Labware

This chapter covers items in the Opentrons Labware Library you can use with Opentrons Flex and the Opentrons Flex Gripper. It also covers custom labware and, for our power users, links labware components to their corresponding JSON file definitions.

You can purchase labware from the original equipment manufacturers or from the Opentrons shop. And, Opentrons is always working to verify new labware definitions. See the Labware Library (linked above) for the latest listings.

Labware concepts

Labware encompasses more than just the objects placed on the deck and used in a protocol. To help you understand Opentrons labware, let's examine this topic from three different perspectives. For the Opentrons Flex, labware includes items in our Labware Library, data that defines each piece of labware, and custom labware.

Labware as hardware

The Labware Library includes everything you can use by default with Opentrons Flex. These are durable components and consumable items that you work with, reuse, or discard while running a protocol. You don't need to take any special steps to work with the items in the Labware Library. The Flex robot knows how to work with everything in the library automatically.

Labware as data

Labware information is stored in Javascript object notation (JSON) files with .json file extensions. A JSON file includes spatial dimensions (length, width, height), volumetric capacity (µL, mL), and other metrics that define surface features, their shapes, and locations. When running a protocol, the Flex reads these .json files to know what labware is on the deck and how to work with it.

Custom labware

Custom labware is labware that is not included in the Labware Library or is labware created by the Custom Labware Creator. However, sometimes the idea of custom labware comes burdened by notions of complexity, expense, or difficulty. But, custom labware shouldn't be hard to understand or create.

Let's take a moment to unpack the concept of custom labware.

As an example, the Opentrons Labware Library includes 96-well plates (200 µL) from Corning and Bio-Rad, but other manufacturers make these well plates too. And, thanks to commonly accepted industry standards, the differences among these ubiquitous lab items are minor. However, an ordinary 200 μL, 96-well plate from Stellar Scientific, Oxford Lab, or Krackeler Scientific (or any other supplier for that matter) is "custom labware" for the Flex because it isn't pre-defined in our Labware Library. Additionally, minor differences in labware dimensions can have a drastic impact on the success of your protocol run. For this reason, it's important to have an accurate labware definition for each labware you want to use in your protocol.

Also, while custom labware could be an esoteric, one-off piece of kit, most of the time it's just the tips, plates, tubes, and racks used every day in labs all over the world. Again, the only difference between Opentrons labware and custom labware is the new item is not predefined in the software that powers the robot. The Flex can, and does, work with other basic labware items or something unique, but you need to record that item's characteristics in a labware definition JSON file and import that data into the Opentrons App. See the Custom Labware Definitions section below for more information.

To sum up, labware includes:

• Everything in the Opentrons Labware Library.
• Labware definitions: data in a JSON file that defines shapes, sizes, and capabilities of individual items like well plates, tips, reservoirs, etc.
• Custom labware, which are items that aren't included in the Labware Library.

After reviewing these important concepts, let's examine the categories and items in the Opentrons Labware Library. After that, we'll finish the chapter with an overview of the data components of a labware file and summarize the Opentrons features and services that help you create custom labware.

Reservoirs

The Opentrons Flex works by default with the single- and multi-well reservoirs listed below. Using these reservoirs helps reduce your prep work burden because they're automation-ready right out of the box. Reservoir information is also available in the Opentrons Labware Library.

Single-well reservoirs

Manufacturer	Specifications	API load name
Agilent	290 mL V bottom	agilent_1_reservoir_290ml
Axygen	90 mL Flat bottom	axygen_1_reservoir_90ml
NEST	195 mL Flat bottom	nest_1_reservoir_195ml
NEST	290 mL V bottom	nest_1_reservoir_290ml

Multi-well reservoirs

Manufacturer	Specifications	API load name
NEST	12 wells 15 mL/well V bottom	nest_12_reservoir_15ml
USA Scientific	12 wells 22 mL/well V bottom	usascientific_12_reservoir_22ml

Reservoirs and API definitions

The Opentrons Labware Library defines the characteristics of the reservoirs listed above in separate JSON files. The robot and the Opentrons Python API rely on these JSON definitions to work with labware used by your protocols. For example, when working with the API, the ProtocolContext.load_labware function accepts these labware names as valid parameters in your code. Linked API load names connect to the reservoir labware definitions in the Opentrons GitHub repository.

