Hi all,
In my biotech company we are currently looking into automation of some of our production processes. Ideally we would automate the filling, capping, and labeling of 0,5-2 ml micro tubes, in a system that fits on a lab bench, although the latter seems ambitious. For the labeling, we would highly prefer stick-on labels over directly printed on the tubes.
The main thing is that right now the throughput is not that high, and we don’t expect to grow anywhere near the numbers of industrial applications handling 3000+ tubes per hour that I can find by simply Googling around. A system that could handle anywhere around 200-1000 units per hour would already be more than enough for us at this point.
There seems to be plenty of options for liquid handling robots, but as far as I can see Opentrons and Hamiltons do not have a labeling module. Did I do my research wrong and they do have this? Are there other all-in-one packages I could look at? Or is it possible to combine another labeling machine with a robotic arm like Opentron has available?
Thanks in advance!
Have you checked out Scinomix or labeling machine?
I’ve seen those systems integrated on or near Tecan Fluent’s. With that said, are these production processes client facing or internal? If it’s internal, you can also change the tube format to something pre labeled and save yourself that headache.
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I will have a look at those thank you very much! They seem to have an all-in-one solution themselves with the AQ aliquoting system (at least, the video shows a labeling device in there, although not in use), and it is big, but still benchtop format.
Unfortunately this production is client facing, so pre-labeling will not work.
Alternatively you can also label and sort in a 2 step process with something akin to BioMicroLab and then move that rack to a liquid handler for processing.
Labman Automation also has some neat solutions that may work, really depends on your fill & finish process tbh especially if it’s highly regulated.
If you’re up for it, it’s definitely possible to build your own system for higher throughput using the pieces you’re looking at today.
When building your own system, would that include a larger ‘general purpose’ robot in a big enough workspace to add modules? Given our technical expertise, I doubt that would be the best way to do it, as much as I would like it… 
I am currently assuming we either go for a premade solution or postpone (part of) the automation for now, as I would assume the cost of a custom machine would be significantly higher than anything off the shelf, such as a Opentron. But truth be told, I have no benchmark here, and all these suppliers do not list prices, so it might be good to reach out to them anyway.
One machine I came across was the X-TubeProcessor, which seems almost exactly what we want, other than it’s minimum pipetting volume being higher than 50 µL. It is a good option to consider though.
@JBergman I can second the LabMan recommendation, they have some neat filling modules they have done that could fit this capacity. If you DM a contact information happy to make the connection.
Without knowing anything about your process or needs, it’s tough to give a good recommendation. It seems like you may not need ‘general purpose’ robots but also you may not have the engineering expertise to build & manage your own custom setup. You also may not be interested in phase appropriate solutions.
Best thing to do is as you mentioned, talk to companies where you’ll have to divulge actual details, needs and they’ll be able to provide costs. It also doesn’t hurt to befriend consultants who will give it to you straight.
Hi There, please feel free to contact me and I can guide you through the complete range of BioMicroLab XL Range of Tube Handlers and Labellers.
Regards.
John
john.gray@sptlabtech.com
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We actually build these solutions for customers lab systems. Not to plug ourselves but if you need help lmk. We can also point in you in a few directions regardless.
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