Key features
Overview
The paint formulation and syringe transfer system dispenses bulk liquids & slurries via peri-pump or pressurised vessels (pinch valve) into sample pots. The system can accommodate 2 different sized sample pots. Powder additions can also be added via auger feeder. More critical additions are added via pressurised syringes with an accuracy of 3miligrams. All additions are weighed to 4dp. The system can accommodate up to 18 x bulk dispensers, 2 x powder feeders and 32 x syringe dispensers.
The materials are stirred continuously throughout the run to ensure homogeneity. When the relevant additions have been made, the sample pot is mixed via the Dual Asymmetric Centrifuge (DAC) and placed back to the rack to await transfer into an output syringe. The completed formulation is transferred via aspiration using a bellow whilst the pot is rotated to prevent cavitation.
The system can process up to 60 pots (2 rack of 30 pots) and 60 output syringes (6 rack of 10 output syringes). The system uses a Mitsubishi Robot arm mounted on a 7th axis to handle the pots including capping and de-capping. The robot arm is fitted with a force sensing wrist to provide feedback and improve picking, placing, capping and de-capping robustness.