Custom reservoir labware

Try creating a custom labware definition with the Opentrons Labware Creator if a reservoir you'd like to use isn't listed here. A custom definition combines all the dimensions, metadata, shapes, volumetric capacity, and other information in a JSON file. The Opentrons Flex needs this information to understand how to work with your custom labware. See the Custom Labware Definitions section for more information.

Well plates

The Opentrons Flex works by default with well plates listed below. Using these well plates helps reduce your prep work burden because they're automation-ready right out of the box. Well plate information is also available in the Opentrons Labware Library.

6-well plates

Manufacturer	Specifications	API load name
Corning	6 wells 16.8 mL/well Circular wells, flat bottom	corning_6_wellplate_16.8ml_flat

12-well plates

Manufacturer	Specifications	API load name
Corning	12 wells 6.9 mL/well Circular wells, flat bottom	corning_12_wellplate_6.9ml_flat

24-well plates

Manufacturer	Specifications	API load name
Corning	24 wells 3.4 mL/well Circular wells, flat bottom	corning_24_wellplate_3.4ml_flat

48-well plates

Manufacturer	Specifications	API load name
Corning	48 wells 1.6 mL/well Circular wells, flat bottom	corning_48_wellplate_1.6ml_flat

96-well plates

Manufacturer	Specifications	API load name
Bio-Rad	96 wells 200 µL/well Circular wells, V bottom	biorad_96_wellplate_200ul_pcr
Corning	96 wells 360 µL/well Circular wells, flat bottom	corning_96_wellplate_360ul_flat
NEST	96 wells 100 µL/well Circular wells, V bottom PCR full skirt	nest_96_wellplate_100ul_pcr_full_skirt
NEST	96 wells 200 µL/well Circular wells, flat bottom	nest_96_wellplate_200ul_flat
NEST	96 deep wells 2000 µL/well Square wells, V bottom	nest_96_wellplate_2ml_deep
Opentrons	Tough 96 wells 200 µL/well Circular wells, V bottom PCR full skirt	opentrons_96_wellplate_200ul_pcr_full_skirt
Thermo Scientific	Nunc 96 deep wells 1300 µL/well Circular wells, U bottom	thermoscientificnunc_96_wellplate_1300ul
Thermo Scientific	Nunc 96 deep wells 2000 µL/well Circular wells, U bottom	thermoscientificnunc_96_wellplate_2000ul
USA Scientific	96 deep wells 2.4 mL/well Square wells, U bottom	usascientific_96_wellplate_2.4ml_deep

384-well plates

Manufacturer	Specifications	API load name
Applied Biosystems	384 wells 40 µL/well Circular wells, V bottom	appliedbiosystemsmicroamp_384_wellplate_40ul
Bio-Rad	384 wells 50 µL/well Circular wells, V bottom	biorad_384_wellplate_50ul
Corning	384 wells 112 µL/well Square wells, flat bottom	corning_384_wellplate_112ul_flat

Well plate adapters

The aluminum plates listed below are thermal adapters for the Opentrons Heater-Shaker GEN1 module. You can use these standalone adapter definitions to load Opentrons verified or custom labware on top of the Heater-Shaker.

Adapter type	API load name
Opentrons 96 Deep Well Heater-Shaker Adapter with NEST Deep Well Plate 2 mL	opentrons_96_deep_well_adapter_nest_wellplate_2ml_deep
Opentrons 96 Flat Bottom Heater-Shaker Adapter with NEST 96 Well Plate 200 µL Flat	opentrons_96_flat_bottom_adapter_nest_wellplate_200ul_flat
Opentrons 96 PCR Heater-Shaker Adapter with NEST Well Plate 100 μL	opentrons_96_pcr_adapter_nest_wellplate_100ul_pcr_full_skirt
Opentrons Universal Flat Heater-Shaker Adapter with Corning 384 Well Plate 112 µL Flat	opentrons_universal_flat_adapter_corning_384_wellplate_112ul_flat

You can purchase adapters directly from Opentrons:

• Universal Flat Adapter
• PCR Adapter
• Deep Well Adapter
• 96 Flat Bottom Adapter

Note

Don't use a combined definition if you need to move labware onto or off of the Heater-Shaker during your protocol, either with the gripper or manually. Use a standalone adapter definition instead.

