Arvensis AP-1 Semi-Automated Tube Printer
The Arvensis AP-1 is a semi-automated tube and vial printer designed to apply labels directly onto plastic and glass labware. It combines a surface-cleaning step, dual printheads, and curing to produce durable, high-contrast markings suitable for barcodes, text, and simple graphics.
- Automation integrators and developers building mid- to high-throughput workflows.
- Biobanks and sample management teams handling diverse tube formats.
- CRO/CMO and kit manufacturing settings requiring consistent sample identification.
| Specification | Value |
| Tube/vial compatibility | 0.5 mL to 50 mL; plastics (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate) and glass; supports raised graduations / textured finishes |
| Printing Method | Dual-printhead system: background + content; prints text (TrueType fonts), 2D & linear barcodes, and graphics |
| Integration / control | C++ DLL, .NET (C#) library, and Web API; designed for LIMS-driven label content |
| Dimensions | 450 × 645 × 470 mm (W × D × H) |
| Weight | 13 kg |
| Printhead resolution | 300 dpi |
| Power supply | 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz input; 24 V DC / 5.0 A output |
| Power consumption | 120 W |
| Operating environment | 15–30 °C; 20–80% RH |
| Connection | USB 2.0 (computer connection) and USB B-type for I/O |
| Part Number | Description |
| AP-1001 | AP-1 Semi-Automated Tube Printer, supplied with power supply, USB 2.0 cable, 5 × tube adapters (#1–#5) & AP-1001-CR |
| AP-1001-UVB | AP-1 UV Curable Ink Cartridge, Black |
| AP-1001-UVW | AP-1 UV Curable Ink Cartridge, White |
| AP-1001-SOB | AP-1 Solvent Ink Cartridge, Black |
| AP-1001-SOW | AP-1 Solvent Ink Cartridge, White |
| AP-1001-CR | AP-1 Printhead Cleaning Rolls, 2 rolls per pack |
| AP-1001-01 | Tube Adapter #1, 8.3 mm diameter (typically 96-format storage tubes) |
| AP-1001-02 | Tube Adapter #2, 10.3 mm diameter (typically 2 mL screw-cap vials) |
| AP-1001-03 | Tube Adapter #3, 17 mm diameter (typically 15 mL tubes) |
| AP-1001-04 | Tube Adapter #4, 29 mm diameter (typically 50 mL tubes) |
| AP-1001-05 | Tube Adapter #5, 12.5 mm diameter (typically 48-format screw-cap tubes) |
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Key Features
Designed for direct tube printing and automation integration
Dual-printhead UV printing
Two-printhead approach enables a background layer plus clear content for high-contrast labels suitable for barcode workflows.
Broad tube and vial compatibility
Compatible with plastic and glass tubes and vials from 0.5 mL to 50 mL, including textured surfaces and raised graduations.
Fast adapter-based changeover
Interchangeable magnetic tube adapters allow quick transitions between tube diameters and formats, supporting flexible workflows and reduced setup time.
Watch the AP-1 direct tube printing process
AP-1 feature overview
This feature video shows the Arvensis AP-1 printing high-contrast barcodes and text directly onto tubes and vials. It highlights the dual-head UV ink process, tube handling during printing, and typical output quality on common labware formats.
Frequently asked questions
The AP-1 supports tubes and vials from 0.5 mL to 50 mL and is described as compatible with common plastics (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate) and glass, including textured finishes and raised graduations.
Yes. The AP-1 supports control via C++ and C#/.NET libraries and a web API, and it is described as suitable for LIMS-driven label content generation.
The AP-1 is described as supporting text (TrueType fonts), 2D and linear barcodes, and graphics.
The AV-1 uses a UV-curable ink system and an optional solvent ink print mode for scenarios prioritising speed over durability.
Tube sizes are changed using interchangeable magnetic tube adapters.