See Continuous Chromatography in Action

The hardware demo covers the Contichrom® CUBE system in detail, giving you a clear picture of what you’d be working with day-to-day.

System architecture: The two-module stacked design (CUBE + CUBE+), the compact benchtop footprint (120 × 70 cm total with detectors), and cold room compatibility (operating range +4 °C to +30 °C).

Pumps: Four high-precision dual-piston pumps — one binary gradient pair (P1A/P1B) and two independent isocratic pumps (P2, P3) with 8-inlet buffer selection valves each. Flow rate range up to 36 mL/min (CUBE 30) or 100 mL/min (CUBE 100), all rated to 100 bar. Active seal wash for longevity with high-salt buffers.

Valves and flow path: The six multi-position rotary valves and two drain valves that enable automated switching between single-column, twin-column, and interconnected configurations. PEEK-based biocompatible flow path throughout.

Detectors and sensors: Dual external UV-Vis DAD detectors (200–600 nm, 4-channel, 0.5 mm path length), dual conductivity sensors (0–250 mS/cm), pH sensor, and four integrated pressure transducers.

Fraction collector: Foxy R1/R2 collectors with diverter valve and contamination prevention, supporting standard tube formats and deep-well plates.

Optional accessories: Buffer selection valve kit, column bypass valves, column selection valve, injection valve, VOILA outlet adjustment valve, column ovens/heaters, and the accessories storage rack.

Scale-up path: Overview of how the CUBE relates to the Contichrom® PILOT 300X (300 mL/min, 100 bar) and TWIN systems (LPLC/HPLC, 1–40 L/min) — what stays the same and what changes at production scale.

The software demo walks through the complete ChromIQ® 9 ecosystem, so you can assess the user experience and workflow first-hand.

ChromIQ® 9 Operating Software: The central interface for system control, method execution, and real-time monitoring. We show you the hardware configuration screen, buffer management, method loading, the dynamic flow-sheet, real-time signal display, on-the-fly method adjustments, and the system logbook.

ChromaCraft™ Batch Editor: The wizard-driven tool for building standard batch methods and complex 2D/3D integrated batch methods. We demonstrate the dynamic Gantt chart interface, step-by-step method creation, product transfer window setup (UV triggers, in-line dilution parameters), and how the editor supports the full range of batch and integrated configurations.

Process Wizards: We walk through the relevant wizard(s) based on your interest — CaptureSMB® Wizard (breakthrough curve input, AutomAb® configuration, performance prediction), MCSGP Wizard (drag-and-drop zone definition on a batch chromatogram, AutoPeak® setup, performance prediction), and/or N-Rich® Wizard (enrichment strategy, zone definition, cycle configuration).

Evaluation Center: The integrated data analysis module — cycle overlay for confirming continuous process steady state, auto-integration for quantifying process phases, and export to PDF reports or Excel.

Data integrity and user management: Multi-level user rights, unalterable logbook, data integrity checksums, and OPC UA connectivity (optional license).

We tailor the process portion of the demo to your specific interests. Here’s what we can cover for each mode:

CaptureSMB® with AutomAb® — Continuous twin-column capture for affinity and bind-elute steps. We explain how the interconnected and parallel phases work, how AutomAb® dynamically adjusts loading based on real-time UV breakthrough, and how this translates to 2–4× productivity gains and 20–50% resin volume reduction. Typical molecules: mAbs, bispecifics, recombinant proteins, vaccines.

MCSGP with AutoPeak® — Continuous twin-column polishing with automated side-cut recycling. We show how the drag-and-drop zone definition works on a batch chromatogram, how AutoPeak® adapts to retention time shifts, and how MCSGP eliminates the yield-purity tradeoff (10–50% absolute yield increase at target purity). Typical applications: oligonucleotide purification (AEX), peptide polishing (RP), charge variant fractionation (IEX).

N-Rich® with AutoPeak® — Automated cyclic enrichment of low-abundance impurities. We explain the on-column accumulation principle, targeted vs. broad enrichment strategies, and how N-Rich® replaces hundreds of analytical HPLC runs with a single automated process. Typical applications: impurity isolation for characterization (ICH requirements), reference standard production.

2D/3D Integrated Batch — Linking multiple chromatography steps (e.g. Protein A capture → IEX polishing → desalting) in a single automated run. We show ChromaCraft™ method design for multi-step processes with in-line dilution and product transfer.

Standard Batch — The CUBE as a high-performance single-column FPLC system. Useful context for teams that may start with batch and move to continuous later.

If relevant, your demo can include an introduction to YMC ChromaCon’s service offerings — helping you understand the full range of support available whether or not you purchase a system.

Feasibility studies — Evaluate the potential of CaptureSMB® or MCSGP for your specific process, with a side-by-side comparison against your batch method using your molecule and resin. Learn more →

Custom purification services — Have YMC ChromaCon produce purified fractions of charge variants, size variants, or other isoforms from your starting material. Learn more →

CUBE rental program — Rent a Contichrom® CUBE system for your lab and evaluate continuous chromatography hands-on with your own molecules, with expert support from YMC ChromaCon. Learn more →

Training & consulting — Structured training programs, hands-on workshops, scale-up consulting, and validation advisory for teams building continuous chromatography competence. Learn more →

Process modeling — Mechanistic modeling for batch, MCSGP, and CaptureSMB® chromatography processes. Simulate performance, optimize parameters, and map the design space computationally — from your existing batch data. Learn more →

Yes. Demos and introductory sessions are provided at no charge. These sessions are part of our business development program — we want you to make an informed decision, and the best way to do that is to see the technology first-hand.

Remote webinars are usually 1–3 hours. On-site demos in Zurich typically run 2–4 hours (half day). The exact duration depends on how many topics you want to cover and how much discussion time you’d like. We’ll agree on the scope when scheduling.

On-site demos can accommodate up to about 8 people comfortably. Remote webinars have no practical limit. If you have a larger group for an on-site visit, let us know and we’ll arrange accordingly.

The application lab is in the Technopark Zurich. We’ll provide the exact address and directions when confirming your visit. The lab is accessible by public transport from Zurich city center and Zurich Airport.

For on-site visits, yes — depending on the scope and your interests, we can include a live run on the CUBE. For remote webinars, we use recorded demonstrations and real-time software walkthroughs.

You’re welcome to share analytical chromatograms or process data in advance. We can use your data to illustrate how process design would work for your specific application. Running your actual samples during a demo is not typically in scope — that’s the purpose of a feasibility study.

YMC ChromaCon’s on-site demos and remote webinars are available to customers across Europe. Customers outside Europe should contact their local YMC ChromaCon distributor, who may offer product demonstrations and introductory sessions in their region.

That’s entirely up to you. There’s no obligation to proceed with anything. Common next steps include:

Request a quote for a Contichrom® system — If you’ve seen enough to know the platform fits your needs, we can prepare a system quotation.

Commission a feasibility study — If you want to evaluate CaptureSMB or MCSGP performance with your own molecule and resin before committing to a system purchase. Learn more →

Commission a modeling study — If you want to simulate batch, MCSGP, or CaptureSMB performance computationally before running experiments, using calibrated mechanistic models built from your data. Learn more →

Arrange a training program — If you’ve purchased or ordered a system and want your team trained before delivery. Learn more →

Do nothing — The demo gave you the information you need. You can come back whenever you’re ready.

Yes. If your team needs a follow-up to go deeper on a specific topic, or if additional colleagues want to see the system, we’re happy to arrange another session.