IonOpticks HeatSync™ Controller

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in proteomics and clinical mass spectrometry demands stable, precise column temperatures for accurate, reproducible results. Heating the columns also reduces the pressure on the system, allowing researchers to run samples at faster flow rates, leading to higher throughput. Many labs rely on generic heaters lacking reliability, usability, and workflow integration. The field’s high technical complexity and equipment costs create further barriers to entry. This project addressed the need for a purpose-built, plug-and-play heater controller—offering continuous runtime, tight temperature control, and seamless compatibility with IonOpticks’ columns. Designed to elevate function, reduce complexity, and reflect a premium brand identity, the result is a compact, robust solution that lowers entry barriers and empowers broader adoption of advanced LC-MS technology.

The HeatSync™ Controller was developed with a dual-channel design optimised for IonOpticks’ column heater, balancing technical precision with refined usability. The inclusion of a second channel was an early design decision, made in anticipation of researchers’ evolving needs and enabling more advanced tandem configurations to be implemented with ease. The solution is intuitive and purpose-built, streamlining setup and daily use. The final design reflects IonOpticks’ premium positioning through a distinctive industrial design language centred on “singular focused precision control.” A rounded cube form houses a machined metal fascia with dark chrome accents, satin finishes, and laser-etched graphics. A central knurled dial with a 40mm full-colour display enables precise, tactile temperature adjustment. Dual-channel connectors with LED status buttons and an RGB light ring enhance clarity and feedback. Extensive burn-in testing and GUI refinement ensured optimal screen performance and longevity under continuous lab use.

The HeatSync™ Controller delivers stable, continuous temperature control essential for LC-MS in proteomics, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical research. It replaces third-party heating options—often over-engineered, inadequate, or absent altogether—with a compact, purpose-built solution optimised for IonOpticks’ columns and designed for 24/7 operation in high-throughput labs. Its smaller footprint and dual-channel design reduce overall equipment needs by enabling two columns to be heated simultaneously, cutting material use and energy demand while meeting all relevant environmental and safety standards. The controller improves reproducibility, data quality, and workflow consistency—minimising error, recalibration, and downtime. It supports IonOpticks’ mission to inspire a revolution in human health by lowering barriers to LC-MS research and delivering the best tools to empower scientific discovery—while establishing a unified product and interface design language – designed and developed in Australia.

Compact cube form factor (W100 × H100 × D100 mm, estimated). Sheet metal main enclosure with powder-coated rear housing and satin-finish machined metal front fascia. Laser-etched dial indicators, logos, and port labels for durability and clarity. Dark chrome details and balanced, symmetrical front face layout. Central machined dial provides tactile feedback for continuous temperature adjustment. The 40mm full-colour circular OLED display is positioned within a concave recess to allow finger clearance and light reflection. Channel selection is managed via physical buttons with embedded LED indicators for connection and activity status. Touchscreen functionality with “touch to wake” feature. Distinct display modes for single or dual channel detection, with logic-based transitions and UI state changes. Incremental temperature adjustment via the dial, shown live on screen. Dual-channel support. Temperature control range: 30–60°C (recommended operating range 40–60°C). Firmware update via USB-C port; shared for both data and power input. Compatible with IonOpticks column heater (COLHTR01) and major MS sources including EASY-Spray, Nanospray Flex, Optiflow Turbo V, and Newomics UniESI. Burn-in testing conducted to assess OLED performance under continuous use. Designed for global electrical compliance (AU, UK, China, Japan, USA, EU).