Get Started
This article will walk you through the setup process to:
Create a new device configuration, with settings updated to enable labware to have a lid
Create new plate definitions for lidded plates in device software and in Synthace
These setup steps require one-time configuration for any lidded labware you want to use.
Trigger lid-handling
The configured labware is first selected within the respective Synthace element. Lidded plate types can be used in Workflow Builder as input plates from
Define Liquids and Plates, output plates from Core Elements, e.g.Aliquot, and Robocolumn collection plates fromRun Chromatography Stage.In the example below you can see that a lidded plate has been selected as a collection plate in a Robocolumns workflow.
If the workflow contains pipetting from/to a lidded plate then you also need to select a temporary location in
Deck Options.
Once these steps have been completed and the workflow is simulated, the plate(s) should appear lidded in the Preview:
Plate movements are automatically scripted by Synthace when:
Moving plates for fraction collection (Robocolumns)
Making use of accessible devices, such as a plate reader or washer
Using the
Move PlatesandMove Plates Backelements
Part 1: Create a plate type for the lidded plate in the Synthace Plate Library
Navigate to the Synthace Plate Library and select the plate type you wish to use with a lid.
You have the option to edit or duplicate the plate type by click on the 3 dots icon.
In the field "Cover type," select Lid from the drop-down choices.
đĄ Itâs fine to have two plate types in Synthace plate library â one without lid, the other with lid â that refer to the same EVO/Fluent labware type.
Part 2: Updating Device Settings
FluentControl
For a Fluent microplate to support a lid, in its
Properties -> Robot Specific, it should have:Labware can have lidchecked.Some lid type chosen in
Select a Lid.
Otherwise, Synthace simulation will fail with an error explaining that this should be done.
Note: Itâs also possible to change the grip width and the lid offset.
đĄ If TransferLabware("MyPlate") and TransferLabware("MyLid") commands work in FluentControl, then the corresponding plate type should be safe to be marked as lidded in Synthace plate library.
EVOware
Labware types that are going to have lids in Synthace workflows need to have
Labware can have lid settingenabled and its parameters filled correctly.
â ď¸ Synthace doesnât extract this setting in the GetConfigTool, so it canât verify that itâs filled correctly.
Teaching for lid transfers (Fluent and EVO)
Lid-specific teaching shouldnât be required as long as you input the correct lid offset - i.e. the distance between the bottom of the plate and the bottom of the lid.
This will vary per plate type and per lid type which is why for every plate type, only a single lid type is allowed. To allow for more lid types, you will need to make a copy of the labware and allow a different lid size/have a different lid offset.
Checking teaching for lid transfers
The teaching used for lid transfers is the teaching of the carrier that the plate is located on.
Teaching can be checked using
Transfer labwarecommand in both FluentControl and EVOware.
FluentControl
The lid is simply selected for transfer instead of a plate. So a simple script with a couple of Transfer labware commands will move the lid off a plate and back onto the plate.
EVOware
The lid can only be handled as part of a plate move
Thereâs a
Lid handlingtickbox as part of theTransfer labwarecommand that controls how the lid gets treated.
Part 4: Generate a new configuration
Instructions for how to generate a new configuration for your Fluent can be found here and for your EVO here.
đ And thatâs it! Once a lidded plate type is used in the workflow, Synthace will generate plate movements to automatically de-lid and re-lid the selected plate.