World premiere: Netstal presents the world's first system solution for pipette tips with 128 cavities

At K 2016 in Düsseldorf (October 19 to 26 2016, Hall 15, Stand B27/C24/C27/D24), Netstal will present the world's first 128-cavity pipette tip system on an all-electric ELION 2800-870. With its compact design, it is quicker and its automation is separated by cavities. A demonstration will show the possibilities for the optional integration of safety features, with which the negative consequences of product counterfeiting can be avoided effectively.

World premiere: Pipette tip system with 128 cavities
At K 2016, Netstal will produce pipette tips with a cycle time of 5.6 seconds on an ELION 2800-870 with 128 cavities. "The high precision-controlled process of the all-electric ELION 2800 ensures that the shot weight of 33.28 g is distributed homogeneously over the 128 cavities," said Dr. Patrick Blessing, head of Netstal's Medical Technology business unit. The world's first 128-cavity precision mold was developed by Tanner Formenbau. Zubler Handling contributed the fast and compactly designed automation solution that is separated by cavities. A composite removal gripper made of carbon and aluminum removes the 128 pipette tips during a mold open time of less than 0.9 seconds. The presence of each individual part is checked at the same time. The tips then directly and separately (according to cavity) go onto the tray. On demand, with the push of a button, a complete high-quality shot can be obtained at any time. To ensure the high quality of the sensitive parts, there is no reaching into the collar at any time and the outlet opening of the pipette tip also remains untouched. "The handling system does not require more space than a comparable 64-cavity system, several of which have already completed the strict qualification process and are successfully being used in Europe and the USA," said Blessing.

Potential solutions to protect against counterfeit products
In order to actively prevent counterfeit products and consequential damage, reputable manufacturers need suitable options to label their products as absolutely forgery-proof. "Using the production of pipette tips, Netstal and the Swiss company U-NICA will jointly present options for the integration of forgery-proof features at K 2016," explained Blessing. As part of a demonstration, individual pipette tips will be equipped with visible holograms. "Each option can be integrated into new or existing molds with little effort. Each pipette tip gets a visible hologram in the same place, which allows for an identification without any technical aids," explained Blessing. Another option is mixing a master batch into the raw material. "The master batch contains special additives that become visible as a pattern of dots when examined with light featuring a certain wavelength. Using an optical reader, it can be determined whether it is an original pipette tip or a forgery," said Blessing. In industrial applications, the authentication check would be done fully automatically with state-of-the-art picture processing technology.

Close cooperation with system partners
Together with specialized partners from the mold making, robotics and automation sectors, Netstal develops custom and turnkey production systems for its customers. The cooperation with Netstal offers various strategic advantages for processors. Netstal's independent network of partners ensures that each customer receives a perfect system solution for their application. Netstal will competently and intensively support the customer throughout all stages of the development process. The installation of production lines is often a major financial undertaking, in particular for medium-sized businesses, because the required know-how is not available in these companies and must first be acquired. With a competent system partner by their side, plastics processors can once again use their resources for their core business.

Source: Netstal