XL20 Tube Handler™

Automates tube re-arraying, sample weighing, volume tracking, & labeling for 96 tube rack samples.

XL20 is a simple-to-use automated pick and place tube handler for 96 tube rack samples. The XL20 automates sample tube sorting, 2D sample tracking, and sample weighing tasks. The XL20’s workflow oriented software controls the automatic transfer of sample tubes to 2D barcode reader, tube balance, and volume measurement options. The XL20 software logs all collected data (sample 2D code, sample weight, etc.) to output files. A proven sample management tool, the XL20 works well as primary automation platform for labs with growing sample libraries, and as complementary automation for larger core facilities.

All designed, fabricated, and tested in our Concord, CA facility made from the highest quality materials.

Automation Benefits

Since 2004, XL20 Tube Handlers have been automating workflows in laboratories around the world! It is an ideal benchtop robot for use alongside fully automated sample stores!

18 – 20 rack deck provides hours of “walk-away” time
Modular by design–your instrument will include just the capabilities you require for your workflow
Fully compatible with LIMS systems
Easy-to-use Software

Applications

Automates handling of 0.3 mL to 1.4 mL microtubes
Compound sample library management
Re-array and cherry pick samples prior to liquid handling
QA/QC
Save freezer space by consolidating tube rack samples
Print and apply human readable and barcode labels
Track sample volume data across compound library
Collect DMSO hydration with TubeDowser

Typically Installed In

Compound Libraries / HTS groups
Biobank / Biorepositories
Core Genomic Facilities
Molecular Diagnostic Testing Labs

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Specifications

Key Features

Scan. Decode. Detect Volume. Re-array. Label.

Built with the features you need for your workflow, the XL20 can be used for a single operation, or to accomplish multiple tasks such as scanning, weighing and labeling!

Small Footprint

While only requiring about 29″ x 21″ (72 x 53 cm) of bench top space, the XL20 is ideal for laboratories with limited space.

Proven Reliable and Flexible

For managing 2D barcoded 96 well tubes, there is no tube handler more reliable, flexible, or affordable than the XL20! Supported by an experienced team since its debut in 2004, the XL20 continues to be a workhorse in laboratories across the industry!

We Support You with Every Step

An in-house BioMicroLab technician will unpack and install the instrument in your lab and train your team to get you up and running. We also offer online training sessions at anytime.

XL9 / XL20 Configuration Overview

Each instrument is configured with the Modules and Add-On Features your laboratory needs. The main difference between the two instruments is the rack capacity.

Modular by Design

Re-array, Reformat, Cherry Pick

This core feature, included with all models, is central to all tube handling operations. For labs with small or large sample libraries, the XL20 sorts up to 700 tubes per hour, providing unattended tube processing for work list based tube transfer from source racks to target racks.

Sample Identification & Tracking

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

Label Printing & Application

Labeling tubes by hand is labor intensive. Let the all electric LabelPro do it for you! The labeling module attaches to the front of the XL20 (requiring 2 deck positions) and 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.

Volume Detection

To verify volume upon receipt of samples, or before/after liquid transfer operations, the XL20 integrates either a precision automated balance or the non-contact sensor based LevelCheck™ to automate the collection of sample weight data.

Cold Room Compatibility

The XL Series accommodates lab requirements for maintaining 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 nicely in freezers and cold rooms where space is often limited. Cold room compatible XL Series units operate in the exact same way as they would in in ambient environment.

Enclosures

When operator safety is a concern, your 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 for operator ease-of-use.

XL Quote Wizard

Tube Handler Quote Builder

Tell us about your labware and workflow, and we’ll direct you to the best models.
Step 1: Select the labware that you use
Labware
- 96 well microtubes
- All other tube and vial types (including cryotubes)
- Both
Choose this option if your lab only uses microtubes in the ANSI/SLAS 96 format.

Our instruments are compatible with labware from major manufacturers such as Altemis, FluidX, Micronic, Thermo Scientific (Matrix, Abgene), Greiner, Ziath/Biosero, and more.
Choose this option if your lab uses tubes and vials only

Our instruments are compatible with 2mL cryo vials, 4mL-8mL glass vials, 15mL conical vials, 48-well honeycomb format racks, vacutainers, patient sample collection tube, etc, from major manufacturers including Altemis, Biosigma, FluidX, Micronic, Thermo Scientific (Matrix, Abgene), Greiner, Ziath/Biosero, and more. Have a tube not listed here? Please describe it in the box below and we'll see what we can do!
Choose this option if your lab uses tubes and vials, as well as 96 well microtubes.