Adapter/labware combination	API load name
Opentrons 96 Deep Well Heater-Shaker Adapter with NEST Deep Well Plate 2 mL	opentrons_96_deep_well_adapter_nest_wellplate_2ml_deep
Opentrons 96 Flat Bottom Heater-Shaker Adapter with NEST 96 Well Plate 200 µL Flat	opentrons_96_flat_bottom_adapter_nest_wellplate_200ul_flat
Opentrons 96 PCR Heater-Shaker Adapter with NEST Well Plate 100 µL	opentrons_96_pcr_adapter_nest_wellplate_100ul_pcr_full_skirt
Opentrons Universal Flat Heater-Shaker Adapter with Corning 384 Well Plate 112 µL Flat	opentrons_universal_flat_adapter_corning_384_wellplate_112ul_flat

Adapters can be purchased directly from Opentrons at https://shop.opentrons.com.

Well plates and API definitions

The Opentrons Labware Library defines the characteristics of the well plates listed above in separate JSON files. The Flex robot and the Opentrons Python API rely on these JSON definitions to work with labware used by your protocols. For example, when working with the API, the ProtocolContext.load_labware function accepts these labware names as valid parameters in your code. Linked API load names connect to the well plate labware definitions in the Opentrons GitHub repository.

Custom well plate labware

Try using the Opentrons Labware Creator to make a custom labware definition if a well plate you'd like to use isn't listed here. A custom definition combines all the dimensions, metadata, shapes, volumetric capacity, and other information in a JSON file. The Opentrons Flex reads this information to understand how to work with your custom labware. See the Custom Labware Definitions section for more information.

Tips and tip racks

Opentrons Flex tips come in 50 µL, 200 µL, and 1000 µL sizes. These are clear, non-conducting polypropylene tips that are available with or without filters. They're packaged sterile in racks that hold 96 tips and are free of DNase, RNase, protease, pyrogens, human DNA, endotoxins, and PCR inhibitors. Racks also include lot numbers and expiration dates.

Flex pipette tips work with all single- and multi-channel Opentrons Flex 50 µL and 1000 µL pipettes. While any Flex tip fits on any Flex pipette, you should always match the tip to a pipette of the same capacity or larger. For best performance, use the smallest tips that can hold the amount of liquid you need to aspirate. See Pipette specifications for examples.

Pipette capacity	Compatible tips
1–50 µL	50 µL tips only
5–1000 µL	50 μL, 200 μL, and 1000 µL tips

Tip racks

Unfiltered and filtered tips are bundled into a rack that consists of a reusable base plate, a mid-plate that holds 96 tips, and a lid.

Tip rack by volume	API load name
50 μL	Unfiltered: opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_50ul Filtered: opentrons_flex_96_filtertiprack_50ul
200 µL	Unfiltered: opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_200ul Filtered: opentrons_flex_96_filtertiprack_200ul
1000 µL	Unfiltered: opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_1000ul Filtered: opentrons_flex_96_filtertiprack_1000ul

To help with identification, the tip rack mid-plates are color coded based on tip size:

• 50 µL: magenta
• 200 µL: yellow
• 1000 µL: blue

When ordering or reordering, tips and racks come in two different packaged configurations:

• Racks: Consist of separately shrink-wrapped tip racks (base plate, mid-plate with tips, and lid). Racked configurations are best when cleanliness is paramount, to avoid cross-contamination, or when your protocols don't allow for base plate or component reuse.
• Refills: Consist of one complete tip rack (base plate, mid plate with tips, and lid) and individual tip containers. Refill configurations are best when your protocols allow for base plate or component reuse.

Tip-pipette compatibility

Flex pipette tips are designed for the Opentrons Flex pipettes. Flex tips are not backwards compatible with Opentrons OT-2 pipettes, nor can you use OT-2 tips on Flex pipettes.

Other industry-standard tips may work with Flex pipettes, but this is not recommended. To ensure optimum performance, you should only use Opentrons Flex tips with Flex pipettes.

Tip rack adapter

The 96-channel pipette requires an adapter to attach a full rack of tips properly. During the attachment procedure, the pipette moves over the adapter, lowers itself onto the mounting pins, and pulls tips onto the pipettes by lifting the adapter and tip rack.

