CellScale Support for
Legacy Instruments
Some CellScale systems are now discontinued, but they still show up in peer-reviewed papers and are still running in many labs. This page is the starting point for support for legacy instruments, with links to legacy products pages, documentation for legacy instruments, and practical notes on the upgrade path to MicroTester, upgrade path to UniVert, or upgrade path to MechanoCulture T6 when you are planning a replacement.
If you are working from a peer-reviewed study, or you are validating a historical method in your lab, the goal is continuity: matching the loading mode, boundary conditions, environment, and measurement needs as closely as possible on a current platform.
Looking for a specific legacy product? Jump to: MicroSquisher, UStretch, MechanoCulture FX (MCFX), MechanoCulture B1 (MCB1)
Support for Legacy Instruments
CellScale support for legacy instruments typically focuses on documentation and workflow continuity. Support availability depends on the specific model, configuration, and installed options.
Legacy product support may include
- Documentation access for legacy instruments (user manuals, setup references, and operational guidance)
- Help interpreting published methods and mapping legacy parameter definitions to current hardware and software
- Guidance selecting fixtures, imaging, and environmental control options on current systems
- Best practices for reproducing boundary conditions and sample mounting used in older studies
Support is usually limited in these areas
- Replacement parts may be restricted or unavailable for discontinued systems
- Some configurations may need custom solutions to be recreated; protocols can often be translated to current platforms with equivalent loading modes
Legacy Mechanical Testing Systems
If your workflow involves force controlled uniaxial loading, micro-compression, indentation, peel, or related benchtop mechanics, the legacy mechanical testing systems on this page are typically the right starting point.
MicroSquisher
The MicroSquisher is used for micro-scale compression and indentation workflows where sample handling, alignment, and hydration control are critical. Many labs use it to characterize delicate soft materials and small biological specimens where subtle force differences matter.
- Common needs for method continuity
- Upgrade path to MicroTester
UStretch
The UStretch supported uniaxial tensile workflows, especially where sample gripping, repeatable alignment, and straightforward tension protocols were required. It is commonly referenced in tensile testing of biomaterials, thin tissues, and compliant constructs.
- Common needs for method continuity
- Upgrade path to UniVert
Legacy Mechanical Stimulation Bioreactors
Some CellScale legacy products were designed for incubator-based stimulation studies, where mechanical loading is applied to cells or tissues in culture to study mechanotransduction and mechanoresponse.
MechanoCulture FX (MCFX)
The MechanoCulture FX supported membrane deformation and stretch stimulation workflows for cell and tissue mechanical stimulation in culture.
- Typical continuity priorities
- Upgrade path to MechanoCulture T6
MechanoCulture B1 (MCB1)
The MechanoCulture B1 is commonly associated with biaxial style stimulation workflows and membrane-based loading used in mechanobiology studies.
- Typical continuity priorities
- Upgrade path to MechanoCulture T6
Upgrade Paths to Current CellScale Systems
If your goal is to keep a protocol active in the lab, or to reproduce a published method, these are the most common upgrade paths from legacy products to current systems.
MicroSquisher to MicroTester
UStretch to UniVert
MCFX & MCB1 to MechanoCulture T6
To recommend the closest match quickly, it helps to share:
- Sample type, dimensions, and expected force range
- Loading mode (tension, compression, indentation, stretch stimulation)
- Hydration and temperature requirements
- Key protocol details (cyclic loading, preconditioning, creep, stress relaxation)
- Whether you are matching a published method exactly, and the citation if available
Legacy Products List
Use the list below to navigate directly to the correct legacy product page. Each page includes context on typical use cases, what remains supported, and the most practical upgrade path.
Legacy Mechanical Testers
MicroSquisher
Use: Micro-scale compression and indentation workflows
Closest replacement: MicroTester
Links: MicroSquisher | MicroTester
Legacy Bioreactors
MechanoCulture FX (MCFX)
Use: Membrane deformation and stretch stimulation in culture
Closest replacement: MechanoCulture T6
Links: MCFX | MechanoCulture T6
MechanoCulture B1 (MCB1)
Use: Biaxial style mechanical stimulation workflows
Closest replacement: MechanoCulture T6
Links: MCB1 | MechanoCulture T6
FAQs About Legacy Products
What does CellScale support for legacy instruments include?
Support for legacy instruments is primarily documentation access and guidance for workflow continuity. Depending on the system, we can help interpret protocols, map parameters to current control, and recommend current platforms that best reproduce the original loading mode and experimental conditions.
Can I still get documentation for legacy instruments?
In most cases, yes. If you need documentation for legacy instruments, use the legacy product page links above or head to our Manuals & Downloads page.
Do you still provide replacement parts for discontinued systems?
Replacement parts and repairs depend on availability and the specific legacy product. For most discontinued systems, parts are limited or unavailable. If you are unsure, share your configuration and we can advise on feasible support options.
How do I translate a published method to a current system?
The most reliable approach is to match the loading mode and boundary conditions first, then align environment and measurement method. Send the paper and your sample details. We can suggest fixtures, control settings, and a basic validation step for a current system.
What information should I include when I contact support?
Start with the system name and what you are testing, including approximate size. Then list the key protocol settings you are trying to match. If this comes from a publication, send the reference.
Get Help with Your Workflow
If you are maintaining a legacy setup, validating a historical method, or planning an upgrade, contact us and we will recommend the best path forward based on your protocol requirements.
