Linear plain bearings and e-chain® for automated sample preparation in the laboratory

• What was needed: drylin N and drylin T linear guides, drylin ZLW belt-driven linear actuators, drylin GRW rack-and-pinion actuators, and e-chain cable carriers
• Requirements: Motion systems must be maintenance-free, prevent contamination and allow for precise movement.
• Industry: Medical technology, Laboratory equipment
• Success for the customer: Efficient and user-friendly clean-up processes can be carried out thanks to the precise movement of the linear guides and the flexible, safe guidance of the media in the work area.

AIS Bad Düben specializes in automating complex, labor-intensive processes across a wide range of industries. One example is the CleanUp CUA 14 system, which automates sample preparation for trace analysis.

A key requirement was that the laboratory system be compatible with the same glassware and chemicals used in comparable manual processes. Flexibility was equally important, allowing users to adapt the system to different vessel types and customize process sequences as needed.

To meet these requirements, AIS developed the CleanUp CUA 14 (CleanUp Vending Machine with 14 attachments), a laboratory automation system that integrates seamlessly into existing laboratory environments. Within a single workspace, the machine can process up to 14 samples simultaneously using different workflows. It can also automatically position up to 14 laboratory vessels across three vertical levels.

To handle these tasks, engineers designed a three-axis gantry capable of covering the entire working area of the machine. Because the application involves sensitive trace analysis, all motion components had to be highly resistant to chemicals and operate without lubrication to eliminate the risk of sample contamination. In addition, a compact cable management solution was required to safely route energy, data, and media such as nitrogen throughout the gantry system.

The drylin® N low-profile guide system and drylin® T guide rails are used to move the sample slides on the various axes. As the mechanical fixing of the positions of the individual slides is done magnetically, neodymium magnets are incorporated into the linear guides. The sliding surfaces in the linear rails are made of the material iglide®, which runs smoothly and grease-free. As a result, it does not require maintenance and removes the risk of contamination. A high level of accuracy in the application was also achieved with the systems.

The gantry movement of the machine is provided by drylin® ZLW toothed belt actuators. Because they use iglide® linear plain bearing technology and require no external lubrication, they are particularly well suited for sterile environments.

In addition, polymer e-chains were installed to guide the various media within the machine. The flexible cable routing system allows the dosing heads to dispense up to three different solvents at any point within the gantry's working area, with precise control over both volume and dispensing speed.