Drive systems for laboratory automation

Small but powerful

Drive systems for laboratory automation

Over the years since the company's founding in 1947, drive specialist FAULHABER has repeatedly succeeded in using innovative products to develop new system solutions for a wide range of applications in many different markets. Laboratory automation and medical technology also benefit from the know-how that is today embedded into microdrives. In addition to the EN ISO 9001 and 14001 standards, FAULHABER is also specially certified for medical products according to EN ISO 13485.

Precision for cell analysis

A lot can be learned about the efficacy of new drugs already in the laboratory. This can be significantly accelerated with automated systems for precise cell analysis. (Image 1) The process involves cameras and pipettes, which are moved by brushless DC-servomotors with an integrated Motion Controller. They position with micrometer accuracy, are very compact, and they also work very reliably. The low weight and volume is another advantage in terms of use in laboratories. The brushless DC-servomotors with 4-pole technology deliver high torques and smooth running characteristics as well as low noise levels. The dynamically balanced rotor provides quiet, cogging-free operation. And as the data is processed right on the motor, there are no radiated interference signals during commutation, which are inevitable with long supply lines.

Reliable pollen monitoring

Studies predict that up to 50% of the population will be affected by pollen in the future. Possible symptoms range from hay fever and headaches to shortness of breath or anaphylactic shock. This makes it increasingly important to know when and which pollen are in the air and in what concentration. The standard instrument for this in many European countries is the so-called Burkard trap, in which pollen is collected and counted manually. But automated systems that aspire air and extract the pollen on specimen carriers can deliver results much faster (image 2). So-called pushers then move the specimens under a microscope for analysis (image 3). These pushers are powered by DC-micromotors, which are well suited for fast start-stop operations thanks to graphite commutation.

Dynamics for fast axes in laboratory automation

Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, the pharmaceutical industry and laboratories have been under pressure to realize the highest possible levels of automation. Miniaturized linear motor modules and axes open up new possibilities (image 4). Designed as a modular system, they are suitable for a wide range of single and multi-axes tasks in laboratory automation and the pharmaceutical industry. They are driven by small DC linear motors. These are not designed as classic "surface rotors" with carriages and guides. Instead, the forcer rod is guided within a 3-phase self-supporting coil. This design produces an exceptionally good relationship between linear force and current and high dynamics. In addition, there are no cogging torques, which makes the linear motors suitable for use in fast linear axes.

Quick travel through laboratory

In modern laboratory operations, there is no way around the use of practical automation technology that relieves the employees from monotonous tasks and eliminates sources of errors. Fully automated sample distribution system (image 5) ideally transport the samples directly to the corresponding analysis system and also handle other tasks: the route through the laboratory can be planned and optimized based on the identification of the sample after delivery, whereby many parameters can be taken into account, e.g., the type of container, the preparation, the filling level, and of course the sequence of the individual analysis steps. Brushless DC-motors ensure that the sample transport systems accelerate, brake, or stop with pinpoint accuracy, e.g., in front of the analysis stations. They are designed for high reliability and a long service life; they can thus travel many kilometers in automatic distribution systems without wear being a concern. The same applies to motors that are used for pipetting, mixing, or stirring

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