Anton Paar automates Abbemat refractometer workflows

Anton Paar has expanded the automation capabilities of its Abbemat refractometers with the Xsample 5100 and Xsample 5200 sample changers. Designed for quality control laboratories across the food, beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, the combined solution increases sample throughput while reducing manual handling and improving the consistency of routine refractive index measurements.

As laboratories face increasing sample workloads and higher demands for efficiency and traceability, automation is becoming an essential part of modern quality control. The combination of Abbemat refractometers and Xsample sample changers automates sample introduction, measurement, cleaning, and data transfer within a single workflow. Depending on the configuration, up to 57 samples can be processed automatically in one sequence, enabling unattended operation and allowing laboratory staff to focus on more demanding analytical tasks.

"Quality control laboratories are under constant pressure to process more samples while maintaining consistent measurement quality," says Dr Frank Gottsleben, Product Manager for the Abbemat series at Anton Paar. "By combining Abbemat refractometers with Xsample sample changers, we provide a scalable automation solution that reduces manual handling, increases throughput, and delivers reliable, traceable refractive index measurements as laboratory requirements continue to grow."

The automated workflow improves repeatability, reduces the risk of sample mix-ups and cross-contamination, and supports reliable documentation of measurement results. Automated cleaning between samples further contributes to consistent measurement conditions, making the solution particularly suitable for high-throughput routine analysis.

The automation solution integrates seamlessly into existing laboratory workflows while maintaining the measurement accuracy expected of Abbemat refractometers. Measurement data can also be managed through AP Connect, Anton Paar’s lab execution software, enabling centralised data handling, streamlined workflows, and secure transfer of results to a LIMS or other laboratory systems.

Laboratories requiring multiparameter analysis can combine Abbemat with Anton Paar’s DMA density meters using the same Xsample sample changers. Measuring refractive index and density from a single sample in one automated sequence reduces sample handling, shortens analysis time, and delivers consistent, traceable results without additional manual steps.

With its scalable automation concept, Anton Paar enables laboratories to start with a standalone refractometer and expand their workflow as analytical requirements grow. Whether automating refractive index measurements or integrating additional parameters such as density, laboratories benefit from higher productivity, standardised workflows, and reliable results while making the best use of available laboratory resources.

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