Honey Sub-Sampling Machine

Honey & High Viscosity Sub-Sampling & Mixing Machine

The Honey Sub-Sampling and Mixing Machine is an automated laboratory system designed to manage the preparation of honey and other high-viscosity liquid samples for testing. It integrates labelling, decapping, mixing, weighing and sub-sampling, and sorting into a single, controlled workflow, reducing manual handling and improving consistency.

Built to process high-viscosity and crystallised samples, the system delivers reliable performance across demanding laboratory environments. Developed by Motion Design Ltd, it combines precision engineering with intelligent software control to support modern laboratory operations.

Upgraded Reusable Dispensing System

The system now incorporates stainless steel syringe dispensing, allowing components to be reused and sterilised between cycles. This reduces consumable waste while supporting cleaner and more sustainable laboratory workflows.

System Overview

The system automates the full pre-analytical workflow for sample preparation, ensuring each sample is processed according to the requirements of the specified test.

Samples are loaded into the machine and identified via barcode or RFID. The system communicates directly with the laboratory LIMS, receiving test instructions for each sample batch, including the required output vial type.

Containers are automatically decapped, and each sample is mixed to ensure homogenisation prior to sub-sampling. Mixing parameters are adjustable via the touchscreen interface to suit different sample types and test requirements.

Sub-sampling is performed using a high precision dispensing and weighing system fitted with autoclavable stainless steel syringes, providing accurate and repeatable volume transfer while allowing cleaning and sterilisation between cycles to reduce contamination risk. This configuration replaces earlier disposable-based approaches.

Output vials are automatically labelled, filled, recapped and sorted into trays according to test type, streamlining downstream laboratory analysis.

The system operates at a variable throughput depending on the number and type of tests required, with all steps monitored and recorded to support traceability and LIMS integration.

Designed for Biosecurity and Sample Integrity

The system can be configured to separate designated samples, such as overseas or higher-risk inputs, into specific workflows. Combined with a non-heated mixing process, this supports biosecurity requirements while maintaining the integrity of the original sample.

Find out more: Contact Us

Honey Testing Workflows Supported

The system is designed to prepare samples for a wide range of honey testing workflows, ensuring consistent and representative sub-sampling across multiple analysis types. Our mixing process is engineered to prevent heat generation and reduce creaming, preserving the raw integrity of the sample.

Typical testing includes:

Quality & Composition Testing

• Moisture content
• Colour and sensory analysis
• Sugar profiling (including C4 sugars – EXT, single and composite)
• HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural)

Mānuka & Activity Testing

• Mānuka markers (MGO, DHA, Leptosperin)
• MPI 5-Attribute Authenticity
• Diastase activity (p-nitrophenol method)

Residue & Contaminant Testing

• Glyphosate (single, triple shot, and composite)
• Amitraz (single and composite)
• Antibiotic screening

Regulatory & Safety Testing

• Tutin testing (single and composite workflows)
• American Foulbrood (AFB)

Key Benefits

• Reduces Manual Handling
  Minimises operator involvement across the workflow
• Minimises Cross-Contamination Risk
  Supports clean sample transfer between cycles
• Improves Sample Consistency
  Delivers reliable, repeatable sample preparation
• Reduces Consumable Waste
  Reusable components lower reliance on disposables
• Streamlines Laboratory Workflow
  Simplifies sample preparation and handling
• Improves Traceability
  Maintains clear sample identification throughout the process