How do I pack up my Prep?

In the event that your Microlab Prep needs to be returned for repair, it must be sent to Hamilton in its original packaging. If the original packaging is damaged or lost, you can order new materials from Hamilton. Once you have the packaging, follow the steps in this article to pack up your Prep for repairs.

Requirements

• Original (or replacement) packaging
• Strapping kit (ordered from Hamilton, if using original packaging)

Procedure

1. Power off the Prep and disconnect it from power. You may want to back up the database and export copies of your protocols.
2. Clean and decontaminate the Prep according to your lab’s procedures. If you need help, there is a simple decontamination procedure available in the Prep User’s Manual for guidance.
3. Remove the deck, waste bin, and CO-RE tools such as the teaching needle and CO-RE Paddles. Store these in a safe location.
4. If your Prep has a device installed (such as a Hamilton Heater Shaker), remove it. Double-check that the power cable is disconnected before uninstalling any devices.
5. Move the pipetting arm to the center, then pull all pipetting tools to the front of the arm. Push gently on the front end of the arm to move it. Hold and move the channels from the top—avoid touching any electronics.

1. Attach the red channel spacers to the pipetting arm, starting from the back. The channel spacers are numbered on the inner side to show the order they are attached while packing up.
   If using new packaging, use the appropriate channel spacer based on your instrument: Standard channel spacers for 8 MPH plus 2 independent channels. Replace channel spacer 1 with spacer 1 replacement for 2 independent channels only. Replace channel spacers 2 and 3 with spacer 3 for 8 MPH only.
   
   8 MPH Only:
   
   2 Channel Only:
   
   
   8 MPH and 2 Channel:
   
   
   Repeat these steps for each channel spacer:
   1. Press the channel spacer into place between the rails on the pipetting arm. Make sure the channel spacer is pushed as far toward the back of the Prep as possible.
      
   2. Secure the channel spacer by strapping it to the arm. Make sure the white ribbon cables are secured beneath the Velcro strap.
      
   3. Move the rearmost pipetting tool toward the back of the Prep until it is pressed against the front edge of the channel spacer. Avoid touching any electronics.
      
   4. Repeat for all channel spacers. When finished, there should be a lock between the back of the arm and the 8 MPH/rear channel, a lock between each of the pipetting tools, and a lock between the front channel/8 MPH and the front of the arm.
      
2. Place the bottom half of the pipetting arm support foam (A) in the enclosure where the deck was. If replacement packaging was ordered, new foam packaging will come wrapped in a black bag.
   
3. Place the top half of the pipetting arm support foam (B) on top of the lower half. It should fit in place at the back left-corner of the lower half, against the left side of the enclosure.
   
4. Gently press the pipetting arm into its support foam (B). Push gently on the front end of the arm to move it. Make sure the arm is pressed as far into its support foam as possible.
5. Lock the pipetting arm in place use the two red arm clips. Pinch each clip to open the lock, place it over one of the two rails at the back of the Prep, and then secure it using the wingnut.
   
6. Place the thin foam strip (C) in the gap behind the pipetting arm rails.
   
   
7. Double-check the pipetting arm to make sure it is secure. It should be fixed in place between the support foam and the red clips.
   
8. Place the respective support foam pieces below the channels (E) and 8 MPH (D). Insert the foam at an angle with the red tag at the bottom, then straighten it so the foam presses up into the stop discs.
   
9. Place the L-shaped piece of support foam (F) in the fitted space in the lower arm support foam.
   
10. Place the last piece of internal support foam (G) below the pipetting arm and secure it using the attached Velcro strap.
    
    Note that there are some pieces of packing foam that are not required, including the dark gray foam from the waste bin.
    
11. Place the bottom half of the Prep box on its pallet. If replacement packaging was ordered, new foam packaging will come wrapped in a black bag.
    
12. Lower the Prep into the bottom half of its box. Orient the Prep so the back is lowered into the side of the foam base with the rounded corners.
    
    The handles are located on the lower edge of the left, right, and back sides of the Prep. Do not lift or move the Prep with less than two people.
    
13. Place the thin gray foam pieces between the door and the top of the enclosure on either side of the door. Leave about an inch of the foam hanging out from the door so it can be removed easily.
    
14. Roll the plastic bag in the box up and over the Prep. Do not worry about folding or securing the bag, as long as the Prep is covered.
15. Lift the door and place the slotted block of support foam under it. Lower the door until it sits snugly in the slot in the support foam.
    
16. Slide a piece of protective foam over the touchscreen.
17. Slide the U-shaped foam piece over the top panel of the Prep. The bottom of the “U” should face the front of the Prep.
    
18. Place the Prep’s power cord on top of the bag, then add the top structural foam piece.
    
19. Slide the top of the box over the Prep. Make sure the holes for the plastic handle clips in the top and bottom halves of the boxes are aligned.
20. Secure the top of the box using the four plastic handle clips. Insert the clip through both halves of the box, then fold the clip shut to lock it.
    
21. Strap the two halves of the box together using two of the box straps included in the strapping kit. Do not strap the box to the pallet yet.
    
22. Place edge protectors over the unstrapped edges of the box, then strap the box to the pallet over those edges using the two remaining box straps. Pass the straps through the pallet, not under it.
    
23. Attach a mailing label and address the box as directed. Returns are handled through support tickets, so make sure to address the Prep to the location specified in the ticket.