It´s complicated. In this case I think it is better to contact the supplier to understand why happen. It is not normal, however may be a problem during fibres production.

Hope you solve the situation.

Regards

JSCamara

If you are sure that the problem is being occuring due to the needle calibration and axis adjustment of the autosampler you used, then just ask for technical support from the vendor. Sometimes low-quality septa material and improper plunger speed may affect the SPME needle introduction to the inlet system.

I don't think that the problem is on the x,y,z offset since the needle guide is ok. It looks like something is blocking the fiber and preventing it from coming out. Take a look on:

- the septum quality (septum pieces can block the fiber inside the guide; try thermogreen LB-2 Septa, pre-drilleds from supelco or other companies septa with a CenterGuide design to minimize coring)

- the liner design that should be straight and preferably without wool (coring from septa will block the fiber on the 0.75 mm I.D. spme liners, if so try the 1.8 mm I.D. liners for SPME arrow or a 2.0 mm I.D. )

- your sample matrix and extraction mode. Are you doing headspace or direct immersion? The last one may promote blocking . If the problem is in the combipal, I will take a look on the arm that handles the holder's plunger. Is it well assembled? Vibrates when operating?

Hi there,

A couple of years ago we had the same problem, we looked into all the things proposed above, still the fiber bent. It so just happend that we had chanced supplier, and the vial cap´s septum was too thick, which was causing the damage.