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SoftGrip™ Single Channel Pipettes
User Manual
1 of 12, 1773-01 (Rev. C)
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Welcome
Thank you for choosing a SoftGripTM pipette from the Hamilton Company.
Before using your new pipette, please review the important information
in this manual on pipette features, basic operation, calibration, optimizing
performance, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
For French, German, and Spanish translations of this manual, please visit
www.hamiltoncompany.com. For sales and support in countries outside the
U.S., please contact your local dealer.
For additional information in the U.S., call Hamilton Sales and Support at
1-888-525-2123 and visit our website at www.hamiltoncompany.com.
www.hamiltoncompany.com
Sales/Support USA 1-888-525-2123
Pipette Warranty
Hamilton Company unconditionally guarantees its products to be free of
defects in materials and workmanship for one year from date of delivery.
Any product that fails due to such defects will be repaired or replaced
at our discretion without cost, provided the device is returned with an
explanation. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to determine the
suitability of application and material compatibility of the products based
on the published specifications of the products. The specified accuracy and
precision performance of Hamilton pipettes is guaranteed only when used
with Hamilton Precision Pipette Tips.
SoftGrip pipettes are protected by U.S. Patent Number 5,983,733 with other
patents pending.
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Hamilton SoftGrip™ Pipettes
Hamilton Company is the leader in precision fluid measurement products.
We extended our world-renowned syringe expertise to the SoftGrip Manual
Pipettes specifically designed to deliver maximum accuracy and minimize
hand injuries. The results set the standard for precision, comfort, and value.
SoftGrip pipettes feature a soft, nonslip handle for a relaxed grip; lighter
plunger action for more comfort; and a separate tip ejector to reduce hand
motion. The curved hilt supports the pipette for finer control while pipetting.
Hardened, stainless steel pistons are precision ground and polished to ensure
accurate performance, and provide exceptional piston and seal life.
SoftGrip pipettes operate on the air displacement principle and use
disposable tips. Every pipette is calibrated at the factory with standards
traceable to N.I.S.T. and shipped with a Certificate of Calibration
documenting the pipette’s accuracy and precision.
A complete range of fully autoclavable, high-performance single and multichannel pipettes are available. Two styles of single channel, air-displacement
SoftGrip pipettes are offered: fixed volume and adjustable volume.
Curved Hilt
Curved Tip
Ejector Button
Volume Display
(Color Coded)
Volume
Adjustment Ring
Diposable Pipette Tip
Sloped Plunger
(Color Coded)
Soft Nonslip Handle
Tip Ejector
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Recommended Volume Ranges
Volume Setting
Hamilton SoftGrip Fixed Volume Pipettes
Fixed volume air displacement pipettes are ready to use. No adjustment or
setup is required.
Hamilton SoftGrip Adjustable Volume Pipettes
The isolated volume adjustment ring prevents accidental volume changes.
To set the volume, hold the pipette vertical with the volume display in front
of you and turn the volume adjustment ring to the desired volume. Set the
desired volume to within the pipette’s volume range as given below.
For the greatest attainable accuracy, always turn the adjustment ring down
to the desired volume. If you are starting at a setting lower than the one
desired, turn the adjustment ring past that volume and then turn back to the
desired volume.
When setting volumes, start your settings from the top digit on the volume
setting display. Full units are expressed in black digits. Incremental units, the
values to right of the decimal point, are expressed in red digits and appear
below the full units. The graduated scale identifies the least significant digit.
Notes:
For the 2 µL, 10 µL, 25 µL, and 1 mL pipettes, the red digits on the scale
represent values to the right of the decimal point.
For the 100 and 300 µL pipettes, only the last digit, obtained from the
graduated scale, represents a value to the right of the decimal point.
For the best accuracy and precision, use your pipette only within the
recommended volume range of 10-100% of the specific pipette’s total
volume range.
