Hello!
Does anyone have feedback/experience with Gilson Pipetmax 268? I’m looking for an afforadble workhorse to automate some basic procedures currently performaed manually. I’m talking plates reformatting/normalization (tracking nightmare), reagent distribution across the plate, ideally SPRI. Pipetmax looks decent on paper and from what I could find should be able to handle all these tasks. However, I can’t help but wondering why I don’t see more of them around? Even on this forum, the only search result on this forum is from @DanielYip and there does not seem to be any development since the instrument was launched years ago.
PS a trivia question on top of the above - what does 268 in the name means?!
It’s interesting that you should mention a lack of development. This week the new Gilson 278 platform has just been released - https://youtu.be/tCKZ4dDnfP4?si=YakB_Y6rvB1zVU5y - alongside 3 application-based packages for both the existing 268 model and the new 278 model.
And I guess that brings me to your trivia question - 2 (defines the product as a liquid handler) | 6 (relates to the liquid handler’s size/capacity) | 8 (describes the max number of channels). So the Pipetmax 268 is an 8-ch liquid handler and the Pipetmax 278 is a larger (higher capacity) 8-ch liquid handler.
As for why you can’t find any Pipetmax 268 comment on this forum? I think it is maybe because this forum focusses on more difficult solutions, where help in programming, integrations etc are necessary. Whereas the Pipetmax 268 is more of a simple/easy to use solution.
Thank you @MattSmith_Gilson , it’s good to see the new model being launched! Any plans for Pipetmax 2996 ? And what are the 3-application based packages that you mentioned?
You might want to take a look at the INTEGRA ASSIST PLUS as a potential alternative. One of its key strengths is adjustable tip spacing, which makes it very flexible for reformatting tasks like tube‑to‑plate transfers or 96‑ to 384‑well plate transfers.
It also supports normalization workflows using a single‑channel module with worklists. It can handle common magnetic bead cleanup protocols as well.
Based on my understanding, it’s typically positioned at a lower price point than the Pipetmax 268.
? And what are the 3-application based packages that you mentioned?
It ultimately comes down to demand, but we do have the 96-channel technology already, as used in the new Pipetman M96 -