The centrifuge tube plays a vital role in storing and separating samples. In modern laboratories, small details like markings, labels, etc., matter a lot. Why? Because markings help scientists measure, identify, and track samples with accuracy. Hence, screen printing is most widely used for printing these markings. But many people ask: Why is screen printing the best for centrifuge tube markings?
The short answer to this question is the durability of screen prints. This technology produces sharp, long-lasting results that don’t fade or peel off. But that’s not the only reason behind its popularity. Several other reasons make screen printing the best for centrifuge tubes. In this article, I will discuss why screen printing is the top choice for centrifuge markings. So, let’s begin!
Common Printing Methods for Centrifuge Tubes Markings
As I said above, clear, precise, and durable marking for centrifuge tubes is very critical. For these markings, manufacturers use different printing techniques. Those techniques use various types of printing machines. So, let’s first discuss some of those printing methods for centrifuge tube markings.
1- Screen Printing
Screen printing is one of the most trusted methods for marking centrifuge tubes. It involves pressing ink through a fine mesh screen onto the tube’s surface. The area of the tube you want to print is left open on the screen. However, the rest of the tube area is covered. Once the ink passes through, it forms precise and durable markings. After printing, the ink is cured (dried) using heat or UV light to make it long-lasting. Do you want to see how screen printing machines print markings on centrifuge tubes? I recommend watching the video below!
2- Pad Printing
As you can see, centrifuge tubes are often curved. To print such surfaces, some manufacturers use pad printing. In this method, the printing ink is first transferred to a soft silicone pad. After that, it is passed onto the tube’s surface. The flexibility of the silicon pad makes it easier to cover the tube’s curved surfaces. However, pad-printed markings are usually very thin. They don’t last longer.
3- Laser Marking
Laser marking is another high-tech method for printing tubes. It uses a focused laser beam to engrave the tube’s surface. Instead of using ink, the laser slightly burns the specific tube areas. As a result, permanent marking is obtained on the centrifuge tube. This method is best for permanent marking. However, it is much more expensive, which makes it less practical for low-volume production.
4- Inkjet Printing
Inkjet printing is another popular method for printing centrifuge tubes. It uses ink droplets to create logos, images, or markings on the tube. In this method, the printer does not touch the rube. That’s why I suggest it for delicate tubes. However, the prints are not permanent and usually fade away more quickly.
5- Hot Stamping
Hot stamping is the printing process that uses a heated die. This die is coated with colored foil. When the die is pressed against the tube’s surface, it imprints that design. As a result, you get visible markings on the tube surface. Although this process is cost-effective, the foil can wear off with frequent handling. Therefore, I recommend it only for decorative purposes.
Why Screen Printing Is the Best Printing Method for Centrifuge Tube Markings
As you can see, there are several methods for printing centrifuge tubes. But manufacturers often prefer screen printing. Why? In the section below, I will discuss reasons why screen printing is favoured in many cases.
1- Excellent Material Compatibility
The main reason screen printing is best for centrifuge tube markings is its compatibility with a wide range of materials. As you know, centrifuge tubes are usually made with polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polycarbonate (PC). If you use other methods, such as hot stamping or pad printing, the marking may not adhere well. However, screen printing works best with all these types of materials.
This is because, in screen printing, there are different types of inks and curing methods. Manufacturers can choose an ink compatible with your centrifuge tube. As a result, it becomes part of the tube’s surface rather than just sitting on top. Moreover, advanced curing methods, such as UV light, help the prints adhere more firmly. So, with screen printing, you get long-lasting markings that don’t peel or fade.
2- Durability in Harsh Environments
Another reason screen printing for centrifuge tube marking stands out is its durability. Actually, the lab environment is often very harsh. The centrifuge tubes endure all these harsh conditions. For example, sometimes these tubes are spun at high speed or exposed to chemicals. Sometimes it needs to heat the centrifuge tubes for several experiments.
So, if the marking on the tubes is not durable, it can fade. However, screen printing offers very durable prints. It uses strong inks that stick tightly to the tube surface. After drying, this ink forms a further stronger bond with the tube. As a result, the marking does not peel off, fade, or blur over time. It does not even fade when the tube is exposed to chemicals, heated, and washed.
3- Cost-effectiveness For High Volume
Screen printing is the best choice for centrifuge tube markings due to its cost-effectiveness. Actually, in laboratories or manufacturing industries, thousands of tubes are made every day. If you use methods like laser printing, the cost per print would be higher. This is due to the higher cost of these methods. However, screen printing is overall very cost-friendly.