Pipette Volume
Recommended
Volume Range
100% Volume
Setting
Reading at
100% Volume
10% Volume
Setting
Reading at
10% Setting
Smallest
Increment of
the Scale
Pipette Color
2 µL
0.2-2 µL
2.000 µL
0.200 µL
0.002 µL
Aqua
2
0
0
0
2
0
1-10 µL
10 µL
10.00 µL
1.00 µL
0.02 µL
Purple
1
0
0
0
1
0
2.5-25 µL
25 µL
25.00 µL
2.50 µL
0.02 µL
Forest
Green
2
5
0
0
2
5
10-100 µL
100 µL
100.0 µL
10.0 µL
0.2 µL
Violet
1
0
0
0
1
0
30-300 µL
300 µL
300.0 µL
30.0 µL
0.2 µL
Brick Red
3
0
0
0
3
0
0.1-1 mL
1 mL
1.000 mL
0.100 mL
0.002 mL
Sky Blue
1
0
0
0
1
0
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Pipette Operation
1. Press a disposable tip firmly onto the pipette’s lower body assembly.
2. Depress the plunger button to the first stop. Hold the pipette vertically and
immerse the tip 2 to 4 mm into the sample below the meniscus.
3. Slowly release the plunger button to aspirate sample.
4. Withdraw the tip from the sample, touching-off on the side of the
container.
5. To dispense, place the tip against the inside wall of the receiving vessel
and depress the plunger button to the first stop. Pause and then depress
the plunger button to the second or blowout stop. Hold the plunger button
down, sliding the tip out along the inside of the receiving vessel.
6. Release the plunger button. With the disposable tip directed into a safe
receptacle, depress the tip ejector to dispose of the tip.
Pre-Rinsing Tips
Pre-rinsing pipette tips is recommended for all pipetting operations. To prerinse, aspirate and dispense the sample one to three cycles. On the last rinse,
press the plunger past the blowout stop to clear the tip of any sample. Make
sure there are no micro-droplets in the tip before aspirating the first sample.
If micro-droplets remain in the tip, replace the tip and pre-rinse again.
Pipette Calibration
Hamilton SoftGrip pipettes can be gravimetrically calibrated by the user.
Each pipette comes with its own calibration key so that the pipette can be
adjusted to accommodate specific fluid viscosities and environmental factors
such as temperature, humidity, altitude, etc.
Use a 5- or 6-place balance depending on the volume being measured.
A 5-place balance should be accurate to within ±0.01 mg and a 6-place
balance should be accurate to within a ±0.001 mg. All items used to
perform the calibration must be allowed to equilibrate to room temperature
(20-25 ºC, constant to ±0.5 ºC).
Each time you recalibrate the pipette, initial and date a new calibration label
and replace the current label. Also, in accordance with your organization’s
instrument operation practices and standards, we recommend following
good laboratory practices by calibrating your pipette on a regular basis, i.e.,
three month intervals, using the following procedure, or a known standard
method, such as DIN 12650. Depending on the frequency of use and the
liquids measured, other time intervals may be more appropriate.
Calibration Label and Key
Da
t
e:
By
:
Calibration Key
showing
vertical lines
D
at
e
:
B
y:
Da
t
e
:
By
:
D
a
t
e
:
By
:
