Azenta Direct Tube Marker
The Azenta Direct Tube Marker uses Thermal Pixel Printing technology to print legibly and directly onto polypropylene sample storage tubes and general-purpose laboratory tubes. Eliminating the need for adhesive labels or manual handwriting, the system accommodates tube volumes from 0.5 mL to 50 mL. The resulting marks provide high-resolution text, 1D linear barcodes, 2D Data Matrix codes, and monochrome graphics that withstand demanding laboratory processing.
| Parameter | Value |
| Print Method | Thermal Pixel Printing |
| Print Dimensions | Height: 6 mm, Width: 40 mm |
| Print Orientation | Horizontal or Vertical |
| Compatible Tube Sizes | Most plastic tubes from 0.5 mL to 50 mL |
| Compatible Tube Materials | Polypropylene, Polyethylene |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 280 mm x 270 mm x 122 mm |
| Weight | 4.8 kg |
| Communication Interface | USB port |
| Power Requirements | Input: AC 100-240V; Output: DC 18V |
| Temperature Resistance | -196°C to 100°C |
| Chemical Resistance | Resistant to 70% ethanol, 70% isopropanol, >98% methanol, DMSO, pure haematoxylin, liquid nitrogen, and mechanical abrasion |
| Part Number | Description | Quantity |
| 4ti-0680-1 | Direct Tube Marker (includes 3 x tube adapters: 4ti-0681, 4ti-0683, and 4ti-0684) | 1 unit |
Resources
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Reliable Sample Identification Performance
Thermal & Chemical Durability
Markings remain stable across temperature extremes from -196°C in liquid nitrogen to 100°C in boiling water. Prints resist exposure to common lab solvents including alcohols, DMSO, haematoxylin, and mechanical rubbing.
Contrast Ribbon Options
Thermal ribbons are available in metallic blue, white, black, and universal black to optimize visual contrast across varying tube colors or dark liquid contents. A single 300 m roll marks up to 100,000 tubes.
Flexible Tube Support
An adjustable support platform and customizable sled pivot point accommodate tubes with or without collars. Interchangeable adapters ensure precise alignment for 0.5 mL to 50 mL plastic tubes.
Modular Accessories
Tube Adapters and Printing Ribbons
Customize the system setup for specific laboratory workflows using interchangeable tube adapters and specialized thermal transfer ribbons. Select the appropriate adapter to fit tube collar geometries and choose a ribbon color that maximizes barcode contrast against the tube and sample background.
| Part Number | Description | Hole Diameter | Quantity |
| 4ti-0681 | Adapter for 1.5 mL / 2.0 mL tubes | 11.5 mm | 1 unit |
| 4ti-0682 | Adapter for 0.5 mL tubes | 8.5 mm | 1 unit |
| 4ti-0683 | Adapter for 2D cluster tubes | 8.5 mm | 1 unit |
| 4ti-0684 | Adapter for cryo tubes | 12.7 mm | 1 unit |
| 4ti-0685-1 | Adapter for 2 mL screw cap tubes (10 mm diameter) | 10.4 mm | 1 unit |
| 4ti-0685-2 | Adapter for 15 mL tubes | 18.0 mm | 1 unit |
| 4ti-0685-3 | Adapter for 50 mL tubes | 30.0 mm | 1 unit |
| Part Number | Description | Roll Dimensions | Quantity |
| 4ti-0686 | Thermal Ribbon, Metallic Blue | 300 m x 40 mm | 1 roll |
| 4ti-0686/10 | Thermal Ribbon, Metallic Blue | 300 m x 40 mm | 10 rolls |
| 4ti-0688 | Thermal Ribbon, White | 300 m x 40 mm | 1 roll |
| 4ti-0689 | Thermal Ribbon, Black | 300 m x 40 mm | 1 roll |
Software & Data Import
Flexible Label Layout and System Integration
The included software supports custom sample layout creation using any TrueType font available on the host PC. Batch data can be imported directly from Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlsx) and .csv files to streamline automated series printing. For automated lab workflows, the instrument incorporates SILA drivers for direct integration with robotic systems.
Product Demonstration
Direct Tube Marker Operations
Watch the Direct Tube Marker rapidly apply text, barcodes, and logos directly to sample tubes. The video showcases automated printing workflows, quick adapter changes, and the compact benchtop footprint.
- 1D & 2D Barcode Printing
- Fits 0.5 mL to 50 mL Tubes
- Custom Logo Printing
- Excel Batch Data Import
- SILA Automation Ready
- 1D & 2D Barcode Printing
- Fits 0.5 mL to 50 mL Tubes
- Custom Logo Printing
- Excel Batch Data Import
- SILA Automation Ready
Frequently Asked Questions
Common technical, operational, and integration questions regarding the Direct Tube Marker system.
The Direct Tube Marker prints directly onto most smooth polypropylene and polyethylene plastic tubes ranging in volume from 0.5 mL to 50 mL. Glass and rough-frosted writing surfaces are not compatible.
Printed markings are thermally stable from -196°C in liquid nitrogen to 100°C in boiling water. The thermal transfer ink resists 70% ethanol, 70% isopropanol, >98% methanol, DMSO, haematoxylin, and physical handling without rubbing off.
The system prints multi-line text, 1D linear barcodes (Code 128), 2D Data Matrix codes (standard and small size), and custom monochrome graphic files (.bmp, .gif, .tiff) such as logos.
Yes, the device includes a dedicated SILA driver interface that enables complete integration into automated robotic sample processing lines and liquid handlers.
A single 300 m x 40 mm ink ribbon roll can mark up to 100,000 individual tubes, depending on the height and design layout of the printed label content.
Yes, the included PC application allows direct data import from Microsoft Excel files (.xls, .xlsx) and .csv data sheets, enabling fast sequential printing across large sample batches.
