Developing, manufacturing and marketing high-throughput,
fully-automated nucleic acid and genetic analysis systems, AATI’s products have
both commercial and research applications.
The company’s product portfolio includes instruments for the parallel
analysis of biomolecules, DNA, RNA, genomic DNA, double-stranded DNA,
pharmaceutical compounds and proteins using capillary electrophoresis (CE) with
fluorescence detection or UV absorbance.
Recently, AATI decided to look for a better way to produce
color labels on demand. According to
Sherry Goodwin, Scientist at AATI, “we need an easy way to differentiate our
Gel products. We have found having
different colors on the labels was a very easy method to help our customers identify
the correct gels to use.”
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| AATI Test GHS Label |
Given the need for color labels, AATI began using a Primera
label printer and Nicelabel. After 2
years of using this solution, they decided to look for an alternative method to
print color labels on demand. Sherry
says, “we were not very satisfied with their labels. After printing, we had to let the labels cure;
as the ink would smear. In addition, the
labels would fade and not adhere well to our products once we put them in the
freezer. Given their nature, we store our
products
at temperatures down to -80 degrees. Overall the labels were just not very crisp
and clear looking.”
After deciding to look for alternatives, AATI
begin discussions with Color Label Solutions on options to print better looking
and more cold resistant labels. For
those of you interested in cold storage of labels, you may want to review an
earlier post from my blog: http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2012/04/very-cold-so-cold.html.
Based on the requirements, I recommended the
TM-C3500 along with durable poly labels made with Kimdura: http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2013/03/kimdura-better-results.html. In addition, I showed AATI BarTender and the
ease of adding color logo’s, images and text; including the way to download a
free version of BarTender to test: http://www.seagullscientific.com/label-software/barcode-label-printing-software-download.aspx.
After sharing this information, Sherry requested print samples
to test in the freezer as well as the prices of the labels and ink. I sent AATI samples to place on their
products and test in freezer conditions.
AATI confirmed the labels worked.
To show the approximate ink costs, I sent AATI images of
other labels and their estimated cost of ink.
For example, here is an image of a 2.625” x 1” label I sent with the
estimated ink costs:
C = $17.50/17707 =$0.0010
M = $17.50/15133 = $0.0011
Y= $17.50/17910 = $0.0010
K = $17.50/25050 =$0.0007
Total = $0.004
Based on the test results and estimated costs, AATI
purchased a TM-C3500, ink, Spare-in-the-Air (SITA) Extended warranty, and 4” x
2” poly labels to start printing new labels.
After selling the printer and labels, I gave AATI online training to
insure they start printing quickly and easily.
Although AATI is printing, we still have two follow up
issues to address to meet all of their requirements. First, they need small labels; 1” x .5”. The smallest labels you can print with the
TM-C3500 is 1.2” wide and .6” long.
According to Sherry, “it’s possible; we
need to make our labels larger, given the new GHS requirements. We hope to put these new labels not only on the product, but on the packaging as well.”
Second, AATI needs clear film labels in addition to the
standard white poly. To date, Epson has
not qualified any clear film labels to use with their label printers. However, I have found a film material that
appears water fast and freezer resistant.
With further testing, this label material may work for AATI.
If you work in a laboratory or need labels like
AATI, you might find another recent post on one of our lab customers of
interest as well: http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2014/02/durable-laboratory-samples.html.
AATI is a great new customer for Color Label Solutions;
especially given their commitment to using print on-demand color labels. I admire the due diligence Sherry and AATI
took to gather information and test the options presented. If you need labels for your biotechnology or
laboratory products; or just need to comply with the GHS requirements, contact
us. We’ll make sure you get printing
great looking labels quickly and easily.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
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