumulate on the heating block over time and this can affect the sealing quality. It is therefore necessary to regularly monitor the heating block, and if necessary clean it, to maintain optimal and reliable performance.

Material need for cleaning the heating block

• Soft and anti-scratch cloth

• Cleaning solution (70% ethanol)

Method for cleaning the heating block

1) Ensure the power to the unit is turned off and the heating block is at room temperature.

2) Remove the right-hand side panel (when looking at the unit from the front).

3) Dampen the anti-scratch cloth with cleaning solution.

4) Wipe the heating block via right side of the instrument

5) Replace the right-hand side panel

4.2 Cleaning the Touch Screen

A lint-free cloth is required for touch screen cleaning. Please do not use fluid cleaners on the touch screen. Any fluid that gets between the screen and the screen frame can damage the device.

31



5 Troubleshooting

5.1 Hardware Problem

Symptom Possible Cause Solution

The seal roll has snapped

The material may have stuck to itself around the blue nip rollers and now threading through the rollers is un-natural. Pressure will build up and eventually snap the ribbon.

Remove the casing as per the early steps in section 2.3.2, Loading Procedure and re-load the roll.

When joining one roll to another to load a new roll onto the machine, the join wasn’t of sufficient strength.

Remove the casing as per the early steps in section 2.3.2, Loading Procedure and re-load the roll.

Sealing material does not pass through the machine normally

The sealing material has not been properly loaded

Please check the path of the seal and ensure it is as seen in the steps outlined in section 2.3.2, Loading Procedure

Some if not all seals remain on the backing liner.

Sealing parameters are not optimized. Please refer to 4titude®s heat sealing film and foil comparison table.

The stripper bar is not at the required angle

Adjust the angle of the stripper bar, seal another plate to see if results have improved.

After pressing the seal button, the shuttle either does not move or stops moving whilst closing

Debris blocking the shuttle from moving Check for any blockages and remove. Then enter the Manual menu and press Next to access the Transfer Cylinder Menu. Check if the Alarm is lit red, if so press Reset and then Datum; the shuttle will enter the unit before exiting ready to load the next seal. Failing this reboot the instrument.

Unit doesn’t seal properly or poor sealing.

Incompatible seal/plate selection Please refer to 4titude®s heat sealing film and foil comparison table chart.

Sealing parameters are not optimized. Please refer to 4titude®s heat sealing film and foil comparison table.

Display screen freezesContinuously rebooting the unit without shutting it down correctly.

Switch the a4Sᴿᴬ off and back on again after >1 minute.

Seal Alignment is off centre Adapter nest position not in optimum position.

See section 2.4, X and Y-Axis Fine Adjustment.

Plate exits the unit with backing liner still attached. Uptake reel and nip rollers are not moving in tandem with shuttle exit.

Motor belt not installed correctly Switch the unit off and follow section 2.3.2, Loading Procedure, steps 1-5.

Optical sensor fault Contact 4titude® representative.

32



6 AppendixA:TechnicalSpecifications

Model TechnicalSpecificationDimension (W x L x H) 375 x 555 x 650 mm

Sealing Temperature Range 15 ‒ 200˚C

Sealing Time Range 0.1 ‒ 10 sec

Weight (without roll) 45 kg

Power Supply V out: 220 – 240 V / 50 HZ

Power Consumption 500 W max

Working Temperature Range 10 ‒ 35˚C

Operating Humidity (RH) 0 ‒ 85%

Connection N/A

Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

7 Appendix B: Ordering Information / Accessories

Code Description Quantity4ti-0675 a4SRA Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer 1

4ti-0675-1 96 Well Adapter for use with a4SRA 1

4ti-0675-2 Uptake Waste Roll for use with a4SRA 1

4ti-0675-3 Black Tape for use with a4SRA 1

4ti-0539/RA Random Access Pierce Heat Seal Strong, Roll, 120 m x 96 mm; approx. 3,000 seals (96 sealing discs per repeat), includes 4ti-0675-2

1

4ti-0960/RA Random Access 96 Well Skirted PCR Plate; 96 individual tubes in plate format, clear PP tubes, white PC frame, cut corner H1

50

4ti-0970/RA Random Access 96 Well Skirted Optical Bottom PCR Plate; 96 individual flat optical bottom tubes in plate format, clear PP tubes, white rigid PC frame, cut corner H1

50

4ti-0975/RA Random Access 96 Well Skirted Flat Bottom 2D Coded PCR Plate; 96 individual flat bottom 2D coded tubes in plate format, clear PP tubes, white rigid PC frame, linear barcoded, cut corner H1

50

For warranty services available, see Appendix C: Warranty.

33



8 Appendix C: Warranty4titude® warrants that the a4Sᴿᴬ Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer (4ti-0675) should be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. The purchase date is determined by the invoice date from 4titude® to the customer. If the instrument is being incorporated into an automated system by a third party, the warranty period may be extended by a maximum of 6 months or the date the system is commissioned, whichever is the shorter. For this automation extension to be valid, 4titude® must be notified of this requirement along with the details of the integrator at the point of purchase.

Each a4Sᴿᴬ Heat Sealer is tested and documented by the manufacturer before shipping. 4titude® Ltd‘s Quality Control System guarantees that the performance of the a4Sᴿᴬ Heat Sealer you have purchased is within its specifications.

The warranty covers all parts (other than the vacuum cups) and labour costs associated with a repair of the unit within the first 24 months. The need for returning a unit for service must first be agreed with 4titude® via telephone support. Once it is established a return is necessary, 4titude® will issue a returns number, details of which must be returned with the unit.

The warranty does not cover defects caused by excessive wear and tear or damage due to shipping, accident, abuse, misuse, problems with electrical power, or usage not in accordance with product instructions, if other than original spare parts supplied by the manufacturer have been used, or if other than original 4titude® seal rolls have been used.

The warranty does not automatically cover shipping charges. Shipping costs (both ways) will be covered by 4titude® where a returns number is issued within 8 weeks of the original delivery date (as confirmed by the invoice date). Shipping costs after this period will need to be covered by the customer.

Once returned to a 4titude® designated service centre, the unit will be inspected and repaired accordingly and a report provided to the customer. 4titude® would expect to carry out this work and return the unit within 10 working days of receiving the unit.

Onsite service or a swap out service (where a loaner instrument is shipped to the customer whilst theirs is repaired) can be arranged at extra cost. Please contact 4titude® if you are interested in this service.

This standard warranty can be extended to 24 or 36 months respectively.

Extended warranty must be purchased within 4 weeks of the original invoice address.

Code Description4ti-0675-10 Standard warranty (12 months) 4ti-0675-11 Warranty extension year 24ti-0675-12 Warranty extension year 2 and 34ti-0675-113 Warranty extension year 3

Please contact 4titude® or your local distributor for pricing details.

The warranty does not cover damage caused to the unit in shipping due to unsuitable or insufficient packing being used. Wherever possible, the original shipping box should be retained by the customer and used for returning the unit.

Note: Any shipment of an a4Sᴿᴬ must be palletised.

Documents

Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer a4SRA...8 a4SRA Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer a4SRA Automatic Random Access Heat Sealer, Operation Manual V1.0 1.2.2 Rear Features The following