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Microlab STAR Line

Artificial Intelligence

The Microlab STAR Line of workstations uses air displacement pipetting and the unique CO-RE system for forceless tip pickup and ejection. These unrivaled features maximize sample care and integrity. This technology is applied to independent pipetting channels and multiprobe heads; simply switch on your system and start running your method.
More Information

  1. Overview
  2. Software
  3. Technology
  4. Specifications
  5. Configurations
  6. Accessories

Invest in a Safe Future

Due to the modular design, changes and upgrades to existing configurations are easy with STAR instruments. As your projects change, your STAR workstation can also evolve to meet new challenges. Most upgrades can be performed in your lab within one or two days to minimize downtime.

  • Automated intelligence with Hamilton’s air-based advanced pipetting features
  • Reduced risk of contamination for critical assays due to the combination with disposable tips
  • Less maintenance required due to no system liquid, diluters, valves or tubing
  • No dilution effect of samples

Would you like to get started in automation with a benchtop workstation, but want the option to expand your system if needed? The STARlet can be extended to a STARplus with an extension module, more than doubling deck capacity.

The scalability of STAR Line instruments means that the widest possible range of throughputs and budgets can be accommodated: additional pipetting channels, a CO-RE 96, 384 Probe Head or an iSWAP plate handling arm can be fitted to existing configurations.

STAR Line instruments excel in automating multiple applications for both the biological and analytical sciences. Thousands of STAR Line workstations have been installed around the world to automate a wide range of applications. They offer the flexibility and modularity you need to create the perfect automated solution for your laboratory. For specific demands, the Hamilton Application Engineering (APE) group is available to design everything from custom racks to complex system integrations.

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VENUS: powerful software for a powerful workstation

The system’s flexible hardware is reflected by VENUS software, which provides several programming levels to efficiently define your applications. VENUS offers simple or complex programming, without limiting your imagination or compromising your requirements. Additional software packages, such as the Dynamic Scheduler (for optimized resource use), the TADM feature (for full traceability of the pipetting workflow), the DataBasePlus option (to use remote tracking servers) and the Dynamic Liquid Classification plugin (for automatic liquid class selection), make VENUS even more powerful.

  • Intuitive method creation: intuitive editors give you full control over every aspect of your method. It comes with standard definitions for simple method creation and offers custom definitions for ultimate flexibility.
  • Intuitive user interface: while programming, the intuitive and modular concept reduces programming time and lets you achieve results faster with less training. At runtime, intelligent dialogs (created with the customized dialog step) reduce error-prone user inputs and provide clear visualization of method parameters.
  • Action Editor: the fast way to create a method skeleton, with all possible actions (loading, pipetting, transportation, incubation, etc.) in a toolbox for simple drag-and-drop programming.
  • SuperSimpleMethods: this innovative module allows you to execute the most common lab routines (copy plates, add buffer, serial dilution, etc.) with the least possible user interaction. A wizard guides you through a few dialogs (e.g., to enter number of plates, volume or liquid type) and guides you through the deck loading.
  • Step templates: simply drag the template into your method and adapt it to your needs. Change the pipetting volume, specify source and target plates on the 3-D deck and run the method.
  • 21 CFR Part 11 regulatory tools, including controlled system access, human readable and printable files, electronic record creation, protection and maintenance as well as documentation and training issues.
  • Operate everything from one control center: third-party components (if they are remotely controllable) can be integrated into VENUS software at any time, making your system integration friendly, flexible and future-proof. Incubators, centrifuges, thermocyclers, plate sealers, sample dryers or sample readers – thanks to the open design, VENUS software can control most third-party hardware.

Compressed O-Ring Expansion (CO-RE)

Many of today’s applications require precision in tip attachment and positioning. To accomplish this, Hamilton utilizes proprietary Compressed O-Ring Expansion (CORE) technology. CO-RE technology attaches disposable tips using a highly robust lock-and-key style mechanism. This enables a positional precision of + 0.1mm on all axes. The system requires virtually no vertical force for tip attachment or ejection, thus eliminating mechanical stress and minimizing the production of aerosols. Reduced stress also improves overall system reliability and throughput.

Air Displacement Pipetting

The Hamilton STAR Line utilizes proven air displacement pipetting, similar to high precision handheld electronic pipettors. Benefits of this technology include: 

  • Reduced risk of contamination or sample dilution (no system fluid)
  • High pipetting accuracy and precision from sub-microlitre to large (>1 mL) volumes
  • Increased robustness and easier maintenance owing to lack of system liquids, diluters, valves or complicated tubing

Anti-Droplet Control (ADC)

This technology serves to compensate in real time for pressure changes in the liquid channels caused by high vapor pressure of volatile solvents. Upon activation, ADC prevents inadvertent dripping from the channels, reducing the risk of contaminating the deck. ADC detects and reacts on pressure changes in the channels that are caused by the high vapor pressure of volatile solvents in real time. This feature is available with single pipetting channels.

 

Monitored Air Displacement (MAD)

By monitoring the air-based pipetting action, the platform can detect clots or empty wells during the aspiration step in real time. It can also be used to pipette highly volatile solvents. With MAD your pipetting robot gives you a feedback on the real-time tracking of the aspiration performance.