Note

Only use the tip rack adapter when picking up a full rack of tips at once. Place tip racks directly on the deck when picking up fewer tips.

Warning

Pinch point hazard. Keep hands away from the tip rack adapter while the pipette is attaching pipette tips.

Adapter type	API load name
Opentrons Flex 96 Tip Rack Adapter	opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_adapter

The tip rack adapter is compatible with the Opentrons Flex Gripper. You can use the gripper to place fresh tip racks on the adapter or to pick up and move used tip racks into the waste chute.

Tubes and tube racks

The Opentrons 4-in-1 Tube Rack system works with the Opentrons Flex by default. Using the 4-in-1 tube rack helps reduce your prep work burden because the combinations it provides are automation-ready right out of the box. More information is also available in the Opentrons Labware Library.

Tube and rack combinations

The Opentrons 4-in-1 tube rack supports a wide variety of tube sizes, singly or in different size (volume) combinations. These include a:

• 6-tube rack for 50 mL tubes (6 × 50 mL).
• 10-tube combination rack for four 50 mL tubes and six 15 mL tubes (4 × 50 mL, 6 × 15 mL).
• 15-tube rack for 15 mL tubes (15 × 15 mL).
• 24-tube rack for 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, or 2 mL tubes (24 × 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2 mL).

Note

All tubes are cylindrical with V-shaped (conical) bottoms unless otherwise indicated.

6-tube racks

Tube type	API load name
6 Falcon 50 mL	opentrons_6_tuberack_falcon_50ml_conical
6 NEST 50 mL	opentrons_6_tuberack_nest_50ml_conical

10-tube racks

Tube type	API load name
4 Falcon 50 mL 6 Falcon 15 mL	opentrons_10_tuberack_falcon_4x50ml_6x15ml_conical
4 NEST 50 mL 6 NEST 15 mL	opentrons_10_tuberack_nest_4x50ml_6x15ml_conical

15-tube racks

Tube type	API load name
15 Falcon 15 mL	opentrons_15_tuberack_falcon_15ml_conical
15 NEST 15 mL	opentrons_15_tuberack_nest_15ml_conical

24-tube racks

Tube type	API load name
24 Eppendorf Safe-Lock 1.5 mL	opentrons_24_tuberack_eppendorf_1.5ml_safelock_snapcap
24 Eppendorf Safe-Lock 2 mL, U-shaped bottom	opentrons_24_tuberack_eppendorf_2ml_safelock_snapcap
24 generic 2 mL screw cap	opentrons_24_tuberack_generic_2ml_screwcap
24 NEST 0.5 mL screw cap	opentrons_24_tuberack_nest_0.5ml_screwcap
24 NEST 1.5 mL screw cap	opentrons_24_tuberack_nest_1.5ml_screwcap
24 NEST 1.5 mL snap cap	opentrons_24_tuberack_nest_1.5ml_snapcap
24 NEST 2 mL screw cap	opentrons_24_tuberack_nest_2ml_screwcap
24 NEST 2 mL snap cap, U-shaped bottom	opentrons_24_tuberack_nest_2ml_snapcap

Tube rack API definitions

The Opentrons Labware Library defines the characteristics of the tube racks listed above in separate JSON files. The Flex robot and the Opentrons Python API rely on these JSON definitions to work with labware used by your protocols. For example, when working with the API, the ProtocolContext.load_labware function accepts these labware names as valid parameters in your code. Linked API load names connect to the tube rack labware definitions in the Opentrons GitHub repository.

Custom tube rack labware

Try creating a custom labware definition using the Opentrons Labware Creator if a tube and rack combination you'd like to use isn't listed here. A custom definition combines all the dimensions, metadata, shapes, volumetric capacity, and other information in a JSON file. The Opentrons Flex reads this information to understand how to work with your custom labware. See the Custom Labware Definitions section for more information.

Aluminum blocks

Aluminum blocks ship with the Temperature Module GEN2 and can be purchased separately as a three-piece set. The set includes a flat bottom plate, a 24-well block, and a 96-well block.

The Opentrons Flex uses aluminum blocks to hold sample tubes and well plates on the Temperature Module or directly on the deck. When used with the Temperature Module, the aluminum blocks can keep your sample tubes, PCR strips, or plates at a constant temperature between 4 °C and 95 °C.

