The BMIC team will be unable to assist with printer setup & label design until the below has been accomplished & gather by the research team:
(1) Selecting / Ordering a printer based on lab needs:
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.
Consider the brand and age of printer:
Zebra or Brady is recommended
Outdated printers often have drivers that are not compatible with current computer operating systems
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.
Label size and type
Will you utilize Side and/or cap labels?
Label size is dependent upon the tube on which it will be applied
NOTE: The type of printing machine needed, depends upon the storage conditions of the sample on which said label(s) will be placed, consider the below options.
If you are printing cryovial labels on tubes to be stored at -80 or below, it is highly recommended that you use the Thermal Transfer method of printing.
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 be reused.
Ribbons are required to utilize this print method.
(2) Capture printer details & Test:
(work with your IT department contact to confirm the below information)
MODEL NUMBER:
Depending on what printer you own, the model name could be 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 top of the machine in the corners or center.
(INSERT IMAGE)
IP ADDRESS:
MAXIMUM DPI: (dots per inch)
How to find:
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. IT Team is to ensure:
The printer receives a 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)
Model Number:
IP Address: Once the printer is received and plugged into the network via the ethernet connection, it will be assigned a static IP address by your IT team. This is usually found in the display settings of your printer.
Test Printer locally: Departmental IT team
:
The Process
Once the research team and their department IT contact has ensured the above is completed with success, submit a BMIC Printer support ticket: https://utahctsi.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/23/create/124
Provide relevant details for your request:
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