Creating New Labware (Plate Types) in Synthace
This guide walks you through how to create and configure new labware (plate types) in the Synthace platform. Properly defining plate types ensures accurate workflow simulation and smooth integration with automation hardware.
Overview
Plate types define the physical characteristics of labware used in your workflows. These definitions are critical for:
Selecting labware in the Workflow Builder
Simulating liquid handling steps accurately
Integrating with supported automation systems (e.g. Hamilton or Tecan devices)
How to Create a New Plate Type
From the Home page, navigate to Inventory
Open the Plate Types Library
Click Create New Plate Type
You can either:
Create a plate from scratch, or
Copy and modify an existing plate (recommended)
Key Fields and How to Fill Them
1. Plate Name
Used when selecting labware in workflows
Should be clear, descriptive, and unique
Example:
96 Well Flat Bottom Plate - Brand X
2. Plate Type Identifier
Must be unique across your system
Critical for integration with automation platforms
Important:
For Hamilton devices: this must match the name in your VENUS
.RACfilesFor EvoWare / Fluent Control: this links to manufacturer and part number values
3. Manufacturer and Part Number
Required fields
Must match the labware definition in your automation software
These values ensure Synthace can correctly map digital labware to physical hardware.
4. Plate Layout
Define the structure of the plate:
Well-based vs Column-based
Most plates are well-based
Number of rows and columns
Example:
96-well plate → 8 rows × 12 columns
Well spacing and offsets
Defines physical positioning of wells
Plate dimensions
Overall size of the plate
5. Well Properties
Specify physical characteristics of each well:
Bottom shape:
Flat
V-bottom
U-bottom
Well shape:
Circular
Square (common)
Other
6. Volume Parameters (Critical)
These are the most important settings for workflow simulation:
Maximum Volume
The total capacity of each well
Residual Volume (Dead Volume)
The volume that cannot be aspirated
These values are used by the Workflow Builder to:
Prevent overfilling
Ensure accurate liquid handling simulation
Recommended Approach: Copy Existing Plates
Instead of creating from scratch:
Find a similar plate in your library
Duplicate it
Update the following fields:
Plate name
Plate type identifier
Manufacturer
Part number
Volume parameters (if needed)
This approach:
Saves time
Reduces configuration errors
Ensures consistency
Summary of Critical Requirements
When creating a plate type, always ensure:
Plate name is clear and unique
Plate type identifier is unique and correctly mapped
Manufacturer and part number match automation software
Rows and columns reflect the real plate format
Maximum and residual volumes are accurate
Next Steps
Once your plate type is created:
It will be available in the Workflow Builder
You can use it in simulations and protocol design
If you encounter issues or are unsure about any parameters, contact your system administrator or Synthace support.