Flat bottom plate

The flat bottom plate for Flex ships with the Temperature Module's caddy and is compatible with various ANSI/SLAS standard well plates. This flat plate differs from the plate that ships with the Temperature Module itself or the separate three-piece set. It features a wider working surface and chamfered corner clips. These features help improve the performance of the Opentrons Flex Gripper when moving labware onto or off of the plate.

You can tell which flat bottom plate you have because the one for Flex has the words "Opentrons Flex" on its top surface. The one for OT-2 does not.

24-well aluminum block

The 24-well block is used with individual sample vials. For example, it accepts sample vials that:

• Have V-shaped or U-shaped bottoms.
• Secure contents with snap cap or screw cap closures.
• Hold liquid in capacities of 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2 mL.

96-well aluminum block

The 96-well block supports a wide variety of well plate types. For example, it accepts well plates that are:

• From major well-plate manufacturers like Bio-Rad and NEST.
• Designed with V-shaped bottoms, U-shaped bottoms, or flat bottoms.
• Designed with 100 µL or 200 µL wells.

It is also compatible with generic PCR strips.

Standalone adapters

Thermal block	API load name
Flex flat bottom plate	opentrons_aluminum_flat_bottom_plate
24-well aluminum block	See labware combinations below.
96-well aluminum block	opentrons_96_well_aluminum_block

Aluminum block labware combinations

The Opentrons Labware Library supports the following block, vial, and well plate combinations, which are also defined in separate JSON labware definition files. The Flex robot and the Opentrons Python API rely on these JSON definitions to work with labware used by your protocols. For example, when working with the API, the ProtocolContext.load_labware function accepts these labware names as valid parameters in your code. The tables below list the default block/container combinations and related API load names. Links connect to corresponding JSON definitions in the Opentrons GitHub repository.

Note

All tubes have V-shaped bottoms unless otherwise indicated.

24-well aluminum block labware combinations

24-well block contents	API load name
Generic 2 mL screw cap	opentrons_24_aluminumblock_generic_2ml_screwcap
NEST 0.5 mL screw cap	opentrons_24_aluminumblock_nest_0.5ml_screwcap
NEST 1.5 mL screw cap	opentrons_24_aluminumblock_nest_1.5ml_screwcap
NEST 1.5 mL snap cap	opentrons_24_aluminumblock_nest_1.5ml_snapcap
NEST 2 mL screw cap	opentrons_24_aluminumblock_nest_2ml_screwcap
NEST 2 mL snap cap, U-shaped bottom	opentrons_24_aluminumblock_nest_2ml_snapcap

96-well aluminum block labware combinations

96-well block contents	API load name
Bio-Rad well plate 200 µL	opentrons_96_aluminumblock_biorad_wellplate_200uL
Generic PCR strip 200 µL	opentrons_96_aluminumblock_generic_pcr_strip_200uL
NEST well plate 100 µL	opentrons_96_aluminumblock_nest_wellplate_100uL

Labware and the Opentrons Flex Gripper

Although the Opentrons Flex works with all the inventory in the Labware Library, the Opentrons Flex Gripper is compatible with specific labware items only. Currently, the Gripper is optimized for use with the following labware items.

Labware category	Brands
Deep Well Plates	NEST 96 Deep Well Plate 2 mL
Fully Skirted 96 Well Plates	Opentrons Tough 96 Well Plate 200 µL PCR Full Skirt NEST 96 Well Plate 200 µL Flat
Tip Racks (unfiltered and filtered tips)	Opentrons Flex 96 Tip Rack 50 µL Opentrons Flex 96 Tip Rack 200 µL Opentrons Flex 96 Tip Rack 1000 µL

Note

For best results, use the Flex Gripper only with the labware listed above. The Flex Gripper may work with other ANSI/SLAS automation compliant labware, but this is not recommended.

Custom labware definitions

As discussed at the beginning of this chapter, custom labware is labware that's not listed in the Opentrons Labware Library. You can use other common or unique labware items with the Flex by accurately measuring and recording the characteristics of that object and saving that data in a JSON file. When imported into the app, the Flex and the API uses that JSON data to interact with your labware. Opentrons provides tools and services, which we'll examine below, to help you use the Flex with custom labware.