It takes time and money only once, when you set up the system and machine. Once the mesh and design are ready, you can use the same design for thousands of tubes. This makes it perfect for mass production. Moreover, the ink used in screen prints is also less costly and long-lasting. So, you don’t have to replace markings frequently, which saves on extra cost.
4- Good Readability & Flexibility for Design
What makes screen printing the top choice for printing centrifuge tubes is its sharp prints. As you know, clear markings matter a lot in the scientific labs. Why? Because scientists sometimes need to identify and measure samples quickly. If the markings of the tube fade or blur, it can lead to incorrect results for experiments. However, screen printing has resolved this problem with its sharp and bold prints.
These prints are easy to read and last longer. As a result, it becomes easier for scientists to identify and measure samples. Moreover, screen printing also offers flexibility in design. How? Actually, this method allows different types of inks to be used. So manufacturers can choose a marking color that matches the tube’s background (tube color). This makes reading the marking easier and more transparent.
5- Ease of Integration Into Production
Ease of integration is another reason that justifies screen printing as the best choice for centrifuge printing. Actually, ease of integration means screen printing can be easily added to production lines. In other words, manufacturers can include the printing process directly during tube manufacturing. There is no need to wait or set up a separate system.
Just after the centrifuge tubes are produced, they are sent to the screen-printing section. There, the tubes are printed with markings that are applied accurately and instantly. This not only reduces production time but also increases production speed. Moreover, the modern automatic screen printing machines have further made the job easier.
Automatic screen printers have made integration into production easier. These machines, unlike other manual screen-printing machines, don’t require human interaction. As a result, they can create markings on thousands of tubes in no time. Due to this easy setup, the screen printing has become the perfect choice for mass production.
Screen Printing vs Other Methods: A Quick Comparison Table
Several printing methods can be used for markings on centrifuge tubes. However, screen printing stands out among those methods. Let’s look at the comparison table to see how screen printing is an efficient choice compared to other methods.
| Feature | Screen Printing | Pad Printing | Inkjet Printing | Laser Marking |
| Print Quality | Sharp and clear | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent |
| Durability | Very durable | Medium | Low | Very durable |
| Material Use | Works on most plastics | Limited | Best on flat surfaces | Limited |
| Cost | Low for high volume | Medium | High | High |
| Speed | Fast | Medium | Slow | Slow |
| Flexibility | High | Medium | High | Low |
Practical Considerations for Screen Printing on Centrifuge Tubes
With fully and semi-automatic screen printing machines, marking on the centrifuge is easier. However, there are several practical factors manufacturers must consider. These factors help ensure high-quality results, smooth production, and long-lasting markings. Let’s discuss them here!
- Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is the most critical factor when printing a tube. If a centrifuge tube is dirty or oily, the ink cannot stick well. Therefore, you must remove those impurities from the tube surface using an air blower or alcohol wipes.
- Ink Selection: Choosing the correct type of ink is essential for getting durable markings. As you know, centrifuge tubes are made from materials such as polypropylene (PP) or polycarbonate (PC). So, the ink you use must be compatible with these materials. Generally, UV-curable or solvent-based inks are commonly used for these materials.
- Printing Equipment: The choice of screen printing machines also plays a key role. If you handle large production volumes, automatic screen printers are ideal. However, for smaller runs or test batches, semi-automatic machines can be used.
- Quality Control: Once printing is complete, the tubes undergo quality checks. This includes testing for print clarity, adhesion, and durability. Manufacturers must check quality control to ensure their tube markings meet industry standards.
- Curing and Drying Process: After printing, the ink must be properly cured and dried. However, there are several curing methods, like UV curing lamps or heat dryers. Depending on the ink type, it is crucial to choose the appropriate curing method. However, improper curing can cause the ink to fade or rub off easily.
Conclusion
Screen printing has become one of the most widely used printing methods in several industries. However, in modern laboratories, this technique is prevalent nowadays. It is used to create markings on the centrifuge tube and is considered the best choice for many reasons. For example, screen printing offers a perfect mix of durability, clarity, and cost-efficiency.
It creates the prints or markings that last longer and don’t fade away in harsh conditions. Moreover, the screen-printing machines are highly accurate and fast. As a result, industries can print hundreds of centrifuge tubes in less time. This not only reduces cost but also helps meet tight deadlines. In short, screen printing combines precision and reliability better than any other method.