Agilent Technologies G5581A User manual

Original Instructions
This guide contains the following topics:
•“About this guide” on page 2
•“Safety guidelines” on page 3
•“Hardware components” on page 5
•“Loading labels and ribbon” on page 8
•“Starting up and shutting down” on page 16
•“Opening Diagnostics” on page 17
•“Initializing the device” on page 19
•“Performing a print-and-apply test” on page 20
•“Using the printer touchscreen” on page 23
•“Running a labeling protocol” on page 25
•“Cleaning the printer components” on page 27
G5581A Microplate Labeler
Quick Guide

About this guide
2G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
About this guide
This guide summarizes the operator instructions in the G5581A Microplate Labeler User
Guide.
This guide assumes the following:
•The Microplate Labeler is installed correctly, the device profile for the specific
Microplate Labeler configuration is already created, and the teachpoints are already
set. For setup instructions, see the G5581A Microplate Labeler User Guide.
•You are familiar with the VWorks Automation Control software. See the VWorks
Automation Control Quick Start for an overview. For detailed instructions, see the
VWorks Automation Control User Guide.
Note: This guide does not contain instructions for using the ActiveX Control to run the
Microplate Labeler. For information on how to access Microplate Labeler Diagnostics
using the ActiveX control, see the Microplate Labeler ActiveX User Guide.
Where to find the user documentation
To access the user guides for Agilent Automation Solutions products, do one of the
following:
•From within VWorks software, select Help > Knowledge Base or press F1.
•From the Windows desktop, select Start > Agilent Technologies >
VWorks Knowledge Base.
•Go to the online VWorks Knowledge Base at www.agilent.com/chem/askb.
Contacting Agilent Technologies
Web: https://www.agilent.com
Contact page: https://www.agilent.com/en/contact-us/page
Documentation feedback: [email protected]

3
Safety guidelines
G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Safety guidelines
WARNING
Using controls, making adjustments, or performing procedures other than those
specified in the user documentation can expose you to moving-parts hazards and
hazardous voltage. Before using the Bravo Platform, make sure you are aware of the
potential hazards and understand how to avoid being exposed to them.
Ensure that you are trained in the safe operation of the device and that you have read
the Agilent Automation Solutions Products General Safety Guide.
Emergency stops
If the Microplate Labeler is integrated in an automation workstation, follow the
emergency-stop protocol for that system.
To stop the Microplate Labeler in an emergency:
1Unplug the power cord from the Microplate Labeler or set the power switch to off
( O).
Make sure that the point at which the detachable power cord is connected to the
Microplate Labeler is clear from clutter and that it is accessible at all times.
Figure Connection panel: AC power port and power switch
2Turn off the air supply.
00149
Vcode
power cable

Safety guidelines
4G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Mechanical hazards
The Microplate Labeler contains the following moving parts.
Figure Microplate Labeler moving parts
WARNING
Pinch hazard! Do not reach between the plate stage and applicator head or between
the applicator head and the printer while the device is on.
WARNING
Pinch hazard! Use care when closing the printer cover. Keep clear of the cover hinges
and do not reach into the swivel range of the cover. If you operate the printer with the
cover open or with the cover removed, ensure that you keep clear of the exposed
rotating parts.
Burn hazard
WARNING
The printer can become hot while printing. Do not touch the printer components
during operation. Allow the printer to cool down before changing the media or
cleaning the printer components.
Item Description
1Plate stage. Automatically rotates side to side during labeling to present the
long and short sides of a microplate to the applicator head.
2Applicator head. Automatically rotates between the printer and the plate
stage to apply the barcode labels.
3Printer. Contains various parts that move automatically during a print run.
Keep the cover closed while the device is operating.
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5
Hardware components
G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Hardware components
Front view
The Microplate Labeler prints labels and applies them to labware. The device is
comprised of a barcode applicator and a printer assembled on a baseplate.
2
1
3
6 7
4 5
Item Feature Description
1Printer Prints a label (600 dpi) and pauses when the label reaches the peelbar to allow
the applicator head to retrieve the printed label. The printer supports the printing
of linear or two-dimensional (2D) barcodes. See “Printer overview” on page 7.
2Applicator Contains the plate stage, applicator head, green button, electronics, and the
connection panel (back side) for the device.
3Plate stage Provides a platform to support a plate delivered by a robot or a person.
The plate stage rotates side to side to enable labeling on all four sides of a
microplate. The plate stage rotation also allows the optional barcode reader to
read any side of a microplate.
The plate stage can move up and down to provide a choice of two vertical
labeling positions to accommodate labware of varying heights.
4Green button Starts a print-and-apply operation for printing test labels.
5Applicator head Rotates between the printer and the plate stage. Uses vacuum pads (suction
cups) to pick up a printed label from the printer and apply the label to a
microplate on the plate stage.

