LVL Technologies’ SAFE® Tube Laser Marker eliminates the last friction point in modern sample management — unreliable labeling — with permanent, high-speed laser coding built for the demands of automated labs.
LVL Technologies · Lab Science Blog · Tube Laser Marker Series
| 500 TUBES PER HOUR | 9 RACKS SIMULTANEOUSLY | 3 SBS FORMATS SUPPORTED |
In laboratories where samples are the lifeblood of research, the humble label has always been the weak link. Fading ink, peeling stickers, illegible handwