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Drive systems for laboratory automation

Reliable diagnostics and research.

Drive systems from maxon ensure reliable processes in laboratory applications – and thus consistent results. Because in the laboratory, accuracy is key. Highest quality and reliability enable reproducible results in diagnostics, life sciences, and analytics.

Advantages

Precision and reliability meet cutting-edge science.

Rapid DNA sequencing, plasma preparation, or POC applications require ever more complex processes, which humans find almost impossible to perform in a standardized way.   

maxon drive technologies ensure that laboratory procedures are performed without any errors and guarantee high throughput as well as fast results. 

The advantages are:

EN 9001 and SN EN ISO 13485 certification

Long product lifecycle

High power density and high continuous torque

High dynamics

100% final check in production

We drive laboratory automation.

In the healthcare sector, process automation ensures improved care and diagnostic quality, reduces the workload for employees, and lowers costs.

Diagnostics

To determine effective treatment plans, doctors need access to accurate and efficient diagnostic procedures. Diagnostic tests for hematology, immunoassays, blood banks, or protein chemistry identify indicators which serve as the basis for medical exams. Automation plays an increasingly important role in these innovative technologies. This is because the rapid and early diagnosis of illnesses enables better patient monitoring and treatment. To avoid errors, devices must be easy to use and low maintenance.

Life sciences

From healthcare and the environment to controversies such as decoding the human genome, genetic fingerprints, pre-implantation diagnostics, and embryonic stem cells, the life sciences have changed dramatically and new technologies have revolutionized the sector. Automated solutions are therefore becoming increasingly relevant. Robot-controlled process automation not only improves quality and accuracy in the life sciences sector, but also enables faster documentation, e.g., in clinical trials or in research.

Samples and liquid handling

Reliable transport and aliquoting of liquids are essential for diagnostic procedures as well as for life sciences research. Even the smallest error can render an analysis useless, which can lead to delays or even financial losses. Automation makes it possible to obtain faster results for a larger number of samples, to reduce the error rate to a minimum, and to achieve a much higher throughput than in human-run analytical laboratories.

Analytical chemistry

The qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical and biochemical substances plays a key role in medicine, for example when determining metabolic parameters or tumor markers in clinical-chemical analytics or even in forensic analytics. In addition, it is also used for pollutant analyses, environmental analyses, or for testing foodstuffs in the laboratory. Drive systems from maxon enable reliable, rapid results through high standardization potential, enhanced performance, and error minimization.

Our product recommendations.

Liquid handling applications require reliability, precision, and power density. With high speed and precise positioning control, maxon drives are perfect for many operations such as X, Y axis movements or Z axes for dispensing. 

DCX16S mit Standardflansch (1)

DCX 16 S

 

  •  Ø16 mm
  • up to 17 000 rpm
  • up to 5.4 mNm

 

 

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Spindle

Screw drive GP 16 S

 

  • Ø16 mm
  • up to 150 mm/s
  • up to 370 N
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zub_MiniMACS6-AMP-4-50-10

MiniMACS6-AMP-4/50/10

 

  • 12 … 60 VDC
  • up to 10 A
  • up to 6 axes
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PCR and DNA applications range from basic research to disease diagnostics to agricultural tests and forensic examinations. The compact, efficient drive systems from maxon can increase the PCR runtime without any reduction in precision.

EPOS4 Micro 24/5

 

  • 10 … 24 VDC
  • up to 5 A
  • CANopen / EtherCAT
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ECi30

EC- i 30

 

  • ∅30 mm
  • up to 15 000 rpm
  • up to 110 mNm
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ECX_TORQUE_22M_Ster

ECX TORQUE 22

 

  • ∅22 mm
  • up to 16 000 rpm
  • up to 80 mNm
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ECi40_short_50W

EC-i 40

 

  • ∅40 mm
  • up to 15 000 rpm
  • up to 340 mNm 
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ENX_16_Rio

ENX 16 RIO

 

  • ∅16 mm
  • up to 65 536 cpt
  • RS 422 line driver
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maxon supplies drive solutions which are used in electronic pipettes for precise and reproducible delivery of samples and reagents in molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and medicine. Our linear solutions improve efficiency and enable a very high actuating force for higher viscosity liquids.

