On September 1 2025, Shimadzu Corporation released the LC-2070 and the LC-2080, two models of i-Series integrated high-performance liquid chromatographs. While carrying over the robustness, stability, and data compatibility of previous series, these models feature heightened data reliability and operational efficiency. Additionally, for the first time in this series, recycled resins have been adopted for the outer panels and the main housing, thereby lessening the environmental impact.

The i-Series are compact, tabletop models, but provide high basic performance and quick analysis. In total, more than 43000 units have been sold worldwide, primarily to pharmaceutical companies. In the two models being released, a function has been added to diagnose the status of the major units automatically at instrument startup, as well as intelligent Column Management Platform (iCMP), an optionally available function that provides consolidated management of column information. The i-Series maintains the robustness required for all routine analysis required for quality control and enhances operational efficiency and consistency of data acquisition regardless of operator experience level.

With these instruments, Shimadzu has achieved “Analytical Intelligence,” the hardware and software are operated just like an experienced expert would, by automatically determining whether the system status and results are acceptable or not, providing feedback to users, and resolving problems. Additionally, the LC-2070 and LC-2080 use the method development software LabSolutions MD, so in addition to routine analysis, new analysis methods can be developed to suit the objective.

Features

1. Supports Diagnosis, Prevention, and Recovery'

In an industry first, a function is provided to automatically diagnose the status of the solvent delivery unit and autosampler prior to analysis, in order to detect malfunctions, contamination, and clogs. Additionally, data reliability is heightened by a function that controls the mobile phase flowrate in accordance with the oven temperature, so column equilibration is implemented automatically while limiting sudden pressure loads on the columns. Further, if problems occur during analysis, automatic recovery of the instrument reduces downtime.

2. In an Industry First, Usage Logs are Recorded by iCMP Column Management

The optionally available intelligent Column Management Platform (iCMP) enables the management of column usage logs. Two-dimensional codes affixed to the columns before analysis are scanned, and the analysis conditions, analysis cycles, and other logs are tied to the two-dimensional codes. Column performance can be checked by searching the logs, and comparing retention times and peak forms. Information can be centrally managed regardless of the manufacturer of the column.

3. Reducing Environmental Impact across the Entire Product Life Cycle

The life time of the High-pressure valve has been doubled to reduce environmental impact throughout the product life cycle. Additionally, environmentally friendly materials have been used for the two models, a chemically recycled resin material*1 with a recycling ratio of 30 % is adopted for three of the outer panels and the reservoir tray, made of a copolyester resin (PCTG). Further, 9 parts, including the main housing, made of a polypropylene resin, are created with a mechanically recycled resin material*2 with a 100 % recycling ratio. In addition, the volume and structure of the packaging materials for these products have been optimized to reduce transportation costs. By reducing the analysis mode power consumption, emissions of greenhouse gases are expected to be reduced by approximately 100 t*3 per year in comparison with previous models.

*1: Waste resin is collected and chemically decomposed to return it to intermediate raw materials. The material is then reconstructed via the same manufacturing process as with the original material.
*2: Waste resin is collected, and then pellets of the material are reconstructed by decontamination through sorting, pulverization, and cleaning.
*3: Calculated with a sales target of 5,000 units