Question 1

Can lab automation equipment be modified without commissioning a full bespoke build?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Kbiosystems offers modifications and customisations to standard products as a distinct service tier. If your requirements do not fit a standard configuration but do not justify a full bespoke project, a modified standard system is usually the faster and more cost-effective route. This modification tier is one of the most distinctive things Kbiosystems offers; very few UK laboratory automation suppliers provide it explicitly. The Sanofi-style project described above is a typical example. Talk to one of our engineers to work out what is achievable within your timeline and budget.

Question 2

What is the difference between a bespoke lab automation system and a modified standard system?

Accepted Answer

A bespoke system is engineered from the ground up around your specific workflow. There is no existing product it is based on. A modified standard system starts from one of Kbiosystems’ standard products; an Ultraseal, a K8, an Ultravap or an eGecko and is adapted to meet requirements the standard configuration cannot. Modified systems typically cost less and ship faster than a full bespoke build, while still delivering the fit a standard product alone cannot. In a single conversation, a Kbiosystems engineer can usually tell you which route suits your project.

Question 3

How long does it take to deliver a custom lab automation system?

Accepted Answer

Lead times depend on complexity and scope. Because all design and engineering happens in-house at Kbiosystems, we avoid the delays caused by outsourcing and the handoffs between separate design and build teams. For modified standard products, lead times are typically a fraction of a full bespoke build. For a realistic assessment of your specific project, talk to us directly — you will get a direct and honest answer, not a template response.

Question 4

What is the difference between the Ultraseal CAP-LITE and the Ultraseal CAP-PRO?

Accepted Answer

The Ultraseal CAP-LITE is the manual version of the semi-automated Ultraseal CAP-PRO. Where the CAP-PRO uses electronics to apply controlled, consistent pressure automatically after the start button is pressed, the CAP-LITE is operated entirely by hand: the operator pulls down on a sturdy handle to apply the seal. The CAP-LITE requires no power supply and offers an economical entry point for lower to medium throughput laboratories. Both units handle the same range of tube rack formats and are compatible with most commercially available septum cap mats.

Question 5

How does the Ultraseal CAP-LITE apply caps?

Accepted Answer

Place the tube rack or plate together with its friction mat or septum cap web in the drawer and push the drawer firmly shut. Pulling down on the sturdy handle applies the seal, forcing the friction mat or septum caps down into the tubes. The double-sided, reversible plate shuttle accommodates both shallow and deep well plates without requiring adaptor changes.

Question 6

What tube rack formats is the Ultraseal CAP-LITE compatible with?

Accepted Answer

The Ultraseal CAP-LITE handles friction and septum seals for 96-, 48- and 24-tube plates in SBS format. It supports both 2D-coded and uncoded tubes and is compatible with most commercially available septum cap mats. Alternative rack adaptors are available to order for other formats. Contact Kbiosystems for details.

Question 7

What does the Ultraseal CAP-PRO do?

Accepted Answer

The Ultraseal CAP-PRO is a semi-automated applicator that applies friction sealing mats or septum sealing caps to SBS format tube racks. It automates a process that is typically done manually, applying consistent and even pressure every cycle to ensure reproducible sealing across all tubes in the rack. It handles 96-, 48- and 24-tube plate formats and is compatible with most commercially available septum cap mats.

Question 8

How does the Ultraseal CAP-PRO apply caps?

Accepted Answer

The operator places the tube rack or plate together with its friction mat or septum cap web into the drawer and closes it firmly. Pressing the large, glove-friendly start button initiates the sealing cycle. The electronics apply consistent, even pressure to force the seals down into each tube. Three adjustable pressure settings allow the sealing force to be matched to the specific rack and cap combination in use.

Question 9

Does the Ultraseal CAP-PRO need compressed air?

Accepted Answer

No. The Ultraseal CAP-PRO requires only a standard 110V or 220V electrical supply. No compressed air is needed.

Question 10

What plate formats is the Ultraseal PRO compatible with?

Accepted Answer

The Ultraseal PRO seals plates and tube racks from 7mm to 47mm in height, covering standard shallow well, deep well and tube rack formats. Compatible plate materials include polystyrene, polypropylene, CoC (cyclic olefin copolymer) and CoP (cyclic olefin polymer). Film options include aluminium foil seals, optical seals and gas permeable seals. Contact Kbiosystems for guidance on specific plate and film combinations for your application.

Question 11

Can the Ultraseal PRO be integrated into an automated robotic workflow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Ultraseal PRO is supplied with a 3m RS232 cable (3-wire, connections 2, 3 and 5, non-twisted) and a full API communication protocol, enabling integration with robotic platforms and liquid handling systems. The unit also features a direct auto-link to the Kbiosystems Scorpion plate handler and stacker. An optional shuttle extension module adds 35mm of additional access clearance for integration into tighter workcell configurations.

Question 12

Does the Ultraseal PRO require a compressed air supply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Ultraseal PRO is both pneumatically and electrically operated, and both supplies are required at the point of installation. The pneumatic supply must be rated at a minimum of 5.5 bar and a maximum of 6.5 bar, with a flow rate of 50 litres per minute. Electrical supply is 110–220 VAC, 50/60 Hz. The optional gas purge function additionally requires a heavy gas supply via a 6mm pipe at 0–10 PSI, with appropriate gas safety monitoring or a suitable fume hood.

Question 13

What is the gas purge option on the Ultraseal PRO?

Accepted Answer

The gas purge option allows a heavy gas coating to be applied to the well surface immediately before the sealing film is applied. This displaces the air void between the sample and the seal, creating an oxygen-reduced or near oxygen-free headspace within the sealed plate. It is particularly relevant for applications requiring low-oxygen sample storage. Use of the gas purge option requires a heavy gas supply and appropriate gas safety monitoring or a suitable fume hood.

Question 14

What is the maximum plate height the Ultraseal XT-PRO can seal?

Accepted Answer

The Ultraseal XT-PRO accepts plates up to 76mm high. It also accommodates vials and tubes up to 100mm high, making it suitable for tall tube rack formats that exceed the capacity of standard microplate sealers. The plate height range covered is 9mm to 76mm, handling shallow well through to extended deep well and tube rack formats.

Question 15

What plate formats and materials is the Ultraseal XT-PRO compatible with?

Accepted Answer

The Ultraseal XT-PRO is compatible with ANSI standard SBS format plates, vial holders, shallow and deep well formats, tube racks and custom mouldings. Supported plate materials include polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, CoC (cyclic olefin copolymer) and CoP (cyclic olefin polymer). A wide range of sealing films and foils is supported to suit different assay and storage requirements. Contact Kbiosystems for guidance on specific plate and film combinations.

Question 16

Does the Ultraseal XT-PRO require a compressed air supply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Ultraseal XT-PRO requires both an electrical supply (110–230 VAC, 50/60 Hz) and a compressed air supply. Both must be available at the point of installation.

Question 17

Does the Ultraseal ePRO require a compressed air supply?

Accepted Answer

No. The Ultraseal ePRO is fully electric and operates without any compressed air supply. This distinguishes it from pneumatically driven sealers and makes it suitable for laboratory environments where compressed air is not available, not permitted or where the risk of cross contamination from pneumatic lines is a concern. Only a standard electrical supply (110–230 VAC, 50/60 Hz) is required.

Question 18

What plate formats is the Ultraseal ePRO compatible with?

Accepted Answer

The Ultraseal ePRO is compatible with ANSI standard SBS format plates and vial holders, with a plate height range of 9mm to 48mm. Compatible plate materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, CoC (cyclic olefin copolymer) and CoP (cyclic olefin polymer). A wide range of sealing films and foils is supported, including optically clear films, low temperature seals and gas permeable films. Contact Kbiosystems for guidance on specific plate and film combinations for your application.

Question 19

How does force feedback improve microplate sealing?

Accepted Answer

The Ultraseal ePRO uses force sensors to monitor the pressure applied to the plate surface throughout the sealing cycle, providing closed-loop feedback in real time. This means the unit actively controls and adjusts sealing force during each cycle rather than applying a fixed, open-loop pressure. The result is consistent, homogenous sealing across the full plate surface, even where there is minor variation in plate height or film thickness between batches.

Question 20

Can I speak directly to an engineer when I contact Kbiosystems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. At Kbiosystems, the person you speak to has genuine engineering knowledge. Our account managers are technically trained and can assess feasibility, explore options and discuss modifications in a single conversation  without referring you to a separate engineering department. This is one of the principal ways Kbiosystems operates differently from larger laboratory automation suppliers.

Question 21

Which laboratory environments does Kbiosystems support?

Accepted Answer

Kbiosystems equipment supports key processing steps within automated workflows across multiple laboratory environments: genomics and molecular biology, microbiology, synthetic biology, drug discovery and high throughput screening, plant and animal science, and industrial R&D. Kbiosystems also develops systems for OEM partners needing custom laboratory automation components or complete sub-systems under their own brand.

Question 22

What is the difference between the Ultraseal COLD-PRO and a heat sealer?

Accepted Answer

Heat sealers bond the sealing film to the plate surface using elevated temperature. The Ultraseal COLD-PRO uses adhesive and pressure instead, operating across a temperature range of 10°C to 40°C without applying heat. This makes it suitable for biological samples and other applications where heat cannot be used during the sealing process.

Question 23

Does the Ultraseal COLD-PRO require compressed air?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Ultraseal COLD-PRO is both pneumatically and electrically operated, and both a compressed air supply and an electrical supply (110–230 VAC, 50/60 Hz) are required at the point of installation.

Question 24

What plate formats is the Ultraseal COLD-PRO compatible with?

Accepted Answer

The Ultraseal COLD-PRO is compatible with ANSI standard SBS format plates and vial holders, covering a plate height range of 9mm to 48mm. It works with a wide range of plates, tube racks and custom applications including shallow and deep well formats. Supported plate materials include polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, CoC (cyclic olefin copolymer) and CoP (cyclic olefin polymer). A wide range of compatible seals, films and foils is available including optically clear, low temperature and gas permeable options. Contact Kbiosystems for guidance on specific plate and film combinations.

Question 25

How does the Scorpion integrate with other laboratory systems?

Accepted Answer

The Scorpion integrates directly with OEM liquid handling systems via an RS232 link. Proprietary firmware and an application driver are supplied as standard. It is easy to program and is designed to be operator and integrator friendly.

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