ECX8_HS mit FEP-KABEL

ECX SPEED 8

 

  • ∅8 mm
  • up to 50 000 rpm
  • up to 1.26 mNm
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ECX_Speed_STE13L_Hall_Sensor (1)

ECX SPEED 13

 

  • ∅13 mm
  • up to 120 000 rpm
  • up to 1.26 mNm
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DC-MAX 22

DC-max 16 S

 

  • ∅16 mm
  • up to 11 000 rpm
  • up to 4.8 mNm
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GP10_S_Screw_drive2

Screw drive GP 8 S

 

  • Ø8 mm
  • up to 25 mm/s
  • up to 27 N
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Overview_Spindle_Drive

Screw drives

 

  • ∅6 … 32 mm
  • up to 186 mm/s
  • up to 2700 N
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In order for POC applications to be effectively utilized for fast analyses and early diagnoses in practice, they need to be small and easy to operate. In addition, they must be precisely calibrated and as automated as possible. maxon offers the perfect solutions for POC with drives with a diameter from 6 to 16 mm.

ECX8_HS mit FEP-KABEL

ECX SPEED 8

 

  • ∅8 mm
  • up to 50 000 rpm
  • up to 1.26 mNm
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EPOS4 Micro 24/5

 

  • 10 … 24 VDC
  • up to 5 A
  • CAN / EtherCAT
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To achieve precise gripping, robot arms for laboratory applications need to meet the highest requirements. Electric drives need to perform movements with absolute precision through the interaction of motors and encoders. High power density is essential for getting the greatest possible torque in a small installation space. maxon offers the right solution for this. Due to their special winding, our drive systems are efficient and extremely precise. 

EC45_flat_9

EC 45 flat

 

  • ∅45 mm
  • up to 10 000 rpm
  • up to 174 mNm
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Product recECX_flat_22S_STD_Stator

ECX FLAT platform

 

  • ∅22 ... 32 mm
  • up to 15 000 rpm
  • up to 106 mNm
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Manually closing and decapping sample tubes takes up a lot of working hours. Automating this process reduces the risk of human errors and at the same time avoids potential health risks and aerosol contamination for the laboratory staff. The 8 mm BLDC motors from maxon are ideal for a 96-axis solution, while a 16 mm motor, for example, is suitable for a 24-axis solution.

ECX8_ENX mit PVC-KABEL (1)

ECX SPEED 8

 

  • ∅8 mm
  • up to 50 000 rpm
  • up to 1.26 mNm
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GPX8 (1)

GPX 8

 

  • ∅8 mm
  • i= 4.0 … 1024
  • up to 0.1 Nm
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EPOS 4 Micro 24/5

 

  • 10…24 VDC
  • up to 5 A
  • CAN / EtherCAT
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ECX_Speed_16M_Ster_9

ECX SPEED 16

 

  • ∅16 mm
  • up to 120 000 rpm
  • up to 16.1 mNm
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GPX 16

 

  • ∅16 mm
  • i= 3.9 … 1526
  • up to 0.9 Nm
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EPOS 4  50/5

 

  • 10 … 50 VDC
  • up to 5 A
  • CANopen / EtherCAT
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Drive solutions for laboratory automation

Download brochure now.

Learn about maxon drives for laboratory automation and read two reports on how our products deliver extreme precision and high throughout in laboratory robots and blood analysis devices. 

Precision drive solutions

We make laboratory procedures faster and more precise with custom solutions.

GettyImages-1307216100

Six-axis motherboard

In particular with XYZ axes, the high power density of maxon drives makes it possible to save space. For multi-axis applications such as decappers (24, 48, 96 channels) or liquid handling instruments, we offer custom controller solutions and integrate multiple axes on one board. The high dynamics in combination with precise multi-axis control makes laboratory procedures more efficient, which increases the throughput rate.

  • Six axes integrated on one board
  • For compact multi-axis control
  • ISO 9001 certification
  • Available with CAN/EtherCAT
mdp_inside3

Complete mechatronic systems

Conveyor modules in the laboratory guarantee a fast, precise, safe, and clean automation process for highly efficient processing. Whether for transporting samples or a gantry robot system for medical instruments, we work with our customers to develop a custom automation solution for faster, more precise, and more reliable procedures.

  • Development of a complete mechatronic system
  • Use of various drive technologies in the system
  • Complete system produced and tested by maxon
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Pipetting cassettes

Automated pipetting reduces the error rate in the laboratory and increases productivity. From the drives and spindle solutions for pipetting liquids to the complete cassette, we are a reliable development partner and bring experience and extensive know-how in product design.

