Superior Pipetting Technology

The NIMBUS workstation comes in three highly configurable open or enclosed platforms:

• NIMBUS96: 96-channel multi-pipetting head (MPH)
• NIMBUS384: 384-channel multi-pipetting head (MPH) *
• NIMBUS4: 1 – 4 independent air displacement channels                  

Integrated options, intuitive software and the backing of Hamilton’s renowned service and applications support makes the NIMBUS workstation an indispensable tool for budget- and space-constrained labs. Using proven air displacement pipetting, the NIMBUS system offers the same liquid handling performance as higher-end systems at a fraction of the price.

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* NIMBUS384 not available in Europe

Hamilton’s Microlab INSTINCT software provides an intuitive graphical user interface for simplified instrument control and streamlined method programming, allowing faster results with less training. Hamilton recognizes the critical role that instrument control software plays in overall system usability and end-user satisfaction.

INSTINCT SOFTWARE

INSTINCT software features several tools to enhance the end-user experience:

• Labware library: a comprehensive menu of commercially available microplates, deep-well plates, reagent troughs/tubs as well as the complete line of Hamilton CO-RE disposable tips
• Favorites tool: enables quick selection of your most commonly used labware
• Liquid class tuner: an easy-to-use utility for selecting optimal pipetting parameters and improved liquid handling performance
• 3-D viewing: an intuitive tool for visualizing deck layouts

SMART PIPETTING

Combining these preferences with other user-defined input (e.g., pipetting volume), INSTINCT software’s built-in intelligence provides:

• Automated deck layouts: auto-populates the pipetting deck with carriers, microplates/tubes and tips, making setup of deck layouts a snap
• Automated tip tracking: tracks tip usage, location and status of tip racks
• Smart plate movements: auto-transports to destination or waste locations

BASIC TASKS

For basic tasks, Instinct features a series of dedicated wizards for commonly performed pipetting routines, each guiding you to final method creation step-by-step: serial dilutions, reagent additions, plate replications, tube to plate, PCR setup, SPE, and many more.

ADVANCED PROGRAMMING

For the most sophisticated method, write the backbone of the method in minutes with INSTINCT and finish with the powerful VENUS software. This standard software allows the user great flexibility to create or modify a complex method from scratch ensuring the requirements are never compromised. VENUS software also features a range of utilities for: 

• Worklist importing/exporting
• Error handling and recovery
• LIMS adaptation
• Database/server controls
• Scheduling
• Integrated third-party device control

21 CFR Part 11 Regulatory Tools

VENUS software contains the software tools required to use the NIMBUS workstation in compliance with CFR 21 Part 11. The tools provide audit trails, user-group-defined security functionality and file fidelity with the checksum system.

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

NIMBUS 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, NIMBUS 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)

NIMBUS 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.

NIMBUS4 Functional & Performance Specifications

Parameters	Specifications
Open Physical Dimensions (1000 μL) Length: Width: Height:	37.4 in (95 cm) 20.1 in (51.1 cm) 30.3 in max (76.9 cm)
Standard Enclosed Physical Dimensions Length: Width: Height:	41.2 in (104.6 cm) 27.9 in (70.9 cm) 32.7 in max (83.1 cm)
Extended Enclosed Physical Dimensions Length: Width: Height:	53.5 in (135.9 cm) 27.9 in (70.9 cm) 35.0 in max (88.9 cm)
Large Extended Enclosed Physical Dimensions Length: Width: Height:	65.5 in (166.4 cm) 27.9 in (70.9 cm) 35.0 in max (88.9 cm)
Pipetting specifications for disposable tips Disposable tip size: 10 μL: 10 μL: 10 μL: 50 μL: 50 μL: 50 μL: 300 μL: 300 μL: 300 μL: 1000 μL: 1000 μL: 1000 μL:		Volume 1 μL 5 μL 10 μL 1 μL 5 μL 50 μL 10 μL 50 μL 300 μL 10 μL 100 μL 1000 μL	Trueness |R| (%) 5.0% 2.5%; 1.5% 5.0% 2.5% 1.5% 3.0% 1.5% 1.0% 7.5% 2.0% 1.0%	Precision CV (%) 5.0% 2.0% 1.5% 5.0% 2.0% 1.0% 2.0% 1.0% 1.0% 3.5% 1.0% 1.0%
	For pipetting of less than 10 μL HAMILTON recommends 10 μL/50 μL volume disposable tips to achieve highest pipetting precision.
Liquid level detection Independent Channels:	Capacitive liquid level detection (cLLD) Pressure liquid level detection (pLLD)
Deck Capacity	8-12 positions
Communication type	Ethernet

Labware Gripper Specifications:

Absolute positioning

accuracy X, Y, Z = 0.5 mm reproducibility X, Y, Z = 0.25

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* The Open NIMBUS is not available in Europe

* NIMBUS384 is not available in Europe