Robotized synthesis platform FLEX FORMAX

high-throughput

Overview
FLEX FORMAX by Chemspeed is a compact, fully automated formulation and characterization workstation engineered to accelerate formulation development and optimization within a footprint under 1 m². The platform enables precise control and automation of viscosity, pH, temperature and stirring for reproducible high-throughput formulation workflows.

Platform concept and modularity
The FLEX FORMAX platform can be configured with precision formulation vessels, interchangeable robotic dispensing tools and a range of racks and consumables. Typical deck setups include one formulation module with up to 6 precision vessels and three overhead gravimetric dispensing tools, or an alternative deck accommodating 12 precision vessels (150 mL) across two modules. The FLEX FORMAX PERSONAL variant supports hot-swappable robotic tools to adapt functionality on demand.

Key features

• Multiple tools on a single platform to consolidate functionalities and avoid multiple systems
• Compact, cost-effective robotic platform suitable for lab and pilot environments
• Intuitive programming and workflow automation for repeatable runs
• Robot performs dispensing, analytics and actions to Precision Formulation Vessels
• Add solids, powders, liquids and high-viscosity materials with milligram resolution during processing
• Deck supports up to 2 formulation modules for parallel processing
• Gravimetric dispensing for solids, powders, liquids, pastes, creams and waxes
• 4-Needle Head for volumetric liquid handling and sampling
• Balance resolution options: 0.1 mg or 0.01 mg
• Wide dispensing range from a few mg to several grams
• Continuous real-time monitoring and control of temperature (internal and jacket), shear rate, viscosity, scraping speed, reflux and pH; optional inert atmosphere
• Adjustable scraper positioning and choice of scraper materials (PTFE, PEEK)
• Dispensed amount, mixing speed, temperature, time and other parameters are logged in a read-only file
• Data access via Excel and other software; interfaces available for DOE / AI

Formulation module details

• Each formulation module includes up to 6 individually controlled high-precision workstations
• Workstations include vessel/blender, feed vessel and syringe pump and can be tailored to workflow needs
• Up to 6 formulation vessels/blenders per module (150 mL each) with independent stirring, scraping, heating and cooling
• Up to 6 feed vessels (50 mL) with magnetic stirring and jacket temperature control up to 90 °C for low-viscosity pre-mixes
• Easy integration of pH probes and analytics

Example workflow (FLEX FORMAX — for O/W emulsions)

• Add water
• Start stirring
• Add active ingredient
• Add thickener
• Heat to 80 °C
• Cool to 25 °C
• Add water phase
• Add water
• Add emulsifier
• Stir at 80 °C
• Cool to 25 - 35 °C
• Add emulsifier
• Stir at 25 - 35 °C
• Add filler
• Add solvent
• Add surfactant
• Add emulsifier
• Stir at ambient temperature
• Add oil phase

Benefits

• Reduce cost per sample by up to 45%
• Increase productivity by up to 5×
• Improved reproducibility and product quality
• Optimized cost and throughput (up to 12 formulations per run)
• Balance moves to destination to improve speed and efficiency
• Continuous real-time control of all critical formulation parameters
• Straightforward data export and integration for analysis
• Interface to DOE / AI for experimental design and data analysis

Technical specifications

• Model / series: FLEX FORMAX
• Manufacturer / Brand: Chemspeed
• Footprint: compact automated workstation < 1 m²
• Formulation vessels per module: up to 6 (150 mL each)
• Alternative deck: up to 12 precision vessels (150 mL) across 2 modules
• Feed vessel volume: 50 mL with magnetic stirring and jacket control up to 90 °C
• Balance resolution: 0.1 mg or 0.01 mg
• Dispensing range: from a few mg to several grams (solids, powders, liquids, highly viscous materials, pastes, creams, waxes)
• Gravimetric and volumetric liquid handling (4-Needle Head)
• Independent control per workstation: stirring, scraping, heating, cooling
• Scraper materials: PTFE, PEEK; adjustable scraper positioning
• Continuous monitoring: internal/jacket temperature, shear rate, viscosity, scraping speed, reflux, pH
• Data logging: read-only log files; interfaces for data export (e.g., Excel)
• Tool modularity: interchangeable robotic tools on FLEX FORMAX PERSONAL
• Integration: pH probes, analytics, software interfaces and DOE/AI connectivity
• Operating environments: inert atmosphere optional