Calibration
Label
Calibration
Reference
Mark
Plunger Cap
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Performance Specifications
1708-30 0.2-2 µL Aqua 8.00 4.00 1.20 0.60
1708-32 1-10 µL Purple 2.50 1.20 0.80 0.40
1708-34 2.5-25 µL Forest Green 4.50 1.50 0.80 0.20
1708-36 10-100 µL Violet 1.80 0.70 0.60 0.15
1708-38 30-300 µL Brick Red 1.20 0.40 0.40 0.15
1708-40 0.100-1 mL Sky Blue 1.60 0.50 0.30 0.12
At 10% of
Pipette Volume
At 100% of
Pipette Volume
Accuracy Precision Accuracy Precision
Volume Color within within within within
Part No. Range Coding ± % + % ± % + %
Adjustable Volume Pipettes
1708-03 5 µL Steel Blue 1.40 0.75
1708-05 10 µL Purple 0.80 0.40
1708-07 25 µL Forest Green 0.80 0.30
1708-09 50 µL Sandstone 0.60 0.30
1708-11 100 µL Violet 0.50 0.20
1708-13 200 µL Mustard 0.40 0.18
1708-15 250 µL Burnt Orange 0.40 0.18
1708-17 300 µL Brick Red 0.40 0.18
1708-19 500 µL Olive Green 0.40 0.18
1708-21 1 mL Sky Blue 0.30 0.12
At 100% of
Pipette Volume
Accuracy Precision
Volume Color within within
Part No. Range Coding ± % + %
Fixed Volume Pipettes
To Calibrate
1. Attach a disposable tip and pre-rinse the tip.
2. Set the desired or the lowest volume at which the pipette will be used.
3. Make 10 measurements of distilled water per tip, recording the weights.
Adjust for environmental factors, e.g., temperature, humidity, and altitude.
4. Calculate the mean and standard deviation.
5. If necessary, adjust the volume. However, adjust the volume only after
confirming the error is not due to other causes. Refer to the sections on
Optimizing Performance and Troubleshooting.
a. Remove the calibration label and locate the calibration reference mark.
b. Remove the plunger cap by pulling the plunger button off the pipette.
c. Inset the calibration key, turning the calibration key clockwise to increase
volume and counter-clockwise to decrease volume. Each vertical line on
the calibration key is approximately 0.2% of the pipette volume.
d. Remove the calibration key and replace the plunger cap. Repeat the
gravimetric procedure until results are satisfactory.
6. Initial and date a new calibration label, placing the label on the pipette hilt.
The pipette can be recalibrated for liquids with a density other than water.
Follow the calibration procedure above with the pipette set at the required
volume. Use the liquid to be sampled. With this type of calibration adjustment,
the pipette is calibrated only for the liquid used and the volume tested. The
pipette should be labeled as such, and should not be used for other sampling
applications unless it is recalibrated.
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Cleaning
Wipe the outer surface of the pipette daily with a mild soap and water. In
case of accidental contamination of the pipette shaft, immediately remove
the ejector sleeve and lower body assembly (refer to Pipette Parts Diagrams).
Rinse the ejector sleeve and lower body assembly with a mild soap and
water followed by distilled water. Dry all components completely. Lightly
lubricate the piston (Lubricant, Part No. 5763-01). Hold the plunger button
down to engage the piston into the seal. After reattaching the lower body
assembly, attach the injector sleeve over the lower body C-ring.
Topic Action
Consistent Technique Pipette with a consistent rhythm, pressure, and speed
Tip Selection Use Hamilton pipette tips for guaranteed accuracy.
For information, visit www.hamiltoncompany.com
Tip Size and Fit Use proper size tip, firmly placed on pipette shaft
Pre-Rinse Tips Pre-rinse pipette tips for improved precision
Sample Aspiration Keep the disposable tip immersed in fluid during aspira-
tion. Do not let the plunger snap back to starting position.
Immersion Depth Maintain an immersion depth of 2 to 4 mm
Immersion Angle
Maintain an angle of <20º from vertical
Viscous Samples Aspirate slowly. If bubbles are observed, resample. Volume
errors may still occur. Refer to the Calibration section.
Acid Samples Pipetting strong acids and corrosive solutions is not
recommended. These liquids may damage the piston and
seal. To protect the pipette, use filter barrier pipette tips
and inspect piston frequently. For more information, visit
www.hamiltoncompany.com
High Vapor Pressure
Samples
Pipetting solutions with high vapor pressure is not recommended. These liquids may damage the piston and seal.
Sample Temperature Fluids at a temperature other than that for which the
pipette and pipette tips have been calibrated may result in
volume measurement errors.
