Eppendorf Xplorer pipette, 12-channel, variable volume 0.5–10 µl, medium grey, 4861000112

Cybernetic reciprocating piston kinematics and fluid mechanics

In high-throughput microvolume analysis (such as PCR set-up in 96-well plates), manual pipetting inevitably leads to metrological variations. The Eppendorf Xplorer operates as a cybernetically controlled electronic air-cushion pipette. The manual thumb stroke is replaced by a high-precision, processor-controlled stepper motor. This drive modulates the axial translation of the piston within the cylinder with absolute mechanical reproducibility. The resulting constant aspiration and dispensing speed generates strictly laminar flow profiles in the microfluidic range of 0.5 to 10 µl. This completely eliminates flow-mechanical detachment (aerosol formation due to excessively rapid aspiration) or capillary retention errors at the pipette tip, whilst simultaneously ensuring uncompromising metrological precision (accuracy and systematic measurement deviation) across all 12 channels.

Tribology and spring force kinetics (spring-loaded tip cone)

In conventional systems, the simultaneous attachment of 12 pipette tips generates massive axial compressive forces and torsional stresses, which drastically increase the occupational health burden (RSI syndrome) on the user. Eppendorf solves this physical problem with the integrated spring-loaded tip cone. The cylinder system is mounted on an axially elastic bearing. As soon as the insertion force exceeds a defined physical threshold, the cone springs back along the Z-axis. This kinetic absorption ensures that each of the 12 tips is hermetically sealed with exactly the same contact pressure (coefficient of friction), without the user having to ‘rock’ the system against the tip box. Correspondingly, the required tribological ejection force is drastically minimised by the electronically assisted ejector.

System cybernetics and metrological self-sufficiency

The electronic control of the fluidic processes is carried out via a hardened cybernetic interface, consisting of a selection dial and an intuitive multifunction rocker switch (up is up, down is down). The system integrates complex process engineering algorithms such as automatic dispensing (serial aliquoting), pipetting followed by mixing, and purely manual pipetting (volume determination of unknown geometries). Energy self-sufficiency is ensured by a high-density lithium-polymer battery. To eliminate biological cross-contamination (carry-over) in molecular biology, the entire 12-channel pipette base can be detached from the drive head without tools and irreversibly decontaminated thermodynamically (autoclaved) at 121 °C.

Technical details

Fluid mechanics & kinematics

• Processing principle: Electronic air-cushion pipette (reciprocating piston)
• Number of channels: 12-channel (for 96-well plates)
• Measuring range (volume): 0.5 – 10 µl
• Adjustment resolution (increment): 0.01 µl
• Colour code: Medium grey
• Drive: Microprocessor-controlled stepper motor
• Speed: Adjustable aspiration and dispensing rates

Materials Science & Tribology

• Tip holder: Spring-loaded tip cone (to minimise insertion and ejection forces)
• Tip ejection: Electronically assisted, ergonomically enclosed
• Decontamination: Pipette body is fully autoclavable (121 °C, 20 min)
• Resistance: High UV and chemical resistance of the polymer components

System Cybernetics & Electronics

• User interface: Digital colour display, rocker switch, selection dial
• Operating modes: Pipetting, dispensing, automatic mixing, manual pipetting
• Power supply: Li-polymer rechargeable battery (high capacity for several thousand pipetting cycles)
• Charging mechanism: Direct mains plug or, optionally, via spring-loaded contacts in the charging stand
• Calibration function: Integrated software calibration for varying viscosities or densities

Metrology (error limits relative to nominal volume of 10 µl)

• Systematic measurement error (accuracy): ± 1.2 %

• Random measurement deviation (precision/VK): ± 0.8 %

Scope of delivery

• 1 x Eppendorf Xplorer 12-channel pipette (0.5–10 µl, medium grey)
• 1 x Li-polymer battery (built into the unit)
• 1 x mains/charging cable (mains adaptor)
• 1 x Metrological factory calibration certificate in accordance with ISO 8655

(Important note: epT.I.P.S. pipette tips and multi-position charging stands for stationary storage are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

The Xplorer 12-channel pipette is a metrological precision instrument whose hydrodynamic accuracy is critically dependent on the fluidic fit of the tips used. To prevent leaks caused by minimal tribological deviations in the cone, operate the system exclusively with the original Eppendorf epT.I.P.S. (colour code: medium grey, 20 µl). For integration into GLP laboratories, we strongly recommend the Eppendorf Xplorer loading stand (as a single unit or carousel) to protect the kinetics unit from mechanical damage caused by falls and the batteries from deep discharge. Please contact our procurement service at any time for the strategic procurement of liquid-handling consumables.