  • Brushed and brushless motors with diameters from 8 to 16 mm
  • Ceramic and steel spindle solutions for pipetting
  • Integrated drive solutions, specifically for pipetting (pitch 8 and 16 mm)
  • Complete pipetting cassette is developed in collaboration with the customer
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Corporate Blog

Success stories

Worldwide, maxon drives are used in the fields of diagnostics, life sciences, and analytics, and ensure that analysis processes can be carried out reliably and reproducibly.
Go to the blog
Template DriveTech 1500x1000 Pharmaceutiquemaxon Story

Pharmacies automation & Drive technology

Laboratory production, packaging, automated drug dispensing machines in the pharmacy: The pharmaceutical sector is starting to automate its entire supply chain, in order to increase productivity. How is motor technology responding to this growing interest in automation?
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drive tech header challenge 2030maxon Story

2030: Laboratory & Drug Delivery.

For more than 30 years, maxon France has been committed to providing manufacturers of medical devices with continuously optimized intelligent motion.
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mdp_inside2maxon Story

Take a look at blood with analysis machines.

High-tech machines analyze human blood samples, detect coagulation disorders and thus help to save lives. The maxon sales company in France does not only supply the appropriate drives – in fact, it builds entire conveyor modules. A peek inside.
Learn more
Go to the blog
TECAN_1

Fully automated blood analysis

More than drives.

French company Stago specializes in analytical instruments for hemostasis diagnostics. maxon not only supplies the matching drives, but also builds the entire conveyor module. The analysis system is equipped with a three-axis robot and can convey 215 samples as well as 1,000 test containers.

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Antoine Joordan

Global Operations Director

Andrew Alliance

“The size was a central aspect, but the precision was even more important. With the integrated encoder on the flat motor, we can guarantee high precision.”

Jean-François Gelin

Project manager

Stago

“maxon had the necessary knowledge and gave us valuable tips.”

Rob Harkness

Business Development Manager

Peak Analysis and Automation Ltd.

“We were impressed by the customer support and the competitive prices. It quickly became clear that the products from maxon are the best choice for our S-Lab system.”

Frequently asked questions

  • How do maxon drive components ensure that laboratory analysis devices will deliver reproducible results?

    For reproducible results, a drive system with precision control is crucial. This is guaranteed with ironless drives, for example, since they have no cogging torque. Furthermore, a high resolution and thus high reproducibility can be ensured by using an encoder.

  • Is it possible to purchase an absolute drive system from maxon so that the last position is saved in case of a power failure?

    Yes. The absolute multi-turn encoder (product: ENX 22 EMT) comes with integrated harvesting technology. This saves the position of the drive so it remains known even after a power failure. 

  • Is maxon able to assist in the design and production of entire drive systems (movements in the device)?

    Yes. maxon’s many years of experience means it is able to assist in the design of entire translatory movements and can help to optimize devices in terms of costs or performance. 

  • What are the advantages of using a maxon controller?

    The inductance required for ironless motors is already integrated into maxon controllers. In addition, the EPOS and ESCON software offers the advantage of fully automatic tuning of maxon drives. Thus the drive is optimally matched to the controller. The simple GUI interface enables measurements and fine tuning on the motor. 

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How can we help you?

Our laboratory automation experts will be happy to help you.

Our solutions for industrial automation.

We develop, build, and supply highly efficient drive technology for world-leading industrial companies. From standard solutions and simple modifications to completely new custom designs, maxon offers everything from a single source.

Semiconductor industry

From wafer production and semiconductor finishing to pick-and-place applications, maxon drive systems are used in complex machines and process systems to ensure flawless production in high volumes.

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Oil and gas industry

Robust drive systems from maxon are used in various deep drilling applications, hydraulic valve controllers, or MWD processes under extreme conditions.

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Power Tools

maxon drives are dynamic, light, and efficient, and meet the high demands of the power tool market with efficiency levels of over 90%.

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Test and measurement technology

An ideal product for almost every measurement application: from high-precision measurements in industry to construction site and landscape surveying under extreme ambient conditions.

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Safety systems

Fast, precise positioning and high power density make maxon drives perfect for lock systems, safety doors, and monitoring cameras.

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Optical systems

From microscopes to huge space telescopes: Optical systems used in laser technology, machine vision, and sensors have to meet extremely complex requirements and need drives which perform every movement with the highest precision.

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