Eppendorf Multipette E3 Hand Dispenser, Electronic, 4987000010

The Multipette E3 adapts the direct displacement principle of the mechanical M4 to a motorised device: the piston of the Combitip advanced is driven by a motor, whilst dispensing is controlled via the display and rocker switch. For batch runs with varying volumes within the same Combitip size, this saves steps compared with the mechanical version.

Three operating modes for the basic tasks in a series

Dispensing (Dis) delivers the same volume continuously into a series of vessels; automatic dispensing (Ads) draws up several portions in succession; pipetting (Pip) covers the classic single-volume operation. According to Eppendorf’s manufacturer’s specifications, these are the three basic modes of the E3; more advanced applications such as titration or sequential dosing are reserved for the E3x.

Rechargeable battery with micro-USB charging

A 1,200 mAh lithium-ion battery powers the E3; it is charged via the supplied mains adaptor with a Micro-USB interface. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, a full charge lasts around five hours under test conditions, with at least 500 samples and 10,000 dispensing steps; the battery is ready for use again in around two hours.

Fine resolution across the entire Combitip range

With 5,000 possible dispensing volumes and increments starting at 100 nL for the smallest Combitip size, the E3 covers the entire range from 1 µL to 50 mL with greater precision than would be possible with a purely mechanical scale.

Selection guide: M4, E3 or E3x

If you need a Multipette without ever having to worry about a battery, the M4 is the right choice for you. It requires no charging cycles; according to the manufacturer, a single button cell lasts around two years and powers only the automatic volume detection. On the other hand, if you work in a setting where volumes vary within the same Combitip size, the motorised E3 is the better choice: With its three basic modes, dispensing, automatic dispensing and pipetting, it covers classic repetitive and single-dispense tasks and can be operated via a display and rocker switch, whilst the M4 is adjusted purely mechanically using a scale. According to Eppendorf’s manufacturer’s specifications, anyone who also requires titrations, sequential dispensing steps or aspiration/dispensing in a single operation will find these advanced modes only on the E3x, not on the E3.

Product range overview: Multipette, Research plus and Xplorer

A Multipette is a repeat dispenser: it draws a larger volume of liquid from the Combitip advanced using a single tip and then dispenses it in several equal portions without having to aspirate again in between. This is worthwhile whenever the same volume needs to be dispensed repeatedly into many vessels, such as when filling a microtitre plate. A Research plus or Xplorer pipette, on the other hand, is a piston-stroke pipette based on the air-cushion principle: It draws up a single volume at a time using an epT.I.P.S. tip and dispenses it once before drawing up again; this is the right choice for single volumes or small series with varying quantities. Because, with the Multipette’s direct displacement principle, the liquid flows exclusively through the Combitip and does not come into contact with the device, the Multipette is also suitable for viscous, foaming or volatile media, where an air cushion in the pipette tip would lead to inaccuracies. For viscous samples, the M4 also offers a ViscoTip with a 10 mL volume.

Typical applications

• Continuous dispensing of the same volume in ‘Dis’ mode for dilution series and plate filling
• Aspiration of multiple portions in Ads mode for rapid batch processing
• Single-volume dispensing in Pip mode
• Addition of reagents in diagnostics, quality control and research

Use and maintenance

When a new Combitip advanced is fitted, the Multipette automatically recognises the tip size used and sets the appropriate volume range. The desired operating mode can be selected directly on the device via the display, without the need for external software. After use, the Combitip is disposed of together with its integrated piston; the instrument itself does not come into contact with the dispensed liquid. The battery is charged using the supplied mains adaptor with a micro-USB interface; according to the manufacturer’s specifications, a full charge is sufficient for at least 500 aspirations and 10,000 dispensing cycles under test conditions. We can provide information on the autoclavability of the dispenser housing itself on request. Only the Combitips advanced, as disposable items, are affected by the sterilisation requirements.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• Multipette E3 hand-held dispenser
• Charger (mains adaptor, 100 to 240 V/50 to 60 Hz)
• 1 Combitips advanced assortment pack

Charging stand not included; this is not part of the Scope of delivery for this item.

Regulatory information

As a battery-powered, motorised dispensing device with a mains power supply, this product is subject to WEEE registration requirements. We will provide the WEEE registration number on request.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need to reset the volume when changing the Combitip size? No, the device automatically recognises the tip size.
• What is the difference between the E3 and the E3x? The E3 covers the three basic modes: dispensing, automatic dispensing and pipetting. According to Eppendorf’s manufacturer’s specifications, the E3x also offers additional operating modes such as titration, sequential dispensing and aspiration/dispensing, which are not available on the E3.
• How long does the battery last in everyday use? According to the manufacturer’s specifications under test conditions, around 5 hours for at least 500 aspirations and 10,000 dispensing steps; it takes approximately 2 hours to charge.
• What operating modes are available on the E3? Dispensing (Dis) for continuous dispensing of the same volume, automatic dispensing (Ads) for drawing up multiple portions, and pipetting (Pip) for single volumes.
• Is the E3 suitable for foaming or volatile liquids? As the direct displacement principle ensures that the liquid flows exclusively through the Combitip, the risk of inaccuracies caused by air pockets is lower than with piston-type pipettes.

Individual requirements and procurement service

You can enquire about suitable Combitip Advanced sizes, an additional battery or spare parts for the Multipette E3 series via LT Laborhandel’s procurement service. Contact us at lt-laborhandel.com/service.