Storage Store upright in stand. Do not lay the pipette on its side
with fluid in the tip. Fluid reaching the piston causes
contamination and possible corrosion.
Cleaning Piston Wipe piston with alcohol and a soft, lint-free cloth. Dry and
lightly lubricate the piston (Lubricant, Part No. 5763-01).
Seal Replacement Replace the TEFLON® PTFE seals every 3-6 months
depending on use and the samples aspirated
Performance Checks Check the accuracy and precision of your pipette every
3-6 months depending on use and the samples aspirated
Optimizing Performance
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Problem Possible Cause Recommended Remedy
Inaccurate Results Pipette tip not attached
correctly
Check for tip fit and check for
proper tip size, replacing tip
as needed
Aspiration stoke too rapid
(viscous fluids)
Aspirate slowly by controlling
rate of plunger release
Calibration required Calibrate the pipette
Seal leak (dripping fluid) Replace the seal
Imprecise Results Inconsistent sampling
method
See section on Optimizing
Performance
Seal leak Replace the seal
Troubleshooting
Autoclaving
The entire pipette is autoclavable at 121 ºC for 15 minutes at 15 psi
(103.5 kPa or 1.02 atm) pressure without the need for any disassembly.
However, make sure to loosen the lower body assembly by:
1. Sliding the ejector sleeve off the pipette to access the lower body assembly
(refer to Pipette Parts Diagrams).
2. Loosen the lower body assembly near the adjustment ring. Do not
completely remove the assembly (refer to Pipette Parts Diagrams).
3. Slide the ejector sleeve back over the assembly but do not reconnect it. It
should be loose enough that it slides off if the pipette is turned tip-side
down.
Once autoclaved, retighten the lower body assembly. Although autoclaving
should not affect pipette accuracy, practice good laboratory procedures by
checking your pipette and recalibrate as needed.
Replacement Parts
Hamilton pipettes have been designed so simple repairs and part replacements can be performed by the user. The Replacement Parts Table lists all
pipette replacement parts identified by Hamilton part numbers. There are
three different assembly configurations for SoftGrip pipettes. Refer to the
Pipette Parts Diagrams for the pipette that needs repair.
To replace parts, slide the ejector sleeve off the lower body assembly of the
pipette. Unscrew the lower body assembly. All parts that are replaceable will
now slide off the pipette shaft. Once the part is replaced, reassemble the
pipette in the exact order as indicated in the diagram. Make sure that the
seal flange is oriented towards the plunger with the O-ring below the flange
towards the tip. Lightly lubricate the piston (Lubricant, Part No. 5763-01)
using a soft, lint-free cloth. Hold the plunger button down to engage the
piston into the seal. After reattaching the lower body assembly, attach the
injector sleeve over the lower body C-ring. When replacing seals in the 2 μL,
you need only to remove the tip section of the lower body assembly.
To assure that your instrument meets the original Hamilton Company
standards and specifications, we strongly suggest that you follow Good
Laboratory Practices by recalibrating your pipette after replacing any parts.
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Pipette Parts Diagrams
*Includes 5 TEFLON® seals with O-rings, and 1 tube of lubricant.
2 µL Pipette
5 µL - 300 µL Pipettes
500 µL and 1 mL Pipettes
2. Retainer Assembly
(contains 1 retainer
and 1 C-Ring)
8. Seal
Kit*
10. Ejector Sleeve 9. Lower Body Assembly
Piston
(not user-replaceable)
Piston
(not user-replaceable)
11. Spring Spacer
Piston
(not user-replaceable)
1. Plunger
Cap
1. Plunger
Cap
1. Plunger
Cap
5. Seal
Spring
6. Seal
Spacer
3. Eject
Spring
4. Adapter
C-Ring 8. Seal Kit* 7. Seal Tube
(5 and 10 µL only)
6. Seal Spacer 5. Seal Spring
C-Ring
10. Ejector Sleeve
10. Ejector Sleeve
9. Lower Body Assembly
8. Seal Kit* 6. Seal Spacer 5. Seal Spring
12. 2 µL Tip 9. Lower Body Assembly
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Replacement Parts Table
Pipette Recertification and Repairs
Recertification
Hamilton Company offers a program to recertify the accuracy and precision
of your Hamilton pipette. Testing is performed at a Hamilton facility under
stringent conditions on state-of-the-art equipment. The calibration process is
performed with an unbroken chain of calibrations traceable to N.I.S.T. Your
pipette will be returned to you with a new Certificate of Performance. If a
pipette must be repaired to bring it into conformance, you will be contacted
with a cost estimate.
