Electronic Pipette Calibration:
Instead of the traditional pipetting button and manual volume adjustment, electronic pipettes feature a digital interface to adjust volume, and a motorized piston for aspiration/dispensing. They use either a stepper motor (using a stepper linear actuator) or a DC motor with an encoder.
Like mechanical pipettes, most electronic pipette calibration issues are due to leaks in the liquid end. This is often caused by wear in the sealing components.
Unlike mechanical pipettes, electronic pipettes are “self-calibrating”. If inaccuracy is due to a glitch in the electronic controller or the motor gets “out of step”, it can be corrected by doing a reset. The reset option is generally found in the ‘menu’, which is detailed in the user manual.
Therefore, electronic pipettes do not need to be calibrated in the ‘real sense’. They need to be verified for accuracy and precision on an appropriate 4-5 place or 6-7 place balance for micropipettes. If you find inaccuracy, test the pipette for a leak in the liquid end: aspirate full volume, take out and hold the pipette at eye level for about 15 seconds, and observe for a tiny droplet forming at the tip orifice. No droplet means no leak. If a leak is found, replace the sealing components (seal + o-ring or o-ring + grease) and your pipette should be in full calibration.
Printable Calibration Log
Printable Calibration Stickers (for use with Avery 5960 labels)
Related Posts:
Pipette Parts – Life Span, Life Cycle, and Performance
Top 10 Crimes Committed Against Pipettes
Sartorius Picus: Handle Assembly/Disassembly
Disclaimer: Any action you take using the information on this website is strictly at your own risk. The information herein does not constitute professional advice and is general in nature. We make no warranty that this information will meet your requirements, be safe, accurate, or error-free. Pipette Supplies, Inc. is not responsible for any errors or omissions, any results obtained from the use of this information, or any loss or damage arising out of the use of this information. This site is for educational purposes only.
Fair Use: Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allows for “fair use” for purposes such as comments, criticism, teaching, scholarship, news reporting, and research.
Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
