Shimadzu Debuts Multiple New Analytical Products at Pittcon 2025

Kevin McLaughlin speaks during the Shimadzu press conference at Pittcon 2025. | Image credit: Caroline Hroncich

During Pittcon 2025, taking place in Boston, MA, March 1-5, 2025, Shimadzu announced multiple new products and its new facilities in North America. The announcements come as the company marks its 150th anniversary.

“There isn’t a huge list of companies who can say they have been around for 150 years,” said Kevin McLaughlin, marketing and communications for Shimadzu. “It’s a testament to the talent, the spirit of the people at Shimadzu. The goal is to develop solutions that propel the world forward, and that’s what they do, and they’re incredibly good at it.”

During the event, Shimadzu introduced a series of compact gas chromatography systems, three ultraviolet (UV)-Vis spectrophotometers, a new line of triple quadrupole mass spectrometers, and an upgraded upkeep system for its MALDI-8000 Series time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometers.

Shimadzu expanded its Brevis GC-2050 model into a full lineup of compact gas chromatography (GC) systems, compatible with a range of detectors, injectors, and sample preparation devices. The updated lineup includes a newly developed thermal conductivity detector, which is about a quarter the size of conventional models and allows for faster stabilization and high-sensitivity analysis of inorganic gases and light hydrocarbons. Additionally, the company introduced the GI-30 Auto Gas Selector, an optional system designed for automated gas sample analysis with improved injection reproducibility.

The company also introduced a new lineup of triple quadrupole mass spectrometry instruments that include enhanced ionization and noise reduction technologies, along with software that monitors system performance and assists with troubleshooting. It also includes an energy-saving mode to reduce power consumption and operating costs. The lineup consists of three models: the LCMS-8045RX for routine analysis, the LCMS-8050RX for high-speed operation with increased sensitivity, and the LCMS-8060RX, the most advanced model.

The company’s three new UV-Vis spectrophotometers include the UV-1900i Plus, UV-2600i Plus, and UV-2700i Plus. The UV-1900i Plus is a double-beam system designed for routine analysis, offering low stray light, fast scanning, and a simplified interface. The UV-2600i Plus, a single monochromator system, achieves low stray light and can expand its measurement range with an optional integrating sphere attachment. The UV-2700i Plus, a double monochromator system, enables high absorbance measurements for low-transmittance samples. All three models include automated functions to assist users and improve analytical accuracy.

The company also announced updates to its MALDI EasyCare solution for MALDI-8000 Series TOF Mass Spectrometers, allowing users to perform routine maintenance without requiring service engineer support. This solution addresses ion optics contamination, which can affect instrument performance, by enabling operators to remove, clean, and refit the optics. The solution is particularly beneficial for high-shot applications like MALDI imaging and analyses involving samples that quickly contaminate optics.

According to a third-quarter financial results briefing released in early February, the Kyoto, Japan-based company is prioritizing business growth in North America and India. In April 2024, the company opened a new research and development (R&D) center with locations near Boston, San Francisco, and in Maryland.

McLaughlin also introduced Patrick Fromal, who will be taking over as president of the company’s analytical division in early April. He currently serves as senior executive vice president for sales and marketing. The company has been serving the American market for 50 years.

“It’s us trying to find stronger bonds with the KOLs in North America.” Fromal said of the new R&D center. “We’re excited about the direction that Shimadzu is going.”

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