Therefore MAD delivers a confirmation of the successful aspiration. Monitored Air Displacement eliminates uncertainty in automated assays by providing reliable, consistent walk-away automation.

Total Aspiration and Dispense Monitoring (TADM)

During crucial sample transfers (e.g. in vitro Diagnostics or DNA Forensics), parameters may be set to monitor, in real time, both the aspiration and dispense steps. TADM verifies with a traceable digital audit trail that a sample has been successfully transferred.

Liquid Level Detection (LLD)

The Hamilton STAR uses LLD technology to determine liquid levels in tubes and plates located on the pipetting deck. There are two modes of LLD: capacitative LLD (c-LLD), used to detect most types of liquids in most types of vessels; and pressure-based LLD (p-LLD), which can detect virtually all fluid types, including foaming liquids and non-conductive organic solvents. cLLD is available (MPH channels A1, B2, G11 & H12); pLLD is available. For even greater confidence in COMPRESSED O-RING EXPANSION (CO-RE) LLD, a dual mode LLD approach may be used.

STAR Line Functional & Performance Specifications

 

Dimensions

  Length: Width: Width with Autoload: Height:
Microlab STARlet 44.3 in (112.4 cm) 31.3 in (79.5 cm) 39.6 in (100.6 cm) 35.6 in (90.3 cm)
Microlab STAR 65.5 in (166.4 cm) 31.3 in (79.5 cm) 39.6 in (100.6 cm) 35.6 in (90.3 cm)
Microlab STARplus 85.0 in (216.0 cm) 31.3 in (79.5 cm) 39.6 in (100.6 cm) 35.6 in (90.3 cm)

Deck Capacity

Microlab STARlet 30 tracks (T) allow combinations of:
maximum of 30 tube carriers (1 T) holding 24 or 32 tubes per carrier
maximum of 5 carriers (6 T) holding 5 tip racks or 5 plate positions per carrier
Microlab STAR 54 tracks (T) allow combinations of: maximum of:
maximum of 54 tube carriers (1 T) holding 24 or 32 tubes per carrier
maximum of 9 carriers (6 T) holding 5 tip racks or 5 plate positions per carrier
Microlab STARplus 71 tracks (T) allow combinations of: maximum of:
maximum of 71 tube carriers (1 T) holding 24 or 32 tubes per carrier
maximum of 11 carriers (6 T) holding 5 tip racks or 5 plate positions per carrier

Pipetting specifications *

Pipetting specifications for disposable tips individual 1000µl-channels Disposable tip size
10µl
10µl
10µl
10µl
50µl
50µl
50µl
50µl
300µl
300µl
300µl
1000µl
1000µl
1000µl
Volume
0.5µl
1µl
5µl
10µl
0.5µl
1µl
5µl
50µl
10µl
50µl
200µl
10µl
100µl
1000µl
Trueness |R| (%)
10.00%
5.00%
2.50%
1.50%
10.00%
5.00%
2.50%
2.00%
5.00%
2.00%
1.00%
7.50%
2.00%
1.00%
Precision CV (%)
6.00%
4.00%
1.50%
1%
6.00%
4.00%
1.50%
0.75%
2.00%
0.75%
0.75%
3.50%
0.75%
0.75%
Pipetting specifications for needles individual 1000µl-channels Needle size
10µl
10µl
10µl
300µl
300µl
300µl
1000µl
1000µl
1000µl
Volume
1µl
5µl
10µl
5µl
50µl
200µl
50µl
100µl
1000µl
Trueness |R| (%)
5.00%
2.50%
1.50%
8.00%
2.00%
1.00%
5.00%
3.00%
2.00%
Precision CV (%)
8.00%
2.00%
1.00%
8.00%
2.00%
1.00%
3.00%
2.00%
1.00%
Pipetting specifications for 5ml disposable tips individual 5ml-channels Disposable tip size
5ml
5ml
5ml
5ml
Volume
50µl
500µl
1000µl
5000µl
Trueness|R| (%)
5.00%
2.00%
1.50%
2.00%
Precision CV (%)
2.50%
1.50%
1.00%
1.50%
Pipetting specifications for disposable tips 1000µl CORE 96 Probe Head Disposable tip size
10µl
10µl
10µl
50µl
50µl
50µl
300µl
300µl
300µl
1000µl
1000µl
1000µl
Volume
1µl
5µl
10µl
1µl
5µl
50µl
10µl
50µl
300µl
10µl
100µl
1000µl
Trueness|R| (%)
5.00%
2.50%
1.50%
5.00%
2.50%
1.50%
3.00%
1.50%
1.00%
7.50%
2.00%
1.00%
Precision CV (%)
5.00%
2.00%
1.50%
5.00%
2.00%
1.00%
2.00%
1.00%
1.00%
3.50%
1.00%
1.00%
Pipetting specifications for disposable tips 50µl CORE 384 Probe Head Disposable tip size
50µl
50µl
50µl
50µl
50µl
50µl
50µl
50µl
50µl
Volume
Surface: 0.1µl
Surface: 0.5µl
Surface: 1µl
Jet: 1µl
Surface: 5µl
Jet: 5µl
Surface: 10µl
Jet: 10µl
Surface/Jet: 50µl
Precision CV (%)
8.00%
6.00%
3.50%
15.00%
3.00%
4.00%
2.00%
3.00%
2.00%
Using the 50µl CORE 384 Probe Head Disposable tip size
300µl Rocket
300µl Rocket
300µl Rocket
300µl Rocket
300µl Rocket
Volume
2µl
5µl
10µl
100µl
300µl
Precision CV (%)
4.00%
2.00%
2.00%
2.00%
2.00%
Liquid Level Detection Individual Channels: Capacitive liquid level detection (cLLD) and pressure (pLLD) on aspiration, cLLD on dispense, minimum volume 10 μL, depending on container type
96- and 384-Probe Head: Capacitive liquid level detection (cLLD)
Labware All SBS standard plate types up to 1536 wells and most commercially available tube types
Carrier For all standard labware formats and according to customer requirements
Accessories CO-RE Gripper for economical on-deck transports, iSWAP Robotic Hand for transports below or off-deck, Barcode Reader, Temperature Controlled Carriers, Needle Wash Station with parallel Needle Washing, Vacuum System, CO-RE Lid Suck Tool for Petridish Lid handling, EasyPick Camera and Accessories for economical Colony picking, Tube Gripper, Tip-Feeder
Operating Data Maximum power consumption: 600 VA or 1000 VA (depending on configuration)
Voltage: 115 V~/230V~
Frequency: 50 / 60 Hz ± 5%
Delayed action fuse: 115 V~: 6.3 A, 230 V~: 3.15 A
Operating temperature range: 15°C - 35°C (relative humidity 30% - 85% with no condensation)
*Test criteria available upon request