Hardware components
6G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
A barcode reader is connected to the side of the Microplate Labeler so that it can be
used with the software to verify or clone barcodes.
Figure Barcode reader on Microplate Labeler
Connection panel (back view)
6Vacuum pads Uses vacuum to pick up a label from the printer and uses compressed air to
apply the label to a microplate on the plate stage.
7Printer peelbar Provides a platform for presenting each label to the applicator head vacuum
pads. As the label strip travels over the printer peelbar, each label lifts off the
label backing slightly to allow the applicator head to pick up the label.
Item Feature Description
1
2
3
4
7
8
5
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7
Hardware components
G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Printer overview
CAUTION
Do not use the printer touchscreen to adjust the printer settings unless directed to do
so by Agilent Technical Support. Using the printer touchscreen to change the printer
settings can cause the Microplate Labeler to fail. The printer has been specially
configured and tested as part of the Microplate Labeler at the factory.
IMPORTANT
During operation, the software displays the operator messages and error messages on
the computer screen. The printer touchscreen must display the Ready message before
you can initialize the device.
Item Feature Description
1Air supply
port
Connects to a compressed-air source. The device uses compressed air to:
•Move the plate stage up and down
•Rotate the applicator head side to side
•Extend and retract the applicator head
•Create a vacuum that the applicator head uses to pick up labels from the printer
•Apply labels to a microplate
2Ethernet
port
Connects an Ethernet cable from the controlling computer to the Microplate Labeler
for communication.
IMPORTANT Ethernet is the recommended mode of communication. If you
connect to the device using the Ethernet port, you do not use the serial port.
3Barcode
reader port
Connects the cable from the barcode reader to the Microplate Labeler for
communication.
4Serial port If used, connects a serial cable from the controlling computer to the device to provide
serial communication.
Note: A serial connection may be used if you cannot establish an Ethernet connection.
Ethernet is the recommended mode of communication.
5Power
switch
Turns on (|) or off (o) the power.
6AC power
port
Connects the power cable.
7Pressure
gauge
Indicates the regulated air pressure.
8Air pressure
regulator
Regulates the incoming air pressure to ensure that the device’s internal components
are not exposed to air pressure that is too high.
9Fuse holder Houses the universal voltage fuse.

Loading labels and ribbon
8G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Figure Printer front view: (1) cover and (2) touchscreen
•Cover. Opens to provide access for cleaning the printer components and changing
the media.
•Touchscreen. Displays the Ready message and provides access to the Help
menu that contains how-to videos for maintaining the printer. Service-related
messages are also displayed on the touchscreen,
Loading labels and ribbon
Before you start
Ensure that you have the Agilent Microplate Labeler Media Kit. The kit contains a one-
to-one quantity of ribbon and labels so that you can replace them at the same time. The
kit contents are roll of labels, thermal transfer ribbon, empty ribbon core (functions as a
spool to rewind the used ribbon), and cleaning pen
WARNING
The printhead can be hot after use. Allow the printhead to cool before changing the
ribbon.
Open the printer cover to gain access for loading the labels and ribbon.
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2

9
Loading labels and ribbon
G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Figure Printer (side view) showing the feed paths of the ribbon (red) and labels (blue)
You can use the following procedures or you can access videos of how to remove and
load the media from the Help menu on printer touchscreen.

Loading labels and ribbon
10 G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Removing the used ribbon
See the following figure for the component locations referenced in the procedure.
To remove the used ribbon:
1While firmly grasping the ribbon supply hub (1), turn the green knob clockwise
to contract the hub and loosen the empty roll. Slide the roll off of the hub.
2Lift the printhead lever (2) counterclockwise to lift the printhead.
3While firmly grasping the take-up hub (3), turn the green take-up knob clockwise
to contract the hub and loosen the used roll of ribbon. Slide the used roll off
of the take-up hub.
4Lift the remaining ribbon out of the printer.
IMPORTANT
Clean the printhead before loading the new ribbon.
2
1
3

