Initial Considerations
It’s important to select / order a printer based on your labs specific needs, consider the below:
Ethernet connectivity:(required)
The printer used to create labels or manifests must be able to physically connect to the campus network. This physical connection occurs through an ethernet cable (*not* via bluetooth).
It is critical the printer is equipped with an ethernet output, as OpenSpecimen must communicate with the printer in your laboratory through the secure campus network.
Machine & Label needs:
DPI: “dots per inch” is a way of measuring an image's original intended size and its resolution, or quality.
If QR codes are printed on small labels, such as cryovials, a higher resolution (DPI) is recommended.
Higher DPIs produce higher resolution image quality.
Will you utilize Side and/or cap labels?
Label size is dependent upon the tube on which it will be applied
Printer brand and age:
Recommended brands: Zebra or Brady
Outdated printers often have drivers that are not compatible with current computer operating systems
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Printing method: (2 options below)
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Direct Thermal:
A Direct Thermal printer can be used if you are printing manifests (paper) or other primary sample labels, such as blood tubes, that will not be placed in deep freeze.
Thermal Transfer:
This method uses a thermal method to transfer ink from a ribbon directly to the label. Ink applied using thermal transfer will not degrade or flake off under ultra-low temperature conditions, such as liquid nitrogen.
An uptake core is required for this method, however the core can typically be reused.
Ribbons are required to utilize this print method.
The Process
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Work with your IT department contact to confirm the below information! |
Once the research team and their department IT contact has ensured the below printer information is captured, and local testing is completed with success, proceed to submit your help ticket as described below.
(1) MODEL NUMBER:
Depending the printer, the model name could be found on the corners or the center of the front-facing cover. If it is on the front of the machine, it is usually close to the control panel.
The printer model number could also be located on the back of the machine.
(2) MAXIMUM DPI: (dots per inch)
How to find printer machines DPI:
Your printer will have a ‘driver’ that is installed when the printer is setup
Go to the Printer driver
Click ‘Printing Preferences’ > ‘Advanced’
Click ‘Printer Features’ > Max. Application Resolution
If using a Zebra printer, you can identify the DPI of the Printhead Using the Printer Part Number:
(3) IP ADDRESS:
How to find on MAC:
Select the Apple icon in the top toolbar
Click ‘System Preference’
Open ‘Printers & Scanners’
In the ‘Printers & Scanners’ menu, select the correct printer from the left side list.
Next to the word ‘Location’ should be the printer's IP address
How to find on Windows:
Go to Settings > Devices > Printers and Scanners
Find your printer in the list, click on it, and select Manage
Click on Printer Properties
In the General tab, find the Location field. Your printer's IP address will be located in it
(4) LOCAL TESTING:
Calibrate printer and test label printing locally
The IT team that services your department or building is responsible for setting up the IP address and confirming printer connectivity on the campus ethernet.
Department IT Team is to ensure:
The printer receives a local signal before the BMIC can proceed to setup the printer with OpenSpecimen
The printer detects the correct label positioning (i.e. height, width, and gaps)
Submit a BMIC Printer support ticket with the below details: https://utahctsi.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/23/create/124
Model Number
IP Address
Maximum DPI
Submit ticket
BMIC team will respond via help ticket to gather required information needed to begin your Printer setup with OpenSpecimen:
BMIC team obtains firewall exception (est. 2-3 weeks)
BMIC team configures printer connection to OpenSpecimen (est. 1 week)
OpenSpecimen Navigator aligns with research team on label design in testing environment (link to separate document): concurrent with above process
Research team tests label printing & adjusts as needed
Research team confirms design