Fluidigm
Fluidigm :: CyTOF XT
The CyTOF XT represents Fluidigm Canada’s next-generation benchtop mass cytometer, developed in collaboration with Anvil Studios, again, to advance the industrial design of its flagship analysis platform. Building on the foundation of the CyTOF2, the XT is designed as an evolution in both function and form, integrating a consistent design language with the Hyperion imaging system, its companion product. The housing redesign emphasizes a clean and modern aesthetic using primarily sheet metal fabrication and urethane castings, optimized for durability, manufacturability, and serviceability. Attention was paid to hiding fasteners, managing parting lines, and ensuring the enclosure supports the instrument's modularity and expandability.
Designed for ease of use and daily interaction by lab scientists, the CyTOF XT accommodates both the Auto Sampler with its visible carousel interface and a Hyperion imaging module, though only one can be active at a time. The front right of the unit features a concealed shelf for the Auto Sampler and an open bottle-storage cubby, balancing accessibility and visual clarity. Key user-facing areas include translucent or transparent panels for real-time visibility into system status—particularly around the Auto Sampler and plasma portal—enabling users to assess conditions without disrupting the workflow. Careful attention was also given to maintaining consistent venting patterns, the discreet integration of LED indicators, and a wheeled base to facilitate portability.
Anvil Studios addressed the need for nuanced service access by dividing the enclosure into four distinct quadrants, each with tailored visibility and accessibility according to frequency of use and user expertise. Quadrant 1, housing the Auto Sampler, features a translucent cover for frequent visual checks; Quadrant 2 may receive a transparent panel to prevent inadvertent disconnections. The less-accessed Quadrants 3 and 4 are fully opaque and designed for technician-level servicing. The result is a modular, user-centric instrument that discreetly conceals its complexity while enhancing usability, serviceability, and alignment with Fluidigm’s broader product ecosystem.
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