11
Loading labels and ribbon
G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Loading the new ribbon
See the following figure for the component locations referenced in the procedure.
To load new ribbon:
1Install the new ribbon roll on the supply hub (1) as follows:
aWhile firmly holding the supply hub, turn the green knob clockwise to
contract the hub. Slide the new ribbon roll onto the hub until it is flush against
the printer. Ensure the ribbon feeds clockwise with the coating facing
downward when being unwound.
bWhile firmly holding the hub, turn the green knob counterclockwise to
expand the hub and secure the ribbon roll.
2Ensure the printhead lever (2) is up to lift the printhead, and then guide the ribbon
under and around the printhead.
WARNING
The printhead can be hot after use. Allow the printhead to cool before changing the
ribbon. The printhead is the narrow bar that presses the image through the ribbon
and onto the label as the media move onto the print roller.
CAUTION
Do not touch the protective glass layer of the printhead with your fingers. A dirty
printhead will result in a poor print image.
3Feed the ribbon onto an empty core on the take-up hub (3) as follows:
aWhile firmly holding the take-up hub, turn the green knob clockwise to
contract the hub. Slide an empty ribbon core onto the hub until it is flush
against the printer.
2
1
3

Loading labels and ribbon
12 G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
bWhile firmly holding the hub, turn the green knob counterclockwise to
expand the hub and secure the ribbon core.
cGuide the ribbon under and then over the take-up hub so that it winds
counterclockwise. Use adhesive tape to secure the end of the ribbon to the
ribbon core. Make sure the edge of the ribbon is flush with the core against the
printer.
4Turn the ribbon take-up hub (3) counterclockwise to smooth out the ribbon slack.
If you are also loading labels, continue to the next procedure. If you are finished loading
all media, turn the printhead lever (2) clockwise to lower the printhead.
Removing a used label roll
See the following figure for the component locations referenced in the procedure.
To remove a used label roll:
1If the printhead is not already in the up position, lift the printhead lever (1)
counterclockwise to lift the printhead.
2Push down on the pinch-roller lever (2) to release the label strip.
3Cut the used label strip, and wind it fully around the rewinder (3).
4While firmly holding the rewinder (3), turn the green knob clockwise to
contract the rewinder and release the wound roll.
5Remove the wound roll.
Note: You will remove the empty label core when you install the new label roll in
the following procedure.
1
2
3

13
Loading labels and ribbon
G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Loading the new labels
You install the labels in three basic steps:
Step 1. Installing the label roll on the roll retainer
To install the label roll on the roll retainer:
1Turn the green locking ring (1) counterclockwise, so that the arrow points to .
2Remove the margin stop (2).
3On the roll retainer (3), load the new label roll so that it feeds counterclockwise with
the label side up.
4Reposition the margin stop (2) on the roll retainer (3).
5While firmly pushing the margin stop against the label roll (4), turn the green locking
ring (1) clockwise, so that the arrow points to , securing the label roll in position.
IMPORTANT
To ensure the roll feeds properly and label presentation is repeatable, the margin stop
must be firmly in place against the label roll.
Step For this task...
1Install the label roll on the roll retainer.
2Feed the label strip under the printhead.
3Secure the label strip to the rewinder.
1
3
2
4

Loading labels and ribbon
14 G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Step 2. Feeding the label strip under the printhead
To feed the label strip through the printhead:
1Turn the printhead lever (5) counterclockwise to lift the printhead.
2Slide the red guide ring (8) to the end of the axis bar.
3Guide the label strip below the axis bar and through the label sensor (7) so that the
label strip exits the print unit between the printhead and the print roller (6).
4Push the guide ring (8) on the axis bar against the outer edge of the label strip.
5
7
6
8

15
Loading labels and ribbon
G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Step 3. Securing the label strip to the rewinder
To secure the label strip to the rewinder:
1Push down on the pinch-roller lever (9) to lift the pinch roller off the rewind assist
roller.
2Guide the label strip down and under the rewind assist roller (10) toward the
rewinder (11).
3While holding the rewinder (11) firmly, turn the green knob clockwise until it
stops.
4Insert the label strip under the three brackets on the rewinder (11), and turn the
green knob counterclockwise until it stops. The rewinder is fully expanded,
gripping the label strip firmly.
The inside edge of the label strip should be flush against the printer.
5Turn the rewinder (11) counterclockwise to tighten the label strip.
6Push up on the pinch-roller lever (9) to position the pinch roller into position on the
rewind assist roller.
7Turn the printhead lever (12) clockwise to lower the printhead into position.
12
10
9
11

