Automated sample preparation system FLEX SWILE DSC

for the pharmaceutical industryfillingmodular

Overview
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a core thermal analysis technique for identifying and characterizing materials by measuring enthalpy changes as a function of temperature or time. It is widely used across chemical and pharmaceutical R&D and QC to detect glass transition, melting, crystallization, phase transitions, protein denaturation and decomposition. Reliable DSC results require consistent sample preparation, yet manual filling and closing of crucibles remain labor-intensive and error-prone.

The FLEX SWILE DSC solution automates end-to-end DSC sample preparation. The system performs true one-to-one gravimetric "pick & decision dispense" of solids using Chemspeed’s proprietary overhead gravimetric dispensing tool together with an on-deck analytical balance. A modified 4-Needle Head Liquid Handling tool places and pushes lids into DSC crucibles, then reformats closed crucibles into autosampler racks, delivering ready-for-analysis samples without manual handling. Disposable glass tips and SWIN disposable tip dispensers eliminate cross-contamination risks. SWINs are available in multiple diameters and can be selected to match target sample mass. A tilt/shake rack facilitates powder loosening prior to pick-up.

Workflow (FLEX SWILE DSC)

• Optionally read barcode of source vial
• Transport source vial to tilt/shake rack to loosen compound
• Pick and dispense solid (gravimetric pick & decision dispense)
• Transport crucible MTP to holder
• Place lid on crucible
• Push lid into crucible
• Transport lid to autosampler rack
• Repeat

Benefits

• Decision dispensing for high accuracy and precision
• Dispensing range: from hundreds of micrograms (~100 μg) up to ~5 mg with ~±10 μg resolution (optional on-deck balance for 10 μg)
• No cross-contamination (disposable glass tips)
• No dead volume
• Unattended operation for higher throughput
• Fully inert glass flow path for compatibility with sensitive compounds
• Proprietary robotic tool exchange interface
• Ventilated hood and trolley options for installation and safety
• Optimized footprint (~3 ft x 3 ft / 90 x 90 cm) versus capacity
• Modular: SWILE Robotic Tool integrates with other tools for multiple workflows
• Included modules: on-deck analytical balance, tilt/shake rack, barcode reader, multigripper
• Automated sample dispensing into DSC crucibles (optional on-deck balance for 10 μg resolution)
• Automated lid placement and crucible closure
• Reformatting of closed crucibles into DSC autosampler racks (various rack formats supported)
• AUTOSUITE SOFTWARE — experiment design, execution and basic data analysis via drag & drop interface
• Interfaces available for LIMS and ELN integration

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Solution name: FLEX SWILE DSC
• Gravimetric "pick & decision dispense" of solids (one-to-one gravimetric dispensing)
• Dispensing range: ~100 μg to ~5 mg
• Resolution/precision: approximately ±10 μg (optional on-deck balance for 10 μg resolution)
• Tooling: proprietary overhead gravimetric dispensing tool + modified 4-Needle Head Liquid Handling tool for lid placement
• Consumables: disposable glass tips; SWIN disposable tip dispensers in multiple diameters
• Auxiliary modules: on-deck analytical balance, tilt/shake rack for powder loosening, barcode reader, multigripper
• Automated functions: gravimetric pick & dispense, lid placement, push lid into crucible, reformatting to DSC autosampler racks
• Materials: fully inert glass flow path for dispensed solids
• Safety/installation: ventilated hood and trolley options
• Footprint (typical optimized layout): ~3 ft x 3 ft (90 x 90 cm)
• Software: AUTOSUITE for experiment design, execution and analysis; integration capability with LIMS / ELN