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8-Channel Handheld Capper / Decapper User Guide

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8-Channel Handheld Capper / Decapper User Guide

1. Introduction

Welcome to the user guide for the 8-Channel Handheld Capper/Decapper, a versatile and innovative tool designed to streamline laboratory workflows. Engineered to handle the simultaneous capping and decapping of multiple tubes, this device enhances efficiency, ensures consistent performance, and reduces operator fatigue. With its lightweight, ergonomic design, the 8-Channel Handheld Capper/Decapper is tailored for seamless integration into both manual and automated systems, making it an indispensable asset for laboratories of all sizes.

The 8-Channel Handheld Capper/Decapper is designed for use with the following tubes:

  • 0.75 mL 3CR Bio sample tubes
  • 0.9 mL 3CR Bio sample tubes
  • 1.0 mL 3CR Bio sample tubes

2. Safety warnings and precautions

There are no known hazards associated with the 3CR Bio 8-Channel Handheld Capper/Decapper when it is operated in accordance with the instructions in this manual.

The equipment should only be used in the manner specified. Other uses may cause damage to the equipment.


Operating Conditions:

  • Temperature: 5-35℃
  • Relative Humidity: 10-95%

The following items are included:

  • 3CR Bio 8-Channel Handheld Capper/Decapper
  • Charger base/stand
  • Operation manual
  • Power adapters
  • Empty tube rack

Components of the 8-Channel Handheld Capper / Decapper

3. Basic Operation

Power Requirements

Power supply input: 100 V-240V AC, 50/60 Hz. Power supply output: 10.0V DC, 1.0 A, constant voltage

Capping / Decapping Technique

Hold the Handheld Capper/Decapper in one hand so that your thumb can press the Cap Release, Capper,
and Decapper buttons.

Decapping

  1. Place the Handheld Capper/Decapper over a row of tubes to be decapped, ensuring the ejector plate is parallel with the top of the tube caps.
  2. While lightly pushing down on the tube caps, press the button on the handle to ensure all caps are seated properly into the cap drivers on the device head.
  3. Once all caps are seated, press the button again until the tubes are decapped.
Handle Button

Ejecting Caps

  1. After decapping, align the Handheld Capper/Decapper with an empty row on the spare tube rack provided.
  2. Insert the caps into cavities in the empty tube rack.
  3. Push the ejection trigger rod

Capping / Recapping

  1. Apply the caps from the tube rack onto the cap drivers on the Handheld Capper/Decapper head.
  2. Align the Handheld Capper/Decapper with the row of tubes to be recapped, ensuring the ejector plate is parallel with the tubes. Place the Handheld Capper/Decapper on the tubes.
  3. Press the button to recap. Do not push caps on manually. Let the caps screw onto the tubes.
  4. Once the caps are securely on the tubes, press the cap release button to remove the caps from the cap drivers.
Handle Button

Charging

  1. Place the Handheld Capper/Decapper into the charger base/stand.
  2. The device will automatically charge when in the charger base/stand if plugged into a wall socket.
  3. A full charge takes approximately 2-3 hours

LED Indicator Lights:

  • Solid Green: In operation or charge complete
  • Blinking Red & Green: Charging

Note: For long-term use, avoid leaving the device connected to the charger for extended periods, as this may shorten the battery life.

4. Maintenance and Service

Decontamination

The entire 3CR Bio 8-Channel Handheld Capper/Decapper can be cleaned with most common laboratory disinfectants but must not be submerged in liquid. This instrument contains electrical components that cannot be autoclaved.

Steps to disinfect:

  1. Wet a cloth with the desired disinfectant.
  2. Wipe down the Handheld Capper/Decapper, ensuring no disinfectant drips into the inner cavity.

Suggested Disinfectants: Alcohol Wipes

Service / Maintenance

Service the 3CR Bio 8-Channel Handheld Capper/Decapper after 30,000 cycles or 1 year of continuous use, whichever occurs first.

Disposal

The disposal of the 3CR Bio 8-Channel Handheld Capper/Decapper is the customer’s responsibility and must be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.

5. Ordering Details

For ordering details, please visit www.3crbio.com

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6. Support

If you require any support with the use of the 8-channel Handheld Capper/Decapper or other 3CR Bioscience
products, please contact our Technical Support team on support@3crbio.com.

Contact Support

7. Warrenty

A 12-month warranty is included with the 3CR Bio 8-Channel Handheld-Capper. For further details, please contact 3CR Bioscience. Any unauthorised modifications to this instrument will void the warranty.

8. Licence Information

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

3CR Bioscience disclaims all warranties with respect to this documentation.

