The Varian 900LC series of HPLC instruments take a new approach to a competitive and important market.

Unlike its predecessors and most of its competitors, the 900LC series integrates a number of 'standalone' components within one compact enclosure providing a pre-configured plug-and-play solution.

A major project for both CobaltNiche and Varian, the instrument introduces a number of ‘firsts’ for this market segment, especially in the use of innovative twin-skin thermoformed moulding technology, not only offering lower-cost investment compared to traditional injection moulding, the twin-skin mouldings provide extremely strong and lightweight enclosure panels. They also suit complex, ‘closed’ geometry internal faces; a feature which aids rapid assembly, configuration flexibility and easy cleaning of any chemical spillages.

An automated accessory to suit the instrument was also developed concurrently to aid higher-throughput applications.

The instrument’s styling is a progression of Varian’s corporate product design language also developed by CobaltNiche. This style features pure geometries, consistent colour use and strong branding. The instrument’s aesthetic design also took advantage of the production process, allowing subtle curves in side panels where traditionally-fabricated sheetmetal panels would be flat.

The Varian liquid-chromatography system was awarded a 2008 Victorian Premier’s Design Award.