Opentrons Flex Waste Chute User Manual
- June 1, 2024
- opentrons
Table of Contents
Opentrons Flex Waste Chute
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Opentrons Labworks Inc.
- Compatibility: Opentrons Flex liquid handling robot
- Dimensions: Extends about 17 cm (7 inches) in front of the Flex
- Components: Waste Chute, Deck Plate Adapter, Waste Chute Cover,Window Half Panel
Product Description
The Opentrons Flex Waste Chute is a deck fixture for the Opentrons Flex liquid handling robot. It transfers waste from the Flex enclosure to any trash receptacle placed below its external opening. The waste chute accepts tips, tip racks, and well plates dropped into it by Flex pipettes or the Opentrons Flex Gripper. The waste chute helps improve Flex performance because you can run protocols with fewer stops to empty the trash.
Product Elements
- Cover
- Waste Chute
- Deck Plate Adapter with Staging Area
- Deck Plate Adapter
- Window Half Panel
- External Chute Opening
Attachment Steps
Before You Begin
The waste chute fits into deck slot D3 and extends about 17 cm (7 inches) in
front of the Flex. To install it, you’ll have to remove the lower door panel
and replace it with the panel that comes with the chute. Keep the original
door panel for future use.
Ask a lab partner for help while installing the waste chute.
Replacing the Door Panel
-
Using a 2.5 mm screwdriver, remove the lower hinge screws (two on each hinge, four total) that fasten the bottom door panel to the top panel. Have a lab partner hold the panel as you loosen the screws. Save the screws.
-
Attach the replacement panel to the hinges using the hinge screws. The door panel cutout should face the lower right side of the deck, aligned with slot D3.
-
Remove the protective film after attaching the new door panel.
-
Move the door up and out of the way so you can install the waste chute.
Installing the Waste Chute -
Using a 2.5 mm screwdriver, remove the deck plate from slot D3.
-
Choose which deck slot adapter you want to use, and place it in slot D3. It should fit flush with the deck. If it doesn’t, rotate the adapter and try again.
-
Secure the adapter to the deck with the original 2.5 mm deck plate screws.
-
Align the rails under the external opening of the waste chute with the grooves in the deck plate adapter. Press down firmly to slide the chute onto the adapter until it sits flush with the deck.
-
Secure the chute to the adapter with the provided 2.5 mm screws.
Software Controls
The waste chute is an unpowered attachment without electronic or mechanical
components that communicate with the Flex robot. You configure it through the
touchscreen or Opentrons App to inform the robot that the chute is attached
for use in your protocols.
Configuration Method
- Touchscreen: Go to the dashboard, tap the three-dot menu (⋮), then tap Deck configuration. Next, tap on deck slot D3 and follow onscreen instructions to complete configuration.
- Opentrons App: Configuration steps similar to touchscreen method.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use the waste chute with other Opentrons robots?
A: The waste chute is specifically designed for use with the Opentrons
Flex liquid handling robot and may not be compatible with other Opentrons
models.
Q: How often should I clean the waste chute?
A: It is recommended to clean the waste chute regularly to prevent any
clogs or contamination. Refer to the cleaning section in the user manual for
detailed instructions on cleaning procedures.
Opentrons Labworks Inc.
Product Description
The Opentrons Flex Waste Chute is a deck fixture for the Opentrons Flex liquid
handling robot. It transfers waste from the Flex enclosure to any trash
receptacle placed below its external opening. The waste chute accepts tips,
tip racks, and well plates dropped into it by Flex pipettes or the Opentrons
Flex Gripper. The waste chute helps improve Flex performance because you can
run protocols with fewer stops to empty the trash.
Product Elements
BOX CONTENTS
- (1) Waste Chute
- (1) Deck Plate Adapter
- (1) Waste Chute Cover
- (2) 2.5 mm Screws
- (1) Deck Plate Adapter with Staging Area
- (1) Window Half Panel (packaged separately)
Attachment Steps
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
The waste chute fits into deck slot D3 and extends about 17 cm
(7 inches) in front of the Flex. To install it, you’ll have to remove the
lower door panel and replace it with the panel that comes with the chute. Keep
the original door panel for future use. Ask a lab partner for help while
installing the waste chute.
REPLACING THE DOOR PANEL
-
Using a 2.5 mm screwdriver, remove the lower hinge screws (two on each hinge, four total) that fasten the bottom door panel to the top panel. Have a lab partner hold the panel as you loosen the screws. Save the screws.
-
Attach the replacement panel to the hinges using the hinge screws. The door panel cutout should face the lower right side of the deck, aligned with slot D3.
-
Remove the protective film after attaching the new door panel.
-
Move the door up and out of the way so you can install the waste chute.
INSTALLING THE WASTE CHUTE -
Using a 2.5 mm screwdriver, remove the deck plate from slot D3.
-
Choose which deck slot adapter you want to use, and place it in slot D3. It should fit flush with the deck. If it doesn’t, rotate the adapter and try again.
-
Secure the adapter to the deck with the original 2.5 mm deck plate screws.
-
Align the rails under the external opening of the waste chute with the grooves in the deck plate adapter. Press down firmly to slide the chute onto the adapter until it sits flush with the deck.
-
Secure the chute to the adapter with the provided 2.5 mm screws.
Software Controls
The waste chute is an unpowered attachment. It does not contain electronic or mechanical components that communicate with the Flex robot. You tell the robot that the chute is attached by configuring it through the touchscreen or Opentrons App. Once configured, the waste chute is available for use in your protocols.
Waste Chute Cover
The cover is a slotted lid that partially blocks the waste chute.
The narrow opening on the cover helps prevent aerosols and droplets from
contaminating the working area when a 1- or 8-channel pipette drops its
attached tips. You cannot use the cover with the 96-channel pipette or when
disposing any items with the gripper.
Waste Containers
When using the waste chute, you need to position a trash bin or bag under
its external opening to catch items dropped out of the chute. There are no
moving parts inside the chute that transfer waste. The waste chute relies on
gravity to move dropped items into an external trash container.
Cleaning
The waste chute’s interior is powder-coated steel. This durable finish
protects the chute against harsh chemicals and resists corrosion. This also
means you can clean the chute with mild detergents, surfactants, or common lab
cleaning solutions (e.g., diluted alcohol or bleach). Regularly cleaning and
sanitizing the waste chute keeps your workspace free from contaminants. See
the Maintenance and Service chapter in the Opentrons Flex manual
REV2.pdf
for more information.
Note: Always adhere to your lab’s safety procedures and wear proper protective equipment while cleaning.
Additional Product Information
WARRANTY
All hardware purchased from Opentrons is covered under a 1-year standard
warranty. Opentrons warrants to the end-user of the products that they will be
free of manufacturing defects due to part quality issues or poor workmanship
and also warrants that the products will materially conform to Opentrons’
published specifications.
SUPPORT
Opentrons Support can help you with questions about our products and services.
If you discover a defect, or believe your product is not functioning to
published specifications, contact us at
[email protected].
APP DOWNLOAD
Control your liquid handling robot and modules using the Opentrons App.
Download the app for Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu at https://opentrons.com/ot-
app/.
MANUFACTURER DESCRIPTION
Opentrons Labworks Inc
45-18 Ct Square W
Long Island City, NY 11101
Post-sales service & contacting Opentrons
If you have any questions about the use of the system, abnormal phenomena, or
special needs, please contact:
[email protected]. Also visit
www.opentrons.com.