Rapid Prototyping with 3D Printing Solves an NMR Robotics Problem
Location
SU-215
Start Date
1-5-2026 9:40 AM
Department
Other
Abstract
Automated nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis depends on precise mechanical alignment between the robotic sample handler and the NMR spectrometer’s sample tube insertion port. In our system, a robot retrieves NMR tubes from a tray and moves the tube to the probe. However, small deviations in the tube's vertical plumb causes misalignment when transporting the sample from one location to another, leading to broken samples, interrupted runs, and lost time. This project involved the cooperation of LAIX Technologies (Robotics company) of Germany and Fine Instrument Technology (NMR company) of São Carlos, Brazil. The system will be installed at a major research center in the USA. Alegre Science contacted us to help resolve the problem as a student project. To solve this issue, we performed detailed dimensional measurements of the NMR sample port and the robot’s approach. Using these measurements, we designed a custom 3D‑printed adapter that attaches to the top of the NMR sample port. The adapter acts as a funnel, guiding each NMR tube smoothly into the bore even when the robot’s alignment is slightly off. This passive mechanical correction eliminates the need for reprogramming the robot or modifying the spectrometer. The final adapter significantly improved insertion reliability, reduced calibration errors, and restored consistent automated operation. This project demonstrates how rapid prototyping and precise measurement can be used to enhance the performance of automated NMR workflows with minimal intervention.
Faculty Sponsor
Charles Abrams
Faculty Sponsor
Donald Bouchard
Rapid Prototyping with 3D Printing Solves an NMR Robotics Problem
SU-215
Automated nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis depends on precise mechanical alignment between the robotic sample handler and the NMR spectrometer’s sample tube insertion port. In our system, a robot retrieves NMR tubes from a tray and moves the tube to the probe. However, small deviations in the tube's vertical plumb causes misalignment when transporting the sample from one location to another, leading to broken samples, interrupted runs, and lost time. This project involved the cooperation of LAIX Technologies (Robotics company) of Germany and Fine Instrument Technology (NMR company) of São Carlos, Brazil. The system will be installed at a major research center in the USA. Alegre Science contacted us to help resolve the problem as a student project. To solve this issue, we performed detailed dimensional measurements of the NMR sample port and the robot’s approach. Using these measurements, we designed a custom 3D‑printed adapter that attaches to the top of the NMR sample port. The adapter acts as a funnel, guiding each NMR tube smoothly into the bore even when the robot’s alignment is slightly off. This passive mechanical correction eliminates the need for reprogramming the robot or modifying the spectrometer. The final adapter significantly improved insertion reliability, reduced calibration errors, and restored consistent automated operation. This project demonstrates how rapid prototyping and precise measurement can be used to enhance the performance of automated NMR workflows with minimal intervention.