Labware considerations

About this topic

This topic provides guidelines for selecting automation-ready labware for use with the Microplate Labeler.

Acceptable microplates

The Microplate Labeler accommodates a wide range of microplates that meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards ANSI/SBS 1-2004 through ANSI/SBS 4-2004.

Note: You can contact the labware manufacturer to inquire about ANSI-compliant labware.

For use of nonconforming labware, contact Agilent Automation Solutions Technical Support.

Figure. Microplate (side view) with barcode label

 

 

About label placement

The Microplate Labeler is designed to place the labels as follows:

•	Centered horizontally (left to right) on of any of the four sides of a microplate.

•	At either of two vertical positions on the microplate. This feature accommodates the labware of varying sizes or that have different skirt heights.

Figure. Examples of label positions on different sizes of labware

 

On microplates with tall skirts, labels may be placed on the skirt, but should be evaluated for compatibility with the application. See the following guidelines.

Labware selection guidelines

To attach a label to a microplate successfully, the Microplate Labeler requires a flat, even surface that is slightly larger than the label. Applying labels to an uneven surface, for example overlapping the edge of a microplate skirt, results in problems with label adhesion.

The following table provides guidelines. Evaluate the make and model of all your microplates to ensure consistent results for all application conditions.

 

Criteria	Guidelines
Microplate design	Avoid microplates with the following features that can interfere with label placement and adhesion: • Microplates with tall, raised skirts • Microplates with raised surfaces on the sides • Low-profile microplates with no skirt or half-skirted microplates, such as PCR plates, where the available height for label placement is very near or less than the height of the label Such microplates may also be incompatible with the Microplate Labeler plate stage. • Microplates with holes in the sides, which can reduce adhesion of the label Holes can also be challenging for robotic grippers.
Microplate material	The Microplate Labeler is designed for compatibility with labware that features plasticized surfaces, such as polypropylene or polystyrene. For the best results, apply the adhesive labels to labware that is: • Dry and at room temperature • Clean and has not been subjected to liquids or powders that can reduce or prevent adhesion of the labels • Not warped Warped microplates can hamper the device’s ability to repeatably place labels at the same position on all microplates within a run.

Related topics

 

For information about...	See...
Label formats and content	About label formats and content
Plate stage and applicator head positions	About plate stage and applicator head positions
Setting the height of the plate stage position	Setting the plate stage vertical positions