Microplate Barcode Labeler User Guide - Agilent Technologies

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Chapter 2: VCode orientation
VCode User Guide
The different ways to label plates
Introduction
This topic explains the different ways to label plates. If you are new to
the VCode and are not sure where to start, this topic will help to orient
you.
You can:
❑ Test print and apply one label
❑ Test print and apply a batch of labels
❑ Print and apply a batch of labels in a production run
Test printing one
label
After setting up the VCode, or when you are trying to solve a printing
problem, you can perform a test print of a single label and optionally
apply it to a plate from the Testing page of VCode Diagnostics.
When you are designing a label, you can test-print a single label from the
Label Editor page of VCode Diagnostics.
Test printing a batch
of labels
You can perform a test print of a batch of labels, and optionally apply
them to one or more sides of a batch of plates. This test printing is also
performed from the Testing page of VCode Diagnostics.
As this is a simple testing procedure, every label printed will be the
same. You will also have to manually place the plates on the plate stage
as the labels are printed.
Production labelling
of a batch of plates
For production labelling of a batch of plates you can either place plates
onto the VCode manually or use a robot.
Manual production labelling
With manual production labelling, you place a plate on the plate stage,
press the green button, wait for the plate to be labelled, remove it and
then repeat the cycle.
For manual production labelling you create a label format that specifies
the labels that you want to use. The label format may reference an
external data source, such as a spreadsheet, that includes the data to
print in each field. You must also set up a print job in PlateTag that
combines the data from the data source with formatting information that
you provide and directs the printing and applying operations.
Automated production labelling
Automated production labelling requires a lab automation system that
uses a robot to move plates to and from the VCode’s plate stage. Robotic
systems control the VCode with their own software. This software may
be able to open VCode Diagnostics, allowing you to control basic
VCode operations directly.
If you are using a BioCel or BenchCel to label plates you have more
complex options for the labelling protocol. For example, using the
FileReader plug-in you can print two fields that use different input data