Hardware overview

About this topic

This topic describes the Microplate Labeler hardware features, including the optional barcode reader.

Front view

The Microplate Labeler is comprised of a barcode applicator and label printer assembled on a baseplate.

Figure. Microplate Labeler components (front view)

 

 

Item	Feature	Description
1	Printer	Prints a label (600 dpi) and pauses when the label reaches the peelbar to allow the applicator head to retrieve the printed label. The printer supports the printing of linear or two-dimensional (2D) barcodes. A Microplate Labeler that is fitted with the cab SQUIX model printer has a touchscreen. For details, see Using the cab SQUIX printer touchscreen. The cab A2+ model printer has a display and navigation pad. For details, see Using the cab A2+ printer display and navigator pad.
2	Applicator	Contains the plate stage, applicator head, green button, electronics, and the connection panel (back side) for the device.
3	Plate stage	Provides a platform to support a plate delivered by a robot or a person. The plate stage rotates side to side to enable labeling on all four sides of a microplate. The plate stage rotation also allows the optional barcode reader to read any side of a microplate. The plate stage can move up and down to provide a choice of two vertical labeling positions to accommodate labware of varying heights. IMPORTANT If you purchased a standalone Microplate Labeler and later decide to integrate the device with a BenchCel Workstation, a different type of plate stage may be required. Contact Agilent Automation Solutions Technical Support for more information.
4	Green button	Starts a print-and-apply operation for printing test labels.
5	Applicator head	Rotates between the printer and the plate stage. Uses vacuum pads (suction cups) to pick up a printed label from the printer and apply the label to a microplate on the plate stage.
6	Vacuum pads	Uses vacuum to pick up a label from the printer and uses compressed air to apply the label to a microplate on the plate stage.
7	Printer peelbar	Provides a platform for presenting each label to the applicator head vacuum pads. As the label strip travels over the peelbar, each label lifts off the label backing slightly to allow the applicator head to pick up the label.

Connection panel (back view)

The Microplate Labeler connection panel is on the back of the applicator, next to the printer.

Figure. Microplate Labeler connection panel (back view)

 

 

 

Item	Feature	Description
1	Air supply port	Connects to a compressed-air source. The device uses compressed air to: • Move the plate stage up and down • Rotate the applicator head side to side • Extend and retract the applicator head • Create a vacuum that the applicator head uses to pick up labels from the printer • Apply labels to a microplate
2	Ethernet port	Connects an Ethernet cable from the controlling computer to the Microplate Labeler for communication. IMPORTANT Ethernet is the recommended mode of communication. If you connect to the Microplate Labeler using the Ethernet port, you do not use the serial port.
3	Barcode reader port	Connects the cable from the optional barcode reader to the Microplate Labeler for communication.
4	Serial port	Connects a serial cable from the controlling computer to the Microplate Labeler to provide serial communication. You can use the 1.8‑m (6-ft) serial-communications cable (beige) provided in the Microplate Labeler utility kit. Note: If you connect to the Microplate Labeler using the serial port, you do not use the Ethernet port.
5	Power switch	Turns on (|) or off (o) the power.
6	AC power port	Connects the power cable.
7	Pressure gauge	Indicates the regulated air pressure.
8	Air pressure regulator	Regulates the incoming air pressure to ensure that the device’s internal components are not exposed to air pressure that is too high.
9	Fuse holder	Houses the electrical fuse.

Printer overview

 

Do not use the touchscreen or navigator pad to adjust the printer settings unless directed to do so by Agilent Automation Solutions Technical Support. Using the printer touchscreen (cab SQUIX) or navigator pad (cab A2+) to change the printer settings can cause the Microplate Labeler to fail. The printer has been specially configured as part of the Microplate Labeler.

 

 

The printer display must show the Ready message before you can initialize the device. During operation, the software displays operator messages and error messages on the computer screen.

 

Printer front view

Figure. Printer front view (A) cab SQUIX printer, (B) cab A2+ printer

 

 

Item	Feature	Description
1	Cover	Removable transparent plastic cover that opens to provide access for cleaning the printer components and changing the media.
2	cab SQUIX printer touchscreen	Displays the Ready message and various messages for service, and provides access to the Help menu that contains how-to videos for maintaining the printer. For details, see Using the cab SQUIX printer touchscreen.
3	cab A2+ printer service display	Displays the Ready message and various messages for service. For details, see Using the cab A2+ printer display and navigator pad.
4	cab A2+ service navigator pad	Used by the factory and field service personnel to set up the printer or change settings on the printer.

Printer side view

Figure. Printer side view with cover removed

 

 

Item	Feature	Description
1	Ribbon supply hub	Holds the unused printer ribbon roll. The printer requires the Microplate Labeler Media Kit (not shown), which contains the thermal transfer ribbon and labels for the printer.
2	Ribbon take-up hub	Rewinds the used ribbon.
3	Printhead (hidden under the ribbon)	The narrow bar that presses the image through the ribbon and onto the label as the media move into position on to the print roller.
4	Print roller and rewind assist roller	The rollers that assist in moving the label strip under the printhead (print roller) and to the internal rewinder.
5	Internal rewinder	Rewinds and holds the used label strip.
6	Roll retainer	Holds the unused label roll.
7	Margin stop	Locks the roll retainer and holds the ribbon roll securely in place.

Barcode reader

The optional barcode reader is connected to the Microplate Labeler so that it can be used with the software to verify or clone barcodes.

 

Successful integration of a barcode reader requires that the barcode reader have the correct pinouts, power, and is able to communicate the correct commands to the Microplate Labeler.

 

Figure. Microplate Labeler with barcode reader installed

 

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
Barcodes	• Introduction to microplate labels and barcodes • Barcodes and supported symbologies
The labeling process	How the device applies a label
How to install and use the barcode reader	Agilent Automation Solutions Technical Support