StakMaxMicroplate Handling System

Simple, economical microplate automation for your lab

Give yourself time for thought, imagination, and ideas by transforming your microplate workflow with automation. The StakMax® Microplate Handling System is a compact benchtop microplate stacker that works with Molecular Devices SpectraMax® Microplate Readers and Microplate Washers to give you walk-away automation for up to 50 microplates. Use just one operating interface — SoftMax® Pro Software — to set up and run your whole workflow.


  • Overview
  • Applications
  • Software
  • Specifications
  • Resources

Unified Stacker Platform

  • The StakMax System can be integrated with Molecular Devices microplate readers and AquaMax Washers for improved process flow and higher throughput
  • All integration tools provided for ease of setup of each configuration
  • Uniform stacker magazines for use across all integrations maximizing your throughput

Easy to Program and Operate

  • Operation with the SpectraMax line of microplate readers is facilitated within SoftMax Pro Software for a common interface
  • Microplate reader protocols that were previously written can be automated without any changes to the setup parameters, data analysis, or graphing
  • A barcode reader can be added to enable barcode identification of plates when integrated with SpectraMax line of microplate readers
  • AquaMax Washer users access all commands through the AquaMax Washer programming touch screen

Fast, Bi-Directional Stacker for Increased Flexibility

  • The StakMax System is designed to minimize plate movement time, while handling the microplates gently, eliminating liquid spillage
  • When integrated with the AquaMax Washer, a batch of 20 ELISA microplates can be processed in as little as 13 minutes to maximize throughput
  • User can choose to restack plates back to the input stack when batch is completed, for further processing

StakMax Integration Overview Video

Any microplate application that is amenable to unattended automation is suitable for the StakMax Plate Handling System. Examples Include:

  • ELISA
  • DNA/RNA quantitation
  • Protein assays
  • Kinase binding assays

The StakMax System is operated from within SoftMax Pro Software when connected to a Molecular Devices microplate reader. SoftMax Pro Software offers:


  • The most extensive library of ready-to-run application protocols to get you started faster
  • Optional tools for regulated labs with SoftMax Pro GxP Compliance Software
  • Advanced calculations including non-linear fitting metrics for in-depth analysis
  • Proven integrations with leading automation and LIMS platforms for partnered solutions
  • All StakMax System specific commands are entered in the StakMax window.

When the StakMax Plate Handling System is connected to an AquaMax Microplate Washer, the stacking functions are selected from within the Touch Screen interface. Users can choose to enable the StakMax System and whether to restack at the end on a protocol-by-protocol basis.

General Specifications

Dimensions (in.) 17.3 (W) x 20.0 (D) x 9.1 (H)
Dimensions (cm) 44.0 (W) x 50.9 (D) x 23.1 (H)
Bench space required for
SpectraMax with StakMax
(in.) 34.1 (W) x 20.7 (D)
(cm) 86.6 (W) x 52.6 (D)
Weight 26 lbs. (11.8 kg)
Power Source 100-240 Vac, autoranging line voltage, 50/60 Hz, 1.5A
Operating temperature 10-40°C
Connectivity USB 2.0 (requires SoftMax Pro 5.1 or greater for Windows)

Performance Specifications

Compatibility

SBS-standard 96- and 384-well plates with plate height between 12-16 mm
Also supports Greiner and Costar 96-well “strip” plates

Barcode libraries Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 128, EAN 128, Code 93, Code 39, Codabar

* dsDNA sensitivity specified for the following instruments:

  • SpectraMax® 190 Microplate Reader
  • SpectraMax® Plus 384 Microplate Reader
  • SpectraMax® i3 Multi-Mode Detection Platform
  • SpectraMax® M Series Multi-Mode Microplate Readers
  • SpectraMax® Paradigm® Multi-Mode Microplate Reader
  • FlexStation® 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader