Description
The Qiagen UniCore Cutting Mat is the punching surface the UniCore system is documented on, giving clean sample cuts from FTA and FTA Elute cards while extending the life of the punch cutting tip. The mats are designed for repeated, extended use and can be cleaned with alcohol between runs.
- Two Formats – Small 2.5 by 3.0 inch and large 6.0 by 8.0 inch mats fit bench and workstation setups.
- Tip Protection – Punching on the mat extends the life of the cutting tip compared with hard surfaces.
- Reusable Surface – Alcohol cleanable mats serve repeated runs instead of being consumed per batch.
About This UniCore Cutting Mat
Punching onto benches, glass or improvised surfaces dulls tips and produces ragged discs that wash unevenly. A mat made for the punch gives a consistent cutting bed, so discs core cleanly across the run. The manufacturer pairs the mat with the UniCore punch as the way to get clean sample cuts and longer tip life.
The large format suits workstation punching where cards are staged in batches. The small format fits individual benches and the cutting mats included in UniCore kits of 4. Between runs, an alcohol wipe restores the surface for the next batch.
Features and Benefits
Cutting Performance
- Clean Disc Cuts – A consistent mat surface helps the punch core complete, even discs from FTA cards.
- Extended Tip Life – The mat cushions the cutting edge, extending the life of the punch tip, per the manufacturer.
Bench Use
- Alcohol Cleanable – The surface cleans with alcohol, which fits standard bench decontamination routines.
- Repeated Use Design – Mats are built for extended repeated use rather than single batch disposal.
Product Specifications
Product Details
- Manufacturer: Qiagen
- Product Type: Cutting mat for UniCore sample punching
- Sizes: Small 2.5 x 3.0 in (6.3 x 7.6 cm), large 6.0 x 8.0 in (15.2 x 20.3 cm)
- Use With: UniCore punches and FTA or FTA Elute cards
- Cleaning: Cleanable with alcohol
- Intended Use: Sample preparation accessory for FTA workflows
Packaging
- Options: One mat per pack, small or large
- Storage: Store at room temperature
Browse related categories: lab consumables and Qiagen products.
Why Choose This Cutting Mat
Punch tips are consumables with a rated life, and the surface underneath them decides how much of that life is real. A matched mat is the small purchase that keeps the rated 500 punch life achievable.
- Longer Tip Life – Cushioned cutting extends each punch toward its full rated life, lowering per-run tooling cost.
- Cleaner Discs – Consistent cuts wash and amplify more evenly than ragged hand-cut discs.
- System Matched Surface – The mat is the documented partner surface for UniCore punches, a differentiator over improvised cutting boards.
Manuals and Troubleshooting Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Why punch on a mat at all?
The mat ensures clean sample cuts from FTA and FTA Elute cards and extends the life of the cutting tip. Hard surfaces dull the stainless edge and tear the matrix.
Which size should I choose?
The large 6.0 by 8.0 inch mat suits batch workstations, and the small 2.5 by 3.0 inch mat suits individual benches. Both work with the full UniCore tip range.
How is the mat cleaned?
The manufacturer states the mats can be cleaned with alcohol. They are designed for repeated, extended use.
Does a mat come with the punch kits?
UniCore kits of 4 include 2 cutting mats. Separate mats replace worn surfaces or equip additional benches.
Which mat is the replacement size?
The small format is the replacement cutting mat used in the kits. The large format is the workstation size.
Are mats consumable per batch?
No, they are reusable across many runs with alcohol cleaning between batches. Replace a mat when its surface no longer gives clean cuts.
