Regardless of throughput expectations, every laboratory needs an efficient solution for printing and applying labware labels. Our sample identification and tracking experts have put together this list of five benchtop solutions we often recommend to customers dealing with lower throughput volumes or limited real estate. These models are compact, simple, and affordable compared to similar equipment for higher volumes or larger workflows. This list details three favorite benchtop printers and two small-but-mighty print-and-apply automation tools. If you’re looking for something that’ll fit on a desktop and help you apply labels to less than 1,500 pieces of labware a week, you’ll want to consider these models.
Barcode printers for print-on-demand workstations
Many smaller labs and storage facilities rely on print-on-demand solutions and hand labeling to address their labeling needs. Selecting a printer suited to your needs is incredibly important—in the case of low, volume facilities, you don’t want to invest more budget or valuable real estate than you can justify. Below are three printers we recommend to facilities processing under 1,500 pieces of labware weekly. These printers are compact, affordable, and intended to perform their best in lower-volume applications.
cab EOS2
The EOS2 is a versatile and compact printer, ideal for various applications, including healthcare. It handles media up to 8 inches wide, perfect for limited workspace. With an intuitive LED display, it ensures a seamless user experience. While offering robust print technology, diverse label sizes, and user-friendly operation, consider its limitations.
For most labware labeling, the 300 dpi resolution is sufficient, but for small barcodes on tubes and vials, consider a 600 dpi option. Note the absence of a peel-and-present feature, which streamlines labeling but is missing.
In summary, EOS2 suits lower-volume labs with limited space, offering affordability and user-friendliness for healthcare settings.
Zebra ZD Series
The ZD series comprises three compact clamshell models with diverse capabilities. Each offers a standard 200 dpi print resolution, allows media up to 4.09 inches, and provides an optional peeler. The interface for each model ranges from three to ten buttons and an LED display.
The 420 and 620 models offer a 300 dpi print resolution, increased print speeds, an optional cutter, and the peel option. However, the cutter add-on for the 420 or 620 may not handle thicker liners well. Additionally, the highest resolution available is 300 dpi, which may pose challenges for small barcodes.
Overall, the ZD series is an excellent choice for laboratory applications requiring fewer than 1,500 labels per week.
cab Mach 4S
The cab Mach4S boasts a compact clamshell design, engineered for industrial settings, yet it excels in healthcare environments.
Despite its small footprint, the Mach4S can handle media up to 8 inches wide. While wide media may not be the norm in labs, the Mach4S delivers image resolutions as high as 600 dpi, ideal for printing small barcodes found on tubes and vials. Its user-friendly LED display enhances ease of operation.
However, the Mach4S does have limitations, particularly for lower-volume healthcare facilities. It lacks dispensing options like a cutter or peeler. In summary, the Mach4S is a popular choice in labs due to its user-friendliness, reliability, and suitability for limited-volume applications.
Flexible barcoding with the modular cab SQUIX
The cab SQUIX printer offers exceptional value as a flexible printing solution, thanks to its wide range of optional accessories. It allows businesses to tailor their printing setup precisely to their needs, optimizing efficiency and functionality.
- 203, 300, or 600 dpi resolution
- Up to 300 mm/s print speed
- Varied print widths supported
- Cutter, perforator
- Barcode verification
- Peel and present
s3200 applicator accessory for labeling microplates
The S3200, an optional accessory for the cab SQUIX printer, transforms it into a benchtop microplate label applicator. With the same printing capabilities as the SQUIX, it offers high-quality printing, significantly speeding up and improving label application compared to manual methods.
Semi-automated print-and-apply labelers
Automation is a great way to speed things up—whether you’re looking to increase processing volumes, keep up with demand, improve placement precision or dedicate more time to tasks that directly validate your mission. While facilities dealing with minimal volumes—such as 20 or fewer pieces of labware on any given day—can get away with manual labeling with no problem, those processing more or aiming to boost accuracy might want to consider label automation. Here we’re going to cover two budget-friendly benchtop label automation solutions for lower volume labs—one for tubes and vials and the other for microwell plates.
cab Axon 1
The cab Axon 1 is a noteworthy addition to the world of tube and vial label automation. This compact device is designed to fit seamlessly on a desktop, offering a practical and space-saving solution. What sets the Axon 1 apart is its affordability; it’s one of the most budget-friendly tube and vial label applicators on the market.
In terms of performance, the Axon 1 doesn’t disappoint. It features a commendable 600 dpi image resolution, ensuring precise and high-quality labeling. While it may not have the same volume capacity as some higher-end automation equipment, for smaller facilities, this limitation is rarely an issue.
The Axon 1’s only notable limitation lies in its range of acceptable tube sizes. It can accommodate tubes up to 105mm in length and with diameters ranging from 10-17mm. However, the Axon 1 does a great job of accommodating unique tube shapes including conical tubes and capped tubes.
In summary, the cab Axon 1 is a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for tube and vial labeling. Its affordability, combined with its reliable performance and high image resolution, makes it an attractive choice for labs of various sizes, as long as your tubes fall within its accepted size range.
cab Axon 2
The cab Axon 2 has revolutionized tube and vial label automation. It’s not only compact enough for desktop use but also the most cost-effective tube and vial label applicator available today. Similar to higher-end applicators, the Axon 2 boasts an impressive 600 dpi image resolution, delivering increased application speed and accuracy.
While the Axon 2 matches the performance of higher-end automation equipment, it does have some limitations in terms of volume capacity and accepted tube sizes. In smaller facilities, the limited volume capacity isn’t a significant concern, but the range of acceptable tube sizes might be. The Axon 2 can only accommodate tubes up to 105mm in length and with diameters between 10-17mm.
However, if your tubes and vials fall within the Axon 2’s size range, it’s an excellent solution for your lab. Our customers have reported great success with this equipment. Its compact size and budget-friendly cost, compared to similar options, are significant advantages regardless of your lab’s size.
cab Hermes Q
Our engineers have customized the cab Hermes Q applicator to cater to the unique labeling needs of labs, particularly when it comes to bottles and other larger cylindrical objects. This applicator, designed for desktop use, provides a practical solution that seamlessly combines advanced features with affordability.
While the Hermes Q may not match the volume capacity of some higher-end automation systems, it excels in versatility. Its customized design allows it to handle various label sizes and formats for larger cylindrical objects. This adaptability makes it an invaluable tool for labs and facilities of different sizes, focusing on these specific labeling requirements.
In summary, the customized cab Hermes Q applicator shines in labs where labeling larger cylindrical objects, such as bottles, is a priority. Its ability to maintain high image resolution while offering adaptability to different label sizes and formats makes it a cost-effective and efficient solution for addressing this unique labeling challenge in the lab.
Final thoughts
Many smaller labs and storage facilities rely on print-on-demand solutions and hand labeling to address their labeling needs. Selecting a printer suited to your needs is incredibly important—in the case of low, volume facilities, you don’t want to invest more budget or valuable real estate than you can justify. Below are three printers we recommend to facilities processing under 1,500 pieces of labware weekly. These printers are compact, affordable, and intended to perform their best in lower-volume applications.