Creating custom labware definitions

Opentrons tools and services help put custom labware within your reach. These features accommodate different skill levels and ways of working. Creating your own labware, and using it with the Opentrons Flex, helps make the robot a versatile and powerful addition to your lab.

Custom Labware Creator

The Custom Labware Creator is a no-code, web-based tool that uses a graphical interface to help you create a labware definition file. Labware Creator produces a JSON labware definition file that you import into the Opentrons App. After that, your custom labware is available to the Flex robot and the Python API.

Custom Labware Service

Get in touch with us if the labware you'd like to use isn't available in the library, if you can't create your own definitions, or because a custom item includes different shapes, sizes, or other irregularities described below.

Labware you can define in Labware Creator	Labware Opentrons needs to define
Wells and tubes are uniform and identical.	Wells and tube shapes vary.
All rows are evenly spaced (the space between rows is equal).	Rows are not evenly spaced.
All columns are evenly spaced (the space between columns is equal).	Columns are not evenly spaced.
Fits perfectly in one deck slot.	Smaller than one deck slot (requires adapter) or spans multiple deck slots.

Here are some diagrams that help you visualize the examples described above.

Layout	Description
	Regular All columns are evenly spaced and all rows are evenly spaced. Columns do not need to have the same spacing as rows.
	Regular The grid does not have to be in the center of labware.
	Irregular Rows are evenly spaced but columns are not evenly spaced.
	Irregular Columns/rows are evenly spaced but wells are not identical.
	Irregular There is more than one grid.

If you need help creating custom labware definitions, contact Opentrons Support (support@opentrons.com). They will work to design custom labware definitions based on your requirements. This is a fee-based service.

Python API

While you cannot create custom labware with our API, you can use custom labware with the available API methods. However, you need to define your custom labware first and import it into the Opentrons App.

Once you have added your labware to the Opentrons App, it's available to the Python API and the robot. For information about writing protocol scripts with the API, see the Python Protocol API section in the Protocol Development chapter.

JSON labware schema

A JSON file is the blueprint for Opentrons standard and custom labware. This file contains and organizes labware data according to the design specifications set by the default schema.

A schema is a framework for organizing data. It sets the rules about what information is required or optional and how it’s organized in the JSON file. If you’re interested, take a moment to review our labware schema. For an actual example, see the definition for the Opentrons 96 PCR Adapter. The following table lists and defines the items in the Opentrons labware schema.