Starting up and shutting down
16 G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
After you finish loading new ribbon and labels
Use Microplate Labeler Diagnostics to run a print-and-apply test and verify that the
labels print correctly and the applicator head can pick up the labels from the printer.
Optionally, you can reset the label counter in the I/O Functions tab to track the number
of labels used.
Starting up and shutting down
Starting up the device
IMPORTANT
Follow the steps in the order shown to establish communication with the Microplate
Labeler.
To start up the Microplate Labeler
1Turn on the air supply.
2On the Microplate Labeler connection panel, check the air pressure gauge (see
figure, 1). Verify the air pressure is set within the following range:
0.55 MPa (80 psi) to 0.58 MPa (85 psi)
Figure Connection panel showing Ethernet connection
Note: In Microplate Labeler Diagnostics, click the I/O tab to view the air pressure
readout after the pressure has been regulated by the internal pressure
regulator.
3Verify that the communication cable (2) and power cord (3) are connected, but do
not turn on the power yet.
Note: The figure shows an Ethernet connection. If you are using serial
communication, the serial cable connects to the serial port.
4If you are using an Ethernet switch, turn on the power to the Ethernet switch.
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17
Opening Diagnostics
G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
5Turn on the computer and the monitor, and wait for the Microsoft Windows
operating system to start.
6On the connection panel, press the power switch (4) to the on (|) position.
WARNING
The device components can move when you turn on the power and the air. Keep
fingers, hair, clothing, and jewelry away from the Microplate Labeler while it is in
motion. Never touch any of the moving parts or attempt to move labware while the
Microplate Labeler is in operation. The device could pinch, pierce, or bruise you.
IMPORTANT
Ensure that the power switch on the printer remains in the on (|) position.
7Start the automation control software, for example, start the VWorks software.
8Initialize the device. See “Initializing the device” on page 19.
Shutting down the device
Shut down the Microplate Labeler before you install a barcode reader, perform
maintenance, clean, or move the Microplate Labeler
To shut down the Microplate Labeler:
1Exit the automation control software.
2Shut down the computer and turn off the monitor.
3On the Microplate Labeler connector panel, press the power switch to the off (o)
position.
4Turn off the air supply.
Opening Diagnostics
You use Microplate Labeler Diagnostics to set up and troubleshoot the device. This
topic describes how to open Microplate Labeler Diagnostics from the VWorks
software.
Opening Diagnostics from the VWorks software
To open Microplate Labeler Diagnostics from the VWorks software:
1In the VWorks software window, ensure the correct device file is open.
To open a device file, choose File > Open, and then select the appropriate device file
(*.dev) in the Open dialog box.
2In the Devices area of the opened device file tab, highlight the device icon, and then
click Device diagnostics.
The Microplate Labeler Diagnostics window opens.

Opening Diagnostics
18 G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Figure Device tab in the VWorks window
Figure Microplate Labeler Diagnostics

19
Initializing the device
G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Initializing the device
To establish communication between the computer and the Microplate Labeler, you
initialize the Microplate Labeler device. You can initialize the Microplate Labeler in the
following ways:
•Microplate Labeler Diagnostics. To control the device using Microplate Labeler
Diagnostics, initialize the profile in Microplate Labeler Diagnostics.
•VWorks window. When you open a protocol or device file, a Would you like to
initialize the devices now? message appears, and enables you to initialize the
associated devices.
You can also initialize the device in the VWorks device manager.
Initializing the device in diagnostics
If you want to control the device using Microplate Labeler Diagnostics, you initialize the
profile in diagnostics.
To initialize a profile in Microplate Labeler Diagnostics:
1Open Microplate Labeler Diagnostics.
2In the Profiles tab, select the profile from the Profile name list.
3Click Initialize this profile.
Figure Initialize this profile button in the Profiles tab
The Initialize this profile button label changes to Close this profile, as the following
figure shows.

Performing a print-and-apply test
20 G5581A Microplate Labeler Quick Guide
Figure Initialized profile in the Profiles tab
Initializing the device in the VWorks device manager
To initialize the device in the VWorks device manager:
1In the VWorks window, ensure that the device file is open and the Microplate
Labeler device icon appears in the Devices area.
2In the Devices area, select the Microplate Labeler device, and then click Initialize
selected devices.
Performing a print-and-apply test
When to do a test
Perform a print-and-apply test when first setting up your Microplate Labeler, after
creating a new label format, when loading new labels and ribbon, or when
troubleshooting printing problems.
Testing helps you detect problems such as:
•Incorrect height settings for the plate stage
•Incorrectly loaded label or ribbon
•Poorly designed label formats, for example, overlapping fields, barcodes that are
too large for the label, missing barcodes, or text fields that are too small to read