Automated Flux Doser

The Automated Flux Doser (AFD) is a high-performance robotic system developed by AUTONOMA for the automated weighing and dosing of flux materials and dry powder reagents into sample cups for XRF fusion and similar analytical processes. Designed for laboratories handling high sample volumes, the AFD improves throughput, consistency, and workplace safety by removing the repetitive manual handling that has traditionally made flux dosing a time-consuming and physically demanding part of the laboratory workflow.

The system is capable of processing over 5,600 samples per day using four dosing heads, making it a practical solution for high-throughput laboratories in mining, cement, metallurgy, and other material testing sectors where sample preparation volumes are substantial and the demand for consistent, traceable results is constant. By automating the dosing process, the AFD delivers repeatable outcomes across every sample, reducing the variability introduced by manual weighing and minimising the likelihood of human error in a stage of the workflow that directly affects the accuracy of downstream XRF analysis.

The closed system design of the AFD plays an important role in improving laboratory safety and cleanliness. Flux materials and dry powder reagents present real risks to technicians through repeated exposure during manual handling, including inhalation of fine particles and contact with potentially hazardous substances. By enclosing the dosing process within an automated system, the AFD substantially reduces technician exposure to these materials, contributing to a safer and more controlled working environment. The reduction in airborne dust also benefits the broader laboratory space, supporting cleaner conditions and reducing the contamination risk for other analytical processes taking place nearby.

Designed for unattended operation, the AFD allows laboratory staff to focus on higher-value tasks while the system manages the dosing process autonomously. Its precision automation and robust engineering make it well suited to the demands of continuous, high-volume laboratory operation, and its integration with laboratory workflows ensures that each dosed sample cup is accurately prepared and ready for the next stage of the analytical process without manual intervention.

• Automated Flux Dosing
  Developed by one of the top robotics companies in Australia, the AFD doses flux with exceptional accuracy (±0.0005g) using up to four precision dosing heads, each connected to a 0.1 mg resolution balance.
• High Sample Throughput
  AUTONOMA’s automation, backed by a top robotics company in Australia, processes up to 1,400 samples per doser per day—totalling 5,600 samples daily when fully equipped.
• XYZ Robotic Arm
  As expected from one of the top robotics companies in Australia, the XYZ robotic arm ensures consistent and accurate movement of sample cups throughout the weighing and dosing cycle.
• Stacking Magazine
  This system, engineered by a top robotics company in Australia, holds up to 20 trays (1,000 sample cups), allowing for extensive unattended operation and reliable batch processing.
• Visual Status Indicator
  Trusted by labs nationwide, this feature—designed by one of the top robotics companies in Australia—uses LED signals to visually communicate system status in real time.
• Modular and Scalable Design
  AUTONOMA’s modular design reflects its place among top robotics companies in Australia, allowing you to start with one dosing head and expand up to four without major system overhauls.
• Safety and Ergonomics
  Built with the expertise of a top robotics company in Australia, the system prioritises user safety and comfort with ergonomic trays, safety interlocks, and low-exposure handling.
• Optional Automation Add-Ons
  Further automation from one of the top robotics companies in Australia includes cup dispensers, lid sorters, and lid applicators—minimising manual intervention and maximising efficiency.

The AFD is engineered for laboratories involved in:

• Mining and minerals analysis

• Geochemical testing

• Cement and materials science

• Any high-throughput environment requiring precise flux dosing

This system is ideal for labs pursuing digital transformation through robotics and industrial automation, helping to eliminate repetitive tasks, reduce error rates, and enhance overall lab safety and compliance.

The AFD is operated through an integrated software platform built around a touchscreen control interface that gives operators straightforward access to all dosing functions from a single point. Mass targets can be set and adjusted directly from the touchscreen, with tray progress monitored in real time and dosing parameters configured to suit the specific requirements of each application. The interface is designed to be intuitive and efficient, reducing the time required for setup and minimising the potential for operator error during routine use.

Recipe management functionality allows dosing settings to be saved and recalled across shifts and operators, ensuring that standardised dosing parameters are applied consistently regardless of who is operating the system at any given time. This capability is particularly valuable in high-volume laboratory environments where multiple operators work across extended operating hours and where consistency between batches is a quality control requirement.

Real-time system monitoring provides continuous operational feedback covering dosing accuracy and performance diagnostics, giving laboratory staff the visibility needed to identify potential issues before they affect throughput or result quality. This diagnostic capability supports a proactive approach to maintenance, allowing service interventions to be planned and carried out at appropriate times rather than in response to unexpected failures.

The physical design of the AFD also supports ease of maintenance and servicing. Sliding doors and generously sized access points allow technicians to reach internal components safely and efficiently for cleaning, adjustment, or replacement without requiring significant disassembly. This thoughtful approach to maintainability helps minimise downtime and ensures that the system can be returned to full operation quickly following any routine servicing activity.