Motion System Solutions for Laboratory Equipment

Look closely at any item of modern laboratory equipment, whether it’s a centrifuge or a liquid handling system, a pump or a pick-and-place device, and you’ll find at least one motion system. The performance, reliability and longevity of the equipment is, to a large extent, determined by these systems, so devising the best solution is a major concern for every laboratory equipment designer. It’s no trivial task, but Delta Line, a company with wide experience in motion systems for the laboratory sector, can help. Here’s how.

The most common challenge facing designers is cost, as the market for laboratory equipment is intensely competitive. Simply choosing an apparently inexpensive off-the-shelf motion system may, however, not be the most cost-effective option. Delta Line has found that in many cases a customised motion system can deliver lower overall costs by, for example, reducing assembly time, eliminating the need for additional components, or allowing the equipment to be accommodated in a more compact housing.

The next challenge is availability, which has more than one aspect. Designers of new equipment need product samples quickly but, once the design is established, they also need to be sure of continuity of supply and the freedom to order as needed, without being restricted by minimum order quantities. Delta Line can help in all of these areas. The company offers a fast-response rapid prototyping service, while its long-term stability means that it will be able to supply product for as long as it’s needed. This is particularly important in the laboratory sector where equipment can remain in production for twenty or more years. And Delta Line never imposes minimum order quantities.

Price and availability are, of course, worth little if the supplier doesn’t have the products needed for the job. This is never a problem with Delta Line, as it has one of the most extensive product ranges of any motion system solutions provider. The range includes, for example, coreless and flat brushless DC (BLDC) motors along with stepper motors, all of which find numerous applications in the laboratory equipment sector. The Delta Line product range also includes linear actuators which, when used in conjunction with stepper motors, are particularly well suited to liquid analyser and liquid handling applications, especially for X/Y/Z functions.

Possibly even more important that the company’s extensive product range is Delta Line’s flexibility and commitment to working with customers to devise solutions that are exactly right for their applications.

Delta Line specialises in offering complete motion system solutions that include not only the motor and, where needed, the gearbox, but also electronic drive systems and interfaces that allow easy and efficient integration. The solutions can be based on standard products, customised versions of standard products or even products that are custom designed from scratch, depending on the requirements of the application. In many instances, Delta Line can supply motion solutions as ‘plug-and-play’ assemblies which require a minimum of time and effort to install.

With 40 years’ experience as a motion solution provider, Delta Line has acquired extensive experience in the laboratory equipment sector. Below some examples of challenges we faced over the last years and how we were able to efficiently solve them.

Rotary Evaporation Flasks
A motion system solution was required for flask rotation, but tight space constraints existed. Accurate control of the rotation speed and smooth motion was also essential. To satisfy the space constraints, Delta Line supplied a frameless motor that could be built into the body of the machine. This was complemented by a customised control system that allows precise adjustment of the motor speed down to very low speeds and ensures smooth operation with complete freedom from cogging and other irregularities of motion.

Liquid Handling Station
This application involved providing a motion system for an assay plate gripper that repeatedly moves along X, Y and Z axes. The application itself was straightforward and was easily addressed by Delta Line using stepper motors with encoders in conjunction with linear actuators. However, the customer’s experience with previous systems had shown that the repetitive motion of the gripper stressed the flying lead connections to the motors, which sometimes caused the connectors in the leads to fracture and fail. Delta Line solved this problem by using motors with plug-in connectors. This meant that, in the event of a lead failure, only the lead needed to be replaced rather than the complete motor, as would have been the case had standard motors with integral leads been used.

Liquid Analyser
This was the case of an established design where three motors were used, one each for the carousel, reading head and pump. The problem was that the motor types used were obsolescent, and future supplies could not be guaranteed. To address this issue without requiring a redesign of the analyser, Delta Line developed customised replacement motors that were mechanically compatible with the original types and offered pin-for-pin identical electrical connections. After a rigorous type testing procedure, the replacement motors were designed and accepted in less than a year.

In conclusion, Delta Line is a leading provider of motion system solutions for the laboratory equipment sector, offering extensive product options, rapid prototyping, and long-term supply reliability. With a customer-centric approach, Delta Line meets and exceeds client expectations, providing customised solutions that address cost, space constraints, and precise control requirements. Moreover, their products are built on a foundation of quality, performance, and reliability, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility with existing systems. Delta Line's innovative motion solutions enhance laboratory equipment functionality and longevity while providing cost-effective alternatives, from rotary evaporation flasks to liquid analysers. By choosing Delta Line, manufacturers of laboratory equipment can rest assured that they are partnering with an experienced and knowledgeable supplier committed to delivering the best motion system solutions for their applications.