The Thermal Test Film has a thermosensitive colour-forming layer plus a protective layer, both attached to the base material.

Depending on the temperature applied to the film, a colour is produced in varying density and hue – giving a perfect image of heat distribution across the heating block of your heat sealer.

The colour varies according to dwell time and temperature. The shorter the duration, the paler and more blueish the colour. The longer the duration, the more saturated and reddish the colour. Please refer to the colour chart below.

_{Note: This colour chart is just an example based on the results of the tests performed in our laboratories. Before using the Thermal Test Film, please create a similar chart that is based on your actual measurement conditions}

– Thermal Test Film.pdf

*These items are included with the 4s3™ heat sealer (Code 4ti-0655)

Real Time Display

The rapid heating element allows for a quick start up within minutes. The temperature is displayed in real time so that the heating up process can be monitored.

Energy Saving Functions

When the unit is left idle it automatically switches to standby mode, during which the temperature of the heating element is reduced to 60 °C to save energy. When the sealer is left idle for longer periods it switches off automatically for added safety. The times at which the unit switches into standby and switch off modes can be adjusted to suit the user’s needs.

Adapters and Sealing Aids

The 4s3™ employs a unique and cost saving adapter system. Deep well plates and most other skirted plates can be sealed on the standard plate carrier (4ti-0615, supplied with the unit). For all 96 well PCR plates an additional plate carrier (4ti-0625, optional extra) must be used. Both plate carriers can also be combined for easier handling of shallow well plates such as 384 well PCR plates.

For better sealing of those films which have a tendency to curl, 4titude® offer sealing aids. A weighted platen (4ti-0602) for use with deep well blocks can be ordered separately and a sealing frame for use with all other plate designs is supplied when ordering the optional 4ti-0625 adapter.

The sealer allows for sealing of Random Access Plates with the corresponding Random Access Heat Seals using the Random Access adapter (4ti-0613).

RS-232 Port for Automation Integration

The 4s3™ has an RS-232 port to enable it to be integrated into most automated systems.

Plate Formats

The following plate formats can be used with an appropriate holder:

SBS standard polypropylene and polystyrene plates and deep well blocks
PCR plates including skirted, semi-skirted and non-skirted formats
Random Access PCR Plates

4titude® a4S Automatic Roll Heat Sealer Introduction Video

4s3™ – How to Seal Tube Strips and Plate Segments

4s3™ – How to Seal a Deep Well Plate

4s3™ – How to Seal Standard 96 Well Non-Skirted PCR & qPCR Plates

4s3™ – How to Seal FrameStar® 96 Well Semi-Skirted PCR Plates

4titude® a4S Automatic Roll Heat Sealer Documents

– a4S Product Flyer.pdf

– Heat Sealing Consumables Comparison & Instrument Compatibility Table.pdf

4s3™ Operation in 6 Easy Steps!

1) Set Temperature

2) Set Time

3) Load Plate & Seal

4) Press Operate

5) The Plate is Automatically Sealed

6) Remove Sealed Plate

*These items are included with the a4S heat sealer (Code 4ti-0665)

Simple Installation

– No need for compressed air – Installation is fast and flexible

– 2 positions for different roll sizes – Increased flexibility

– Optional roll cover – Seal protection for sensitive applications

Easy Handling

– Colour touch screen with intuitive user interface – Ease of use

– Unlimited password protected protocols – 3 security levels save personalised 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 the widest 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 – Highest flexibility

– 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 prolongs component life

– 2 year warranty on parts and labour

– Extended warranty and service contracts available – For peace of mind

Plug and Play Robotic Integration

All 4titude® instruments are compliant with SiLA standards for rapid integration of automated systems (www.sila-standard.org). 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. The a4S heat sealer is extremely versatile leaving you the freedom to expand and configure your systems such as adding robotic plate handling.

– Full communication protocol available – Operate the instrument and record sealing conditions for each seal using the RS232 communication port

– SiLA compatible – Quick and easy integration with other SiLA compliant devices using the SiLA driver (available at extra cost, please see ordering information).

4titude® a4S Automatic Roll Heat Sealer Introduction Video

4titude® a4S Automatic Roll Heat Sealer Documents

– a4S Product Flyer.pdf

– a4S Sealing Reference Sheet.pdf

– a4S Technical Drawing.pdf

– a4S Operation Manual.pdf

– a4S Quick User Guide (English).pdf

– Heat Sealing Consumables Comparison & Instrument Compatibility Table.pdf

Heat sealing is the gold standard method for plate sealing. Not only does it minimise sample loss but also maximises sample security for PCR, qPCR, storage, and other applications.

qPCR – Reduce evaporation and save money

The optimised 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.

– Clear Heat Seal (4ti-0540) and Clear Weld Heat Seal Mark 2 (4ti-0573) are widely used for qPCR

– Clear Weld Heat Seal Mark 2 is particularly designed for Hydrocyclers

Sample Storage – Strongest resistance against organic solvents

Essential requirements for long-term storage include maintaining sample integrity and minimising the risks of sample degradation.

– e.g. Foil Heat Seal (4ti-0535), Pierce Heat Seal (4ti-0530), and DMSO Resistant Peel Heat Seal (4ti-0585) – These seals when applied using the a4S heat sealer demonstrate the highest performance in compound storage, drug screening and subsequent sample retrieval.

– DMSO Resistant Peel Heat Seal – 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.