The purchase of this product conveys to the purchaser the limited, non-transferable right to use the purchased amount of the product only to perform internal research for the sole benefit of the purchaser. No right to resell this product or any of its components is conveyed expressly or by implication. This product is for internal research purposes only and is not for use in commercial applications of any kind, πincluding, without limitation, quality control and commercial services such as reporting the results of purchaser’s activities for a fee or other form of consideration.

©2024 3CR Bioscience Ltd. All rights reserved. Intended for molecular biology applications. This product is
not intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a disease.

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MEET OUR TEAM

Steve AsquithManaging Director
Steve began his career in the Genetics Division of GlaxoSmithKline, as part of the team establishing GSK’s high-throughput core genotyping laboratory. Steve joined KBioscience when it was first founded in 2002 and was a key driver in taking the company from a small start-up to a multi-national service laboratory, quickly growing the company’s revenue to over $7.5M p.a. Following the acquisition of Kbioscience by LGC in 2011, Steve was appointed Global Director of Operations for LGC Genomics, responsible for over 100 staff in Europe and N. America, successfully elevating the genotyping products and service business. Steve held a crucial leadership role until he left in 2016. In 2017 Steve joined forces with John Holme to create 3CR Bioscience, a new company with a mission to deliver outstanding, customer-focused genotyping products with innovation and affordability at its core.
Dr. John HolmeTechnical Director

John joined KBioscience shortly after it was founded, in 2003, and became Head of Technical Development, building the company’s genotyping and DNA extraction product portfolio and service delivery until 2011 when it was acquired by LGC. Post-acquisition, John was appointed Head of Technical Group for LGC Genomics, in charge of all Research & Development and Technical Support activities for the company. In this role John continued to build on the high-quality products and services provided to the companies growing customer base.

During the 19 years John has worked in commercial R&D, he has co-invented numerous highly successful products including PACE®, ProbeSure, KASP™, KlearKall, KlearGene, KlearAmp and KlearTaq™, creating breakthrough offerings in genotyping and extraction and generating huge revenues for the companies he has worked in. In 2017, he joined forces with Steve Asquith and started 3CR Bioscience. John is dedicated to developing outstanding, innovative genotyping products and providing the very best technical support to customers globally.

Dr. Nisha JainOperations Director

Nisha has been innovating since the start of her career at Geneform Technologies developing Iso-thermal Genotyping Technologies. Nisha joined KBioscience in 2008, as Senior R&D Scientist and key account Technical Support Scientist, developing KASP and Klearkall performance and coinventing two further versions of KASP.

Nisha has more than 15 years’ experience working in molecular biology and genotyping technologies, with extensive experience in the areas of R&D, Quality Assurance and Customer Technical Support. She has technically assisted many giants of the industry with their protocol development and troubleshooting and continues to deliver high-quality support and guidance. In 2018, Nisha joined 3CR Bioscience as Operations Director where she continues to develop PACE and ProbeSure for an increasing range of applications, and to grow 3CR Bioscience’s new product pipeline. Nisha is dedicated to developing outstanding, innovative genotyping products and providing the very best technical support to customers globally.

Nazma SaffinGeneral Manager

For 20 years Nazma Saffin has worked and gained extensive expertise within the genotyping sector. Working at Kbioscience and then LGC, she has held operational leadership posts responsible for manufacturing and laboratory services. With experience of ISO 9001 implementation, production scale up and LEAN operations, Nazma has successfully led highly profitable production departments. Joining 3CR Bioscience in 2022, Nazma is committed to delivering operational excellence.

Greig PollandAutomation and Support Manager

Greig is a hands-on automation specialist and team leader with a strong background in laboratory and industrial automation. He has spent over 25 years developing, installing, and supporting automated systems that transformed laboratory workflows. During this time, Greig worked closely with scientists and engineers to tailor automation solutions for genotyping and molecular biology, an experience that sparked his lasting passion for combining technology with practical science.

Since then, Greig has built on that foundation through leadership roles where he leads automation and support operations. He’s known for being approachable, commercially minded, and deeply committed to helping teams and customers get the best from their technology.

Whether managing a complex automation rollout or helping a customer troubleshoot in real time, Greig brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach that keeps people ,not just machines, at the centre of what he does.

Daniel LawsonMarketing Manager
Daniel is a strategically minded marketing and communications professional with over a decade of experience delivering integrated, multi-channel campaigns across healthcare, legal and not-for-profit sectors. He has a strong track record in building brand visibility, driving engagement and supporting revenue growth through audience-focused marketing.
Prior to joining 3CR Bioscience in 2025, Daniel held senior marketing roles where he led strategic communications, managed brand development and delivered high-impact digital and content campaigns. His experience spans SEO, CRM, PR, events and stakeholder engagement, with a particular strength in translating complex messages into clear, compelling content.
At 3CR Bioscience, Daniel is responsible for shaping and executing the company’s marketing strategy, enhancing brand presence and supporting commercial growth through targeted, data-driven campaigns.