Repairs
Hamilton Company offers a pipette repair program in addition to its general,
12-month warranty. You may return your Hamilton pipette for evaluation. A
series of basic tests will be performed to evaluate the pipette’s performance.
If repairs are required to assure and confirm that your pipette is functioning
to original Hamilton specifications, you will be contacted with a cost estimate
and the additional repairs and recalibration will be performed upon your
approval. Your pipette will be returned to you with a new Certificate of
Performance.
For pipette recertification and repairs in the U.S.A., call 1-888-525-2123.
For authorized service outside of the U.S.A., contact your local Hamilton
Company office or representative using the contact information on the
back cover.
# 2 5 10 25 50 100 200 250 300 500 1 mL
1. 4111-01 4111-02 4111-03 4111-04 4111-05 4111-06 4111-07 4111-08 4111-09 4111-10 4111-11
2. n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 4112-01 4112-01
3. n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 4113-01 4113-01
4. n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 4114-01 4114-01
5. 4115-03 4115-01 4115-01 4115-01 4115-01 4115-01 4115-01 4115-01 4115-01 4115-02 4115-02
6. 4116-09 4116-01 4116-01 4116-02 4116-03 4116-04 4116-05 4116-06 4116-06 4116-07 4116-08
7. n/a 4117-01 4117-01 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
8. 1708-79 1708-70 1708-70 1708-71 1708-72 1708-73 1708-74 1708-75 1708-76 1708-77 1708-78
9. 4118-01 4118-02 4118-02 4118-03 4118-04 4118-04 4118-05 4118-05 4118-05 4118-06 4118-06
10. 4119-01 4119-01 4119-01 4119-02 4119-02 4119-02 4119-02 4119-02 4119-02 4119-03 4119-03
11. n/a 4120-01 4120-01 4120-01 4120-01 4120-01 4120-01 4120-01 4120-01 n/a n/a
12. 4202-01 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Item
Pipette Volume (µL)
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Return of Goods
Hamilton return and repair policy is written to protect our employees from
potentially hazardous materials (e.g., infectious agents, radioactive materials,
and carcinogenic chemicals) or any substance that may cause them partial or
permanent disability during the inspection or repair process. When returning
products, please ensure the items are decontaminated and marked
accordingly. Furthermore, the customer assumes responsibility should the
returned product be determined to be hazardous. All returns must be
accompanied by a pre-approved Returned Goods Authorization Number
(RGA#). Any return not received without a RGA# may be disposed. Contact
Hamilton Customer Service at 1-888-525-2123 for an RGA#.
Hamilton Precision Pipette Tips
Hamilton delivers performance, value, and choice with two high quality tip
families, plus multiple formats and packaging options. The tip families are
low retention/low binding tips for maximum sample recovery and standard
tips for routine, high-throughput work. Formats include standard, non-filter,
extended length, hydrophobic filter barrier, non-sterile, pre-sterilized, and
macrovolume. Packaging options include bulk bags, hinged and lift-off racks,
and stackable racks. Hamilton tips are made from chemically resistant, virgin
polypropylene for excellent clarity and smooth surfaces. All Hamilton Pipette
tips are certified to be free of RNase, DNase, and pyrogens. Hamilton pipette
tips are universal-fit. For more information, visit www.hamiltoncompany.com
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