About defining labware with the Labware Editor

Labware defined

Labware is a physical object such as a microplate, lid, or tip box that will be acted upon by the tasks stored in your protocol.

The VWorks software requires all labware that will be handled by the automation system to be defined in the labware database.

Labware entry defined

A labware entry is the collection of properties or parameter values that describe a specific type of labware. This information is used by the VWorks software to command the robot and other devices to do tasks based on the information in the definition.

All labware parameters are entered and accessible through the Labware Editor.

Labware Editor defined

The Labware Editor is the VWorks software interface through which you can enter information about labware.

You must be logged in as an administrator or technician to use the Labware Editor.

Types of information stored

Two main types of information are stored in the labware database:

•	Information about the labware properties

•	Information about labware classes

About labware properties or parameters

Labware has physical properties such as width, length, and number of wells. Labware can also have non-physical properties, such as robot-handling speed, robot grip offsets, and microplate-handling options.

After labware is defined in the Labware Editor, all you have to do is select the type of labware to use each time you set up a protocol.

About labware classes

Labware classes are sets of labware entries, grouped so they are easier to manage than many individual labware entries.

Labware classes are used in combination with the device manager to restrict which types of labware can be used on which devices during a protocol run. This prevents wasted runs and damage to the devices on the platform.

An example of how damage can be prevented by labware restriction is where a tip box that is too tall for a device crashes into the device as the robot delivers it.

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
Workflow for adding labware to the Labware Editor	Workflow for defining labware
Overview of the Labware Editor	Labware Editor overview
Opening the Labware Editor	Opening the Labware Editor