Get individual bar codes on your microplates [10.11.2006]

BRAND moves bar coding from printed labels to direct printing - "...the difference is in the details!"

BRAND will now offer micro-, deep well- and PCR-plates with bar codes printed directly on the plates. Direct printing makes the bar coding more flexible, rugged and cost-effective than ever before. To save even more, during the introductory period, BRAND is offering custom printed bar coded plates without additional charge.

Bar coded micro-, deep well- and PCR-plates are an integral part of the BRAND product range. Recently, BRAND converted its offering from printed bar code labels to directly printed plates. "Bar codes on printed labels and those printed directly on plates seem similar at first glance -as is often the case, the difference is in the details." explains product manager Dr. Antonio Romaguera. "BRAND can rely on decades of experience printing laboratory glassware and plastic ware. Our high-quality, direct-print process results in a bar code that is significantly more rugged, cost-effective and flexible than applied labels."

Plates are initially printed with a white base in the barcode area to form a consistent background, over which the bar code is applied. By carefully matching the plate, background and bar code print, the bar code demonstrates exceptional resistance to temperature, chemical and mechanical forces. This approach also overcomes the problems arising from printing a bar code directly on transparent plastics; in such cases, some bar code scanners have difficulty achieving a correct read because of reflected light. The white background substantially improves the machine-readability of the bar code.

The bar code printing can be easily integrated in the automated production process. Individually bar coded plates are thereby both cost-efficient and available in quantities as small as 1000 plates. Previously, bar code systems were only practical in laboratories with thousands of samples per day. With much smaller minimums on custom plates, laboratories with even modest sample throughput can use bar code systems, not only for efficiency, but also as an essential part of their quality management system.

Here you will find a specification sheet that may be used to define your individual bar code printing requirements, and to order samples free of charge. Using the specification sheet, you can specify, for example, the type of bar code, the bar code position on the plate, or the plain text position. Based on your specifications, BRAND experts work closely with you to provide an optimal, individual solution. During the introductory period of the BRAND direct printing bar coding system, BRAND is offering bar coded plates with an individual designation at no additional charge. Micro-, deep well- or PCR-plates may also be printed, for example, with your organization logo, or even with the abbreviation of a particular department or working group.