KNAUER OEM. The Original.

Significance of the Topic

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) remains a cornerstone of analytical chemistry, supporting quality control, research and development, and process monitoring across pharmaceutical, biochemical and industrial sectors. Custom OEM integration enables equipment manufacturers to incorporate proven HPLC modules without investing in complete in-house instrument development, accelerating time to market and ensuring high reliability.

Objectives and Overview

This document outlines KNAUER’s OEM offering for liquid chromatography systems and modules. It describes the partnership model, customization workflow, available hardware and software components, and the benefits of working with an experienced family-owned manufacturer based in Germany.

Customization Workflow

KNAUER’s OEM process is built around four defined steps:

• Requirements Definition: Technical, functional and design parameters are collected and evaluated for feasibility.
• Project Scope and Timeline: Partners agree on customization level, cost estimates and delivery schedule.
• Process Control and Verification: Quality, environmental and performance requirements are shared, validated and adapted if necessary.
• Documentation and Training: Full manuals, service protocols and training materials are provided ahead of market launch.

Used Instrumentation

KNAUER offers a comprehensive portfolio of modular LC components that can be combined in custom housings or docking stations:

• Pumps: High-pressure metering pumps (5–1000 mL/min, up to 1240 bar), analytical and preparative OEM versions, metal-free bio-inert models.
• Detectors: UV/VIS single and multi-wavelength, diode array detectors, refractive index, conductivity, pH, fluorescence, electrochemical and light-scattering detectors.
• Autosamplers and Liquid Handlers: Analytical and preparative autosamplers (up to 1240 bar) with optional cooling/heating, bio-analytic models, injection volumes up to 10 mL.
• Valves and Valve Drives: Injection, column selection and fraction collection valves, manual and intelligent electric valve drives with LAN, USB, CAN and RS-232 interfaces.
• Column Thermostat: Forced-air Peltier-controlled thermostats for 5–85 °C, accommodating up to eight columns.
• Software and Controls: Drivers for OpenLab® CDS, Chromeleon™, ClarityChrom®, PurityChrom® and KNAUER’s Mobile Control application; full communication protocols for custom software integration.

Main Discussion

KNAUER’s modular approach allows OEM partners to select and arrange up to three plug-in modules in a compact docking station, combining pumps, detectors and valves in a single housing. Custom front panels, branding, paint finishes and label design deliver a fully private-label solution. Extensive process control, GLP-compliant features, and integrated quality management ensure consistent performance and regulatory compliance.

Practical Benefits

OEM customers benefit from:

• Reduced R&D investment: leverage KNAUER’s established hardware and software platforms.
• Faster time to market: streamlined project workflow and comprehensive documentation.
• Flexible design: customizable modules, housings and user interfaces.
• Global support: service tools, training and local support through KNAUER’s network.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

As analytical laboratories move toward increased automation, miniaturization and digitalization, OEM HPLC modules will play a key role in compact point-of-need systems, continuous process monitoring and single-use bioprocessing. Integration with IoT platforms, AI-driven data analysis and advanced detector technologies (e.g., mass spectrometry interfaces, nanoparticle characterization) will extend the capabilities of modular LC solutions.

Conclusion

KNAUER’s OEM program provides a robust, flexible and proven platform for integrating high-performance liquid chromatography into custom analytical instruments. With decades of experience, advanced manufacturing in Germany and a collaborative development process, OEM partners can deliver innovative solutions backed by full quality and service support.