ADDING labels to laboratory samples is a vital job, where the competing needs of speed and legibility do not always work together. Automated label printing systems can solve many of the problems, but the machinery can be cumbersome and is often fixed in location.
Now Brady says it has solved this dilemma, with the introduction of its BMP 51 and BMP 53 portable label makers. The unique selling point of these devices is the ability to print wirelessly via a built-in network card. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, with wi-fi available as an option, and both can be driven by an Android powered phone or tablet computer via the Brady Mobile application, available free.
BMP 51 is the standalone version, with an LCD screen and a qwerty keyboard to allow for conventional label creation. The BMP 53, on the other hand, relies on wireless data to create a label.
“These are the first printers equipped with Bluetooth to connect to Brady Mobile, a free app that allows labels to be printed ‘on the go’ from an Android phone without the need to carry a laptop or other device”, says Gino van der Ven, regional product manager for Brady. The Brady Mobile app includes a barcoding feature and a variety of symbols and pictograms.
The printers feature a cartridge containing both label material and printing ribbon, so they run out at the same time. Both label printers also have a durable built-in cutter, and high speed print and USB connectivity for advanced label design with LabelMark software. Power supply is by AA batteries, mains AC power, or rechargeable lithium-ion battery.