Synthetic oligonucleotides (oligos) are critical components for genomic research. The polystyrene beads on which the oligos are synthesized are 60 microns wide. The bead volume for synthesizing one oligo sequence is 150 microliters, more than a typical order. A variable powder dispenser would provide exactly what the customer needs, eliminate waste, and reduce processing time. Thus Applied Biosystems requires a clean automated powder dispenser with volumes discretely varying from 1 to 150 microliters at a precision of ±3% control volume.