Configure your pipetting platform

Choose from one of the platform sizes: STARlet, STAR or STARplus,
and select pipetting channels, multiprobe heads and other tools.

  • Up to 16 independent 1000 µL pipetting channels
  • Up to 8 independent 5 mL pipetting channels
  • CO-RE 96-Probe Head 1000 µL (with or without TADM)
  • CO-RE 384-Probe Head 50 µL

In addition you select: Platehandler iSWAP and CO-RE Gripper,Tube handler,Decapper and Imaging system (camera channel).

Pipetting Channels

Years of experience and development in liquid handling have enabled Hamilton to create a highly precise and robust tool: the 1000 µL pipetting channel, which can pipette volumes as low as 0.5 µL and as high as 1000 µL. Different disposable tip sizes that are specifically shaped enable the highest pipetting precision. Due to the possibility of unique asymmetric spreading, the system can reach every position on the deck and supports complex pipetting patterns, thus enabling quicker pipetting. The 5 mL channel for higher volumes uses the same precise technology to pipette volumes from 50 µL to 5 mL. These high-volume pipetting channels are also asymmetrically spreadable.

Multiprobe heads

To speed monitored processes that require highly parallel liquid handling, Hamilton has developed the CO-RE 96-Probe Head with a volume range of 1 to 1000 µL, and the CO-RE 384-Probe Head with a volume range of 0.1 to 50 µL. Both can be added to all Microlab STAR Line instruments with multiprobe capability and combined with other modules on the flexible STAR platform. Combining multiple functions on a single STAR Line instrument avoids time-consuming transfers between different liquid handling systems, saving both laboratory space and costs.

Modularity and scalability

Due to the modular design, changes and upgrades to existing configurations are easy with STAR Line instruments. As your projects change, your STAR Line workstation can also evolve to meet new challenges. Most upgrades can be performed in your lab within 1-2 days to minimize the instrument’s downtime. The STARlet can be extended to a STARplus with an extension module, thereby more than doubling deck capacity. The scalability of STAR Line instruments means that the widest possible range of throughputs and budgets can be accommodated: additional pipetting channels, a CO-RE 96, 384 Probe Head or an iSWAP can be fitted to existing configurations.

Upgrade your robot

In addition to the wide range of functional deck equipment such as the vacuum station, heaters and shakers, STAR Line systems can be upgraded with:

  • Up to 16 x 1000μl channels
  • Up to 8 x 5ml channels
  • Multiprobe heads
  • Labware handling tools
  • Imaging channel
  • Platform upgrade

Unlimited flexibility, free choice of desired labware, quick and simple customization


Carrier Concept

For flexible placing of your labware Hamilton has developed carriers for the STAR Line instruments. These carriers hold your labware in place on the deck. The carriers can be loaded manually or automatically.


Multiflex Concept

Select from a broad range of Multiflex modules to configure your desired carrier and deck layout. A base carrier plate enables flexible placing of these modules for all common labware: Microtiter plates, deep-well plates, 96-or 384-well PCR plates, plate-, petri dish- or tip-stackers, tube holders, reagent troughs, tilt modules, heating and cooling modules and many more options.

The layout of Multiflex carriers can be changed according to your needs. From shakers to heating or cooling modules, tube or plate modules, Multiflex carriers can be designed to exactly fit the application.