What is the difference between laboratory needles and products you sell for lab automation?

We offer a variety of needle products which are used in laboratory applications. For example: Pipetting, Septum Penetration, and Micro-Emulsifying needles. These are standard needles available from stock for immediate delivery. Cadence OEM division, specializes in the manufacturing of OEM and custom components for laboratory automation, Clinical Chemistry Analyzers, Liquid Handling Systems, High Throughput Screening etc. Typically, you will find our OEM needles and probes performing critical aspirating/dispensing functions in such instruments.

Are all lab automation products custom-made?

Unless you can utilize one of our standard catalog products, yes. Lab Automation products are typically manufactured to custom specifications.

Can you make a reagent probe for an old analyzer we have?

Yes. We would need an engineering drawing or a sample. Both would be ideal.

Do you have products for septum penetration?

Yes. We offer a wide range of Deflected Point Septum Penetration needles and cannula. These needles have a special tip geometry that minimizes coring when penetrating septa.

What is a Huber point?

A Huber point is also known as Deflected Point Septum Penetration. Huber is a trademark of the BD company.

Can you manufacture probes made from Hastelloy?

Yes. Cadence can manufacture using a variety of precious metals. However, note that these type of materials require a minimum purchase, have an extended lead time on delivery of materials (8-12 weeks or more) and are also very expensive if small quantities are desired.

What is carry-over and how can we reduce it?

Carry-over occurs when traces of a previous sample are left in the tube/needle and are then injected with a new sample. The old sample is 'carried over' to the next one. The ideal solution is to utilize an extremely smooth ID surface finish. The sleek surface combined with proper cleaning ensures that no traces remain inside the tube. Additional solutions include micro-polishing of the ID and a variety of coating options.

What types of internal surface finish can you provide on tubing?

Internal surface finish is measured in RMS or Ra. These are numbers that designate the degree of roughness of the ID. The smaller the number, the smoother the surface. Standard hypodermic tubes are manufactured with a 32-64 rms. A matt-draw finish, offers 16-32rms and a smooth bore can be manufactured with an 8-16 rms.

How we can we improve surface finish of the ID?

Micropolishing, is a proprietary treatment that reduces the RMS value by an additional 50% i.e. an 8-16rms tube with a micro-polishing treatment will yield an rms value of 4-8rms. Other methods to improve the ID include coating options discussed below.

Do you provide PTFE coating services?

Yes. We can provide PTFE coating of both the OD and ID. The advantage of PTFE coating is the added lubricity and corrosion protection. The disadvantages are the wearing off of the coating especially when it comes in contact with harsh chemicals. ID coating is not guaranteed to be pinhole free.

PTFE is relatively inexpensive and has been proven to be beneficial for lab automation application for many years.

Will Parylene work as well as PTFE?

Whether a particular coating works for an application greatly depends on the application's requirements. For septum penetration applications, PTFE is a better solution. For hydrophobic or electrical insulation, Parylene is better. You should consult with our customer service associates for additional information.

What is PSX coating and how is it different from other coating services?

PSX is a special formulation made for Cadence. This is a ceramic-like coating that is applied using a vacuum deposition process. We offer PSX-H for hydrophobic properties, PSX-CH for applications requiring superior corrosion resistance and PSX-D, same as our CH but with added DMSO protection.

I am designing a new reagent probe. What should I keep in mind to make it easier for you to manufacture?

Call us first! Our engineers are happy to discuss your requirements and suggest ways by which you can design a part that can be manufactured efficiently. Some basic factors to consider are: choice of material, tolerances, manufacturability of certain operations (such as swaging), coating options.

Do you provide prototypes?

Yes. Prototype manufacturing is the most important service we provide We have a dedicated design-validation department and prototypes are delivered within a short period of time (bear in mind that choice of materials, tooling etc. will increase lead-time).

Our part requires a specially-drawn tube. What is the lead-time?

Lead times depend on the OD/ID size and tolerance specified and the ID surface finish. Custom drawn tubes can be delivered within 4 weeks. Special tubes requiring tight tolerances may take up to 8-10 weeks to be delivered.

Will Cadence perform volumetric testing during final inspection?

No.Cadence is responsible for our high-quality workmanship standards and meeting specifications. Any functional results relate to the design of the probe rather than the manufacturing portion. In other words, Cadence assumes responsibility for what is on the engineering drawing. If functional testing or results are indicated on the drawing, we will take exception to them.

We are having dispensing volume issues. What could be the cause?

Dispensing volumes issues can be caused by a variety of factors: temperature, software, design etc. These are outside Cadence's manufacturing responsibility. Other reasons could be wrong tube ID specifications, swaging tolerance, ID surface finish, etc.

Can you coat the ID of a tube with PTFE and how can you guarantee uniform thickness?

Yes. Cadence provides ID coating with PTFE. Although every effort is made to ensure uniform thickness, because of the process used during coating, thickness of ID coating can not be guaranteed. In addition, to verify whether the coating conforms to specification would require a 'destructive' test of slicing the probe open. Obviously, this can not be done to each probe.

What is the difference between soldering, brazing and laser welding?

Soldering is a low temp process, brazing is a high temp process. Laser Welding is an ideal method for joining like-metals. It provides an optimal secure connection which is also cosmetically pleasing.

Will micropolishing affect the ID dimension?

Yes. Micropolishing can remove 0.001"-0.002".

Will electropolishing improve surface finish?

Electropolishing may achieve a very slight improvements in the outside surface finish but not significant. Electropolishing tends to make parts look better rather improve performance. For improved lubricity and carry-over, coating should be used instead.

Do you provide assembly services or just fabrication?

Yes. Cadence provides services from prototype to assembly and packaging.

What is a co-axial probe?

A co-axial probe features two probes, either side by side, one inside the other, or one penetrating the other. This design provides for a 'dual channel' for dispensing/aspirating. Typically, one channel is used for venting purposes and the other for aspirating/dispensing.

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