Property	Data type	Definition
schemaVersion	Number	Schema version used by a labware. The current version is 3.
version	Integer	An incrementing integer that identifies the labware version. Minimum version is 1.
namespace	String	See safeString in the JSON definitions section below.
metadata	Object	Properties used for search and display. Accepts only: displayName (String): An easy-to-remember labware name. displayCategory: Labels used in the UI to categorize labware. See displayCategory in the JSON definitions section below. displayVolumeUnits (String): Labels used in the UI to indicate volume. Must be either µL, mL, or L.
brand	Object	Information about the labware manufacturer or those products the labware is compatible with.
parameters	Object	Internal parameters that describe labware characteristics. Accepts only: format (String): Determines labware compatibility with multichannel pipettes. Must be one of 96Standard, 384Standard, trough, irregular, or trash. quirks (Array): Strings describing labware behavior. See the Opentrons 96 Deep Well Adapter definition. isTiprack (Boolean): Indicates if labware is a tip rack (true) or not (false). tipLength (Number): Required if labware is a tip rack. Specifies tip length (in mm), from top to bottom, as indicated in technical drawings or as measured with calipers. tipoverlap (Number): Required if labware is a tip rack. Specifies how far tips on a tip rack are expected to overlap with the pipette's nozzle. Defined as tip length minus the distance between the bottom of the pipette and the bottom of the tip. The robot's calibration process may fine-tune this estimate. loadName: Name used to reference a labware definition (e.g., opentrons_flex_96_tiprack_50_ul). isMagneticModuleCompatible (Boolean): Indicates if labware is compatible with the Magnetic Module. magneticModuleEngageHeight: How far the Magnetic Module will move its magnets when used with this labware. See positiveNumber in the JSON definitions section below.
ordering	Array	An array that tracks how wells should be ordered on a piece of labware. See the Opentrons 96 PCR Adapter example.
cornerOffsetFromSlot	Object	Used for labware that spans multiple deck slots. Offset is the distance from the left-front-bottom corner of the slot to the left-front-bottom corner of the labware bounding box. Accepts only: x (number) y (number) z (number) For labware that does not span multiple slots, these values should be zero. See positiveNumber in the JSON definitions section below.
dimensions	Object	Outer dimensions (in mm) of a piece of labware. Accepts only: xDimension (length) yDimension (width) zDimension (height) See the Opentrons 96 PCR Adapter example.
wells	Object	An unordered object of well objects, including position and dimensions. Each well object's key is the well's coordinates, which must be an uppercase letter followed by a number, e.g., A1, B1, H12. Each well object accepts the following properties: depth (Number): The distance (in mm) between the top and bottom of the well. For tip racks, depth is ignored in favor of tipLength, but the values should match. x (Number): Location of the center-bottom of a well in reference to the left of the labware. y (Number): Location of the center-bottom of a well in reference to the front of the labware. z (Number): Location of the center-bottom of a well in reference to the bottom of the labware. totalLiquidVolume (Number): Total well, tube, or tip volume in µL. xDimension (Number): Length of a rectangular well. yDimension (Number): Width of a rectangular well. diameter (Number): Diameter of a circular well. shape (String): Either rectangular or circular. If rectangular, specify xDimension and yDimension. If circular, specify diameter. For a circular well example, see the Opentrons 96 PCR Adapter. For a rectangular well example, see the NEST 96 Deep Well Plate 2mL. For dimension, depth, and volume, see positiveNumber in the JSON definitions section below.
groups	Array	Logical well groupings for metadata and display purposes. Changes in groups do not affect protocol execution. Each item in the array accepts: wells (Array): An array of wells (e.g., ["A1", "B1", "C1"]) that share the same metadata. Array elements are strings. metadata (Object): Metadata specific to a grid of wells. Accepts only: displayName (String): Human-readable name for the well group. displayCategory: Labels used to categorize well groups. See displayCategory in the JSON definitions section below. wellBottomShape (String): Bottom shape of a well. Available shapes are flat, u, or v only. brand: Brand information for the well group. See brandData in the JSON definitions section below.
allowedRoles	Array	Defines an item's role or purpose. If the allowedRoles field is missing from a definition, an item is treated as labware. Possible array items are only the following strings: labware (standard labware items) adapter (items designed to hold labware) fixture (items that are affixed to the deck) maintenance (items not used in normal protocol runs)
stackingOffsetWithLabware	Object	For labware that can stack on top of another piece of labware. Used to determine z-height (labware z height + adapter z height - overlap). See coordinates in the JSON definitions section below.
stackingOffsetWithModule	Object	For labware that can stack on top of a module. Used to determine z-height (module labware offset z + labware z - overlap). See coordinates in the JSON definitions section below.
gripperOffsets	Object	Offsets added when calculating the coordinates the gripper should go to when picking up or dropping other labware on this labware. Includes a default object that includes two properties: pickUpOffset: Offset added to calculate the pick-up coordinates of labware placed on this labware. dropOffset: Offset added to calculate the drop-off coordinates of labware placed on this labware. See coordinates in the JSON definitions section below.
gripForce	Number	Measured in newtons, this is the force which the gripper uses to grasp labware. Recommended values are between 5 and 16.
gripHeightFromLabwareBottom	Number	Recommended z-axis height, from the labware bottom to the center of the gripper pads.

JSON labware definitions

Property	Data type	Definition
positiveNumber	Number	Minimum: 0.
brandData	Object	Information about branded items. Accepts only: brand (String): Brand/manufacturer's name. brandId (Array): OEM part numbers or IDs. links (Array): Manufacturer URLs. Array items are strings.
displayCategory	String	Must be one of: tipRack tubeRack reservoir trash wellPlate aluminumBlock adapter other
safeString	String	A string safe to use for load names and namespaces. Lowercase letters, numerals, periods, and underscores only.
coordinates	Object	Coordinates that specify a distance or position along the x-, y-, and z-axes. Accepts only: x (number) y (number) z (number)