VistaLab Technologies

Register Your Pipette Login
0
  • Products
    • ali-Q
    • Ovation
    • MLA
    • Wobble Not
    • Reservoirs
    • Tips
    • Customized Products
  • Calibration & Repair
  • Support
    • Support Materials
    • Accessories
    • Maintenance Parts
    • Compliance Certificate
    • Calibration Certificate Lookup
  • Ergonomics
  • Promos & Specials
  • About
    • CELLTREAT & VistaLab Catalog
    • Company Profile
    • History
    • Quality Management
    • News
    • Blog
    • Contact

Ergonomics + Durability = Ovation ‘M’

April 20, 2021 by Jason Gilpatrick

As one of the most frequently used tools in the lab, pipettes are often exposed to a wide range of corrosive chemicals, as well as normal wear and tear from repeated use. The materials used in the construction of the Ovation M (Mechanical) pipette were specifically chosen to withstand the harshest lab conditions and to minimize the lifetime maintenance costs.

Pipette Materials

  • Main Body, Counter wheels, Plunger Button = Special Grade Nylon 6/12 with reinforcing, lubricated additive.
  • Hook and Top Cover = High impact, drop resistant Polyphenylsulphone
  • Volume Display Window = High clarity, steam resistant Polysulfone
  • Nozzle and Ejector Sleeve = Robust, chemically resistant Kynar
  • Nozzle Filter = Porous Polyethylene with protective self-sealing additive

Lifetime Durability of Ovation M Pipette_Page_1

 

Don’t have time to read the post? Download the pdf version.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Life-Time Durability

Figure 1. Life Testing Apparatus

Method: A custom electro-pneumatic testing apparatus (Figure 1) was developed to simulate heavy pipette use; including mounting and ejecting of tips, aspirating and dispensing liquid, changing volumes, and adjusting the hook. Calibration scales as well as force and torque gauges were used to periodically measure the performance of an Ovation M 1000 mL pipette throughout the testing. Results: After ~1000 hours of extreme testing, including 1 x 106 tips, 1.5 x 106 aspirate and dispense cycles, 23 x 103 volume adjustments, and 6 x 103 hook adjustments, to simulate 5 years of extremely heavy use, the pipette continued to aspirate and dispense as accurately as the unused unit (Figure 2). Plunger and volume adjustment forces remained stable throughout and the hook did not become loose. Most importantly no leaks ever developed.

Figure 2. Accuracy drift over lifetime of 1000 mL Ovation M without recalibration

 

Structural Integrity

The Ovation M was designed to be fully autoclavable for convenient sterilization in the lab. Typically, repeated exposure to high temperature and pressure environments of a standard steam autoclave can structurally weaken most pipettes and alter their performance. Method: To determine the effects of autoclaving on the Ovation M, units were autoclaved 16 times for 20 minutes using steam sterilization at 121 oC/1 atm, followed by a 20 minute drying period at 121 oC, followed by a 30-60 minute cooling period outside of the autoclave. Calibration and functionality was tested after every 4th autoclave cycle at the low and high volumes.

Results

After verifying the post-autoclave calibration, structural integrity of the pipette was tested by repeatedly dropping from 48” (122 cm) onto a concrete floor. Each of the 24 drops was performed with a different pipette orientation at impact in order to try to capture as many outcomes as possible (Figure 3). After every drop, the unit was tested for leaks and full functionality.

Figure 3. Drop testing chart of 24 different pipette orientations

Conclusion

The results of the extensive durability testing performed on the Ovation M pipette proves that it can withstand extreme repeated use and handling with minimal effects on the performance, functionality and structure of the pipette. The Ovation M is not just the most ergonomic pipette on the market, but also one of the most resilient. Ovation M can be frequently used and autoclaved for 5+ years without any major part replacement or repairs necessary, making it one of the most affordable pipettes in terms of Lifetime Cost of Ownership. The Ovation M will not only be the most comfortable, easy to use, and unique pipettes you will ever own, but also the most durable and affordable pipettes in your lab!

For the extensive amount of time you have to pipette, Ovation M will also decrease your pain and risk of RSI with unique ergonomic features. Which type of pipette user are you?

 

 

 

Email Share Tweet LinkedIn

Categories

  • ali-Q
  • Ergonomics
  • MLA
  • News & Events
  • Ovation
  • Product News
  • Tech Notes & Training
  • Wobble-not

Join Our Mailing List

  • Keep updated on our latest product innovations, specials and promotions.

  • Sign me up to stay connected with VistaLab emails. View Privacy Policy.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get the most out of your budget.

Save now


Vistapoint Program

When you purchase genuine VistaLab Tips for your MLA and Ovation pipettes, you are making a commitment to quality performance.

Earn Free Calibration & Repair Services

Get Your Tips
Previous
Back to Main
Next
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Service
  • Register Your Pipette
  • Support
  • Catalog
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Ovation Video
  • Privacy Policy
  • My Account


Made in the USA
Find a Distributor

Distributor Resources
60 Jon Barrett Rd
Patterson NY, 12563
+1-888-652-6520
F. +1-845-279-4620

Copyright © 2025, vistalab technologies, inc. all rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

×