Our instruments are compatible with 96, 48, 24 and 12 format ANSI/SLAS labware (0.2-10mL), including 2mL cryo vials, 4mL-8mL glass vials, 15mL conical vials, 48-well honeycomb format racks, vacutainers, patient sample collection tube, etc, from major manufacturers including Altemis, Biosigma, FluidX, Micronic, Thermo Scientific (Matrix, Abgene), Greiner, Ziath/Biosero, and more. Have a tube not listed here? Please describe it in the box below and we'll see what we can do!
Labware
Enter Labware Manufacturer & Volume (not required, but helpful!):
Section Break
Step 2: Choose the features you want
Barcode Decoding
Choose this option if your tubes have barcodes on the side.

Barcode decoding enables you to track, sort, re-array and cherry pick tubes and vials!
Choose this option if your tubes have 2D barcodes on the bottom.

Barcode decoding enables you to track, sort, re-array and cherry pick tubes and vials!
Choose this option if you want to decode barcodes on both the bottom and side.

Barcode decoding enables you to track, sort, re-array and cherry pick tubes and vials!
Labeling
Print and apply labels or apply pre-printed labels with the XL LabelPro™ module.

Print barcodes, Data Matrix codes, human readable text, symbols and more using any font on your computer. Requires 2 rack positions when in use; can be quickly removed when not needed.
Volume Detection
We offer 3 different options for detecting volume of tubes and vials, depending on your lab’s requirements.

This option is preferred by labs with medium to high volume samples. The 4-place Sartorius Automated Balance is available on all models and is commonly used for weighing and re-weighing vials to track sample volume and to confirm liquid transfers. An external display and ionizer are optional. The balance works with capped and uncapped tubes.
We offer 3 different options for detecting volume of tubes and vials, depending on your lab’s requirements.

Choose this option if you have very low sample volumes. This is our highest resolution balance. This comes with a 5-place Mettler Toledo WSX Automated Balance weighing module, an external display for viewing measurement results, as well as ionizers and vibration mats to ensure the highest accuracy. The balance works with capped and uncapped tubes. (Only available on XL100 & XL200)
We offer 3 different options for detecting volume of tubes and vials, depending on your lab’s requirements.

Our lowest cost option uses the LevelCheck™ module, a non-contact sensor to detect sample volumes and works with both capped and uncapped tubes. It captures the tube image for visual inspection and is the most affordable option. (Only available on XL9 & XL20)
No worries, we can figure this out later!
Liquid Transfer
Transfer liquid volumes between 5-1000µL with the single-channel pipetting module using Tecan Air Displacement Pipettor (ADP).

The module integrates seamlessly with other tube handling operations, such as capping or weighing, as it operates on a separate z-axis, and provides automatic tip load and tip ejection modes to avoid cross contamination of samples. Aliquot or dispense from any tube, vial or rack position.
Capping & Decapping
Choose this option if you want to decap and re-cap screw cap tubes using the caps already on your labware.

Capping and decapping can be problematic when done by hand! Our automated capping and decapping module for screw caps can operate in several modes to accomplish your tasks, and is available with or without a cap feeder to supply fresh, unused caps! The capping module is most commonly used in conjunction with liquid transfer operations.
Choose this option if you want to cap or re-cap with fresh, unused caps. This will come with an automated cap feeder!

Capping and decapping can be problematic when done by hand! Our automated capping and decapping module for screw caps can operate in several modes to accomplish your tasks, and is available with or without a cap feeder to supply fresh, unused caps! The capping module is most commonly used in conjunction with liquid transfer operations.
No worries, we can figure this out later!
Sample Temperature Integrity
When temperature matters, we offer cost effective solutions to keep samples at a specific temperature, or to operate the instrument within low temperature environments.

Choose this option for Cool Rooms or Freezers... to process samples in environments to -4 °C or -10°C.
When temperature matters, we offer cost effective solutions to keep samples at a specific temperature, or to operate the instrument within low temperature environments.

Choose this option if you want your instrument in an ambient environment. We offer Solid State Cooling and MéCour Thermal Blocks integrated onto the deck platform to maintain sample temperature integrity from -90°C to 250°C.
Enclosure for Operator Safety
Enclosures protect operators from potentially hazardous moving mechanical laboratory equipment and robotics systems..

The doors come equipped with safety switches, causing the instrument to automatically stop when the door is opened. Made of anodized aluminum extrusions and clear acrylic panels, the clear windows and doors allow visibility and maximum penetration of external lighting. .
HIDDEN Section Break - so models don't display right away
Step 3: Based on your selections, we suggest:
Compatible Models--9/20/200*
Compatible Models--100/200*
Compatible Model - XL100 with Cap Feeder*
The XL9 Tube Handler
(Rack Capacity 9*)

A proven sample management tool, the XL9 works well as primary automation platform for labs with growing sample libraries, and as complementary tube processing platform for larger core facilities.

