Instrument Features

Simple installation

• No need for compressed air: installation is fast and flexible
• 2 positions for different roll sizes: increased flexibility
• Optional roll cover provides seal protection for sensitive applications

Easy handling

• Color touch screen with intuitive user interface for ease of use
• Unlimited password protected protocols: 3 security levels save personalized and SOP set temperatures and times
• Rapid heating: fast start up time, block uniformity is maintained to ± 1 °C
• Variable time/temperature controls: adjustment of time and temperature settings enables the perfect seal to be established for any sealer friendly, high-quality plate type, e.g. all 4titude plates
• Up to 5,000 seals without manual intervention: true walk-away-system

Reproducible sealing

• Reproducible sealing: fixed pressure and accurate time and temperature controls ensure consistent sealing
• High sealing pressure: improved seal uniformity on a wide range of plates
• Sealing cycle time of less than 15 sec: time saving

Highest flexibility

• Compatible with a wide range of plate types, from racked tubes to 1536 well PCR plates
• Flexibility of seal material choice: 4titude offers a  wide range of sealing materials, with a variety of properties for use with the a4S
• Compatible with gas permeable heat seals: no instrument modification necessary for maximum convenience

Economic efficiency

• Competitive pricing: save money without compromises
• Auto standby mode: saves energy and extends component life
• 2 year warranty on parts and labor
• Extended warranty and service contracts available for peace of mind

Plug-and-play robotic integration

• The a4S heat sealer is extremely versatile leaving you the freedom to expand and configure your systems such as adding robotic plate handling
• SiLA compatible: quick and easy integration with other SiLA compliant devices using the SiLA driver (available at extra cost, please see ordering information); all 4titude instruments are compliant with SiLA standards for rapid integration of automated systems
• This means they can be "plug and play" connected with other instruments, such as readers, robotic arms and liquid handlers, to give a custom automated system without the need to write expensive custom drivers
• Full communication protocol available: operate the instrument and record sealing conditions for each seal using the RS232 communication port

Applications

qPCR: reduce evaporation and save money

• The optimized sealing performance of the a4S heat sealer prevents reagent volume loss by evaporation
• Up to a fivefold reduction in the costs of sealing can be achieved when heat sealing with the a4S compared to using caps or adhesive seals
• Reliable qPCR results and significant reagent savings can be achieved by using Clear Heat Seal (4ti-0540) and Clear Weld Heat Seal Mark 2 (4ti-0573, particularly designed for hydrocyclers)

Cell assays and cell culture: increase cell viability and assay performance

• Heat sealing is the optimal method for cell based assay plates and cell culture plates
• It is a proven method for compound storage, particularly in protective gases such as Argon and CO₂
• Gas Permeable Heat Seal Mark 2 (4ti-0598) is the perfect choice for cell culture: allows for optimized gaseous exchange, whilst limiting evaporation

Sample storage: strongest resistance against organic solvents

• Essential requirements for long-term storage include maintaining sample integrity and minimizing the risks of sample degradation
• When applied using the a4S heat sealer, Foil Heat Seal (4ti-0535), Pierce Heat Seal (4ti-0530), and DMSO Resistant Peel Heat Seal (4ti-0585) demonstrate the highest performance in compound storage, drug screening and subsequent sample retrieval
• DMSO Resistant Peel Heat Seal is the first 100% DMSO resistant seal: pure DMSO can be stored at room temperature for 12 months with this seal with no deterioration of the seal quality

Technical Specifications