The SmartRack® consists of a frame, the slot rails and modules suspended in the slot rails. Three different types of materials are used in the SmartRack®:
- Black powder-coated aluminium parts (frames, metal components of the tub and the hybrid modules)
These components are aluminium parts, which are protected by a powder coating of epoxy resin. The powder coating is stable against a large number of halogenated and halogen-free solvents from the laboratory sector. However, prolonged exposure of the solvents to the powder coating should be avoided. The powder coating is stable against short-term contact with acids/bases. The components are completely autoclavable.
- Black anodised nut rails
The slot rails are black anodised aluminium parts which are resistant to halogenated and halogen-free solvents. Aggressive acids/bases can destroy the anodising layer. The components are completely autoclavable.
- Green plastic parts (feet, slide rail handles, modules, plastic components of the tub and hybrid modules)
These components are 3D-printed (laser-sintered) components made from the high-performance plastic polyamide-12 (PA12). The components are stable to halogenated and halogen-free solvents such as, for example, chloroform, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, hexane, methanol, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and toluene. The components are stable to most acids and bases, but strong, concentrated acids such as concentrated nitric and sulfuric acid lead to damage to the components during prolonged exposure, as with all organic materials. After prolonged exposure to aggressive media, discolouration of the components may occur, but this is only superficial and does not limit their functionality. The components are completely autoclavable.