* Systems with the labeling module have a 7 rack capacity when the labeler is attached. It can be removed when not needed!
XL20 Tube Handling Instrument.
(Rack Capacity 20*)

The XL20 automates sample tube sorting, 2D sample tracking, and sample weighing tasks. The XL20’s workflow oriented software controls the automatic transfer of sample tubes to 2D barcode reader, tube balance, and volume measurement options.

* Systems with the labeling module have an 18 rack capacity when the labeler is attached. It can be removed when not needed.
XL100 Tube & Vial Handling Instrument
(20 Rack Capacity*)

The XL100 is an excellent choice! The XL100 is used by drug discovery and biotech laboratories for applications such as sample receipt processing, vial weighing for compound dissolution, tube weighing, print and apply labeling and more.

Each XL100 is built to order with the modules your lab needs. It is LIMS ready and can be configured to integrate with other robotic equipment. We unpack and install your instrument and train your team so you can get to work right away!

*Please note, if you selected labeling the working rack capacity is 18 racks. The labeling module can be removed when not needed to free up those 2 rack spaces!
XL200 Vial Handling Instrument.
(Rack Capacity 30*)

Automates re-array, sample vial weighing, capping, decapping, vial labeling, and data collection for common laboratory vial sizes.

The XL200 is an excellent choice and offers maximum throughput! The XL200 is used by drug discovery and biotech laboratories for applications such as sample receipt processing, vial weighing for compound dissolution, tube weighing, print and apply labeling and more.

Each XL200 is built to order with the modules your lab needs. It is LIMS ready and can be configured to integrate with other robotic equipment. We unpack and install your instrument and train your team so you can get to work right away!

*Please note, if you selected labeling the working rack capacity is 28 racks. The labeling module can be removed when not needed to free up those 2 rack spaces!
Hidden Section - Reveal after Compatible Model Selected
Step 4: Request a Quote
Name*
First
Email*

Software

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 provides control of all vial pick and place operations. It provides multiple tube processing modes for common tube handling applications to meet your varied workflow needs and allows you the flexible control you need to increase your throughput. Output files can be configured to meet your LIMS system requirements. Easily managed by multiple users, our full featured tube processing software provides unattended operation to meet your group’s throughput requirements.

Advanced system error handling options provide unattended operation. Output files can be configured to meet your LIMS system requirements.

User-friendly point-and-click Graphical User Interface
Data collection and worklist based processing modes
Guides the user through the tube rack loading and unloading process
Interactive interface provides feedback while processing tubes
Dynamically processes work lists with 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 & ActiveX toolkits available

Compatible Labware

The XL20 is compatible with 96 well ANSI/SLAS microtubes (0.3 mL to 1.4 ml) from major labware manufacturers. Please inquire if you do not see your labware listed, as it still may be compatible!

96 format ANSI/SLAS tube racks

Compatible Manufacturers

Altemis
Biosero
FluidX
Greiner

- Micronic
- Thermo Scientific (Matrix, ABgene)
- Ziath

and more!

Specifications

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, 2D Decode & LevelCheck	350-400
Re-array, 2D Decode & DMSO Check	350-400
Re-array and Label	180

Dimensions

XL20: 28.5” W x 21” D x 16” H (72 x 53 x 40 cm)
XL20 with Labeling: 28.5” W x 31” D x 16” H (72 x 79 x 40 cm)

Weight

XL20 ~60 lbs (27.2 kg)
XL20 with Labeling: ~82.5 lbs (37.4 kg)

Actual weight depends on the configuration options

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows 10, 8, 7; ~2GB RAM Recommended
USB Ports: Two

Ask us about our laptops, preconfigured with BioMicroLab software!

Electrical

100-240VAC ~ 50/60Hz

Operating Environment

XL20: 10°C to 40°C, 10-90% RH
XL20 for Cold Rooms: -4°C to 40°C, 10-90% RH

Features

Automates collection of tube 2D barcode, weight, volume, and DMSO hydration
Decodes 2D barcode with integrated camera
Weighs sample with 0.1mg 4-place balance (with Automated Balance option)
Scans sample volume in capped tubes (with LevelCheck option)
Scans sample DMSO hydration (with TubeDowser option)
Print and apply labels (with labeling option)
Enclosure available for operator safety!
Small 18” x 21” footprint
Compatible with 96-well ANSI/SLAS standard tube racks
Includes LIMS compatible BioMicroLab XL Series Work List Software

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Company Info

+1 (925) 689-1200 | sales@biomicrolab.com
BioMicroLab, Inc. | A division of CopyPro, Inc.
2500-A Dean Lesher Dr. | Concord, CA 94520 USA

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