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XL20 User Perspective

Configurable automated tube handler with hours of ‘walk-away’ time

BioMicroLab XL20 tube handler for 96-format microtubes can be configured with labeling, sample tracking, and volume detection capabilities. With a deck capacity of 20 racks, the XL20 offers hours of “walk-away” time and is the ideal benchtop robot for use alongside fully automated sample stores.

Versatile capabilities enable streamlined workflows
Versatile capabilities enable streamlined workflows

The XL20 brings together scanning, decoding, volume detection, rearray and labeling functionality, giving researchers the flexibility to use it for individual tasks, or accomplish multiple tasks as part of a single workflow.

Small footprint maximizes available space
Small footprint maximizes available space

With a compact footprint of just 72 x 53 cm the XL20 maximizes available benchtop space, enabling efficient laboratory layout - without compromising on capabilities.

High-throughput tube sorting increases productivity
High-throughput tube sorting increases productivity

The XL20 offers reliable, high speed capabilities for re-array, reformatting, and cherry picking and is able to sort up to 700 tubes per hour, providing unattended tube processing for work list based tube transfer from source racks to target racks.

Efficient sample identification and tracking
Efficient sample identification and tracking

The XL20 decodes up to 500 tubes an hour, and seamlessly integrates 2D data matrix barcode decoding with other automated tube handling operations. The intuitive software application captures and reports the tube’s 2D barcode, tube location and weight to LIMS systems.

Simplify label printing and application with integrated labeling module
Simplify label printing and application with integrated labeling module

Our LabelPro labeling module easily attaches to the XL20 and prints and applies high-resolution 1D & 2D barcodes as well as human readable text and symbols - reducing the burden of manual labeling tasks and eliminating bottlenecks.

Efficient collection of sample weight data
Efficient collection of sample weight data

To verify volume upon receipt of samples, or before/after liquid transfer operations, the XL20 integrates a precision automated balance to automate the collection of sample weight data.

Robust and reliable day-to-day operations
Robust and reliable day-to-day operations

The XL20 has a proven track record of reliability, ensuring maximum uptime for day-to-day automated sample management operations and safeguarding research productivity.

Benchtop and high performance tube handling

The XL9 and XL20 Series Tube Handlers streamline volume detection, sample identification/verification, and labeling tasks to eliminate bottlenecks and transform tube handling workflows.

User-friendly

User-friendly Windows based software is included with all XL Series instruments to manage sample processing modes and robotic operations. BioMicroLab offers software developer toolkits for your instrument and workflow integration projects.

XL Work List Manager Software

Included with all XL Series instruments, the XL Work List Manager Software offers user-friendly management of vial pick and place operations. It provides multiple tube processing modes for common tube handling applications to meet varied workflow needs and allows researchers flexible control to increase your throughput. Output files can be easily configured to meet LIMS system requirements. Easily managed by multiple users, our full featured tube processing software provides walk away operation to meet throughput requirements even for demanding environments with advanced system error handling options. Software features include:

  • User-friendly point-and-click Graphical User Interface
  • Data collection and worklist based processing modes
  • Functionality carefully guides the user through the tube rack loading and unloading processes
  • Interactive interface provides feedback while processing tubes
  • Dynamically processes extended work lists handling more racks than the XL Series platform capacity
  • Integrates with hand-held barcode scanners for rack identification
  • LIMS integration ready output files in .csv file format
  • Tracks and logs all system activity
  • Provides robust error-handling options for unattended tube processing
  • SDK and ActiveX toolkits available

The XL20 is compatible with 96 well SBS microtubes (0.3 mL to 1.4 mL) from major labware manufacturers.

The XL Series maintains sample temperature in cold storage, refrigeration systems and cold rooms. Cold room compatible XL20 units used for re-arraying tubes are capable of operation to -10°C. Units equipped with an automated balance are capable of operation to -4°C. Given the compact size, the XL20 fits well in freezers and cold rooms with limited space. Cold room compatible XL Series units operate as they would in an ambient environment.

When operator safety is a concern, the XL20 can be enclosed so that the instrument automatically shuts off when the door is opened. Clear, acrylic walls allow maximum light and visibility into the instrument to support comfortable user conditions.

The LabelPro module prints and applies high-resolution 1D & 2D barcodes as well as human readable text and symbols. User-friendly software allows operators to generate unique or identical labels using a variety of label materials and sizes.

Download XL20 LabelPro Flyer

The XL20 seamlessly integrates 2D data matrix barcode decoding with other tube handling operations, decoding up to 500 tubes per hour. BioMicroLab’s software captures and reports each tube’s 2D barcode, tube location, weight and more to LIMS systems.

The instrument integrates a precision automated balance to automate the collection of sample weight data and easily verify volume upon receipt of samples, or before/after liquid transfer operations.

Technical Specification

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Dimensions (W x D x H) XL20:
28.5in x 21in x 16in
72cm x 53cm x 40 cm

XL20 with labeling:
28.5in x 31in x 16in
72cm x 79cm x 40cm
Electrical 100-240VAC ~ 50/60Hz
Weight XL20: 60 lbs (27.2 kg)
XL20 with labeling: 82.5 lbs (37.4 kg)
Operating environment XL20: 10°C to 40°C, 10-90% RH
XL20 for Cold Rooms: -10°C* to 40°C, 10-90% RH
*model dependant
System requirements Operating System: Windows 11, 10; 8GB RAM Recommended
USB Ports: Two
Throughput (Operational mode - tubes / hour) Re-array only 700
Re-array and 2D Decode 500
Re-array, 2D Decode and Weigh ~250
Re-array and Weigh ~300
Re-array and Label 180

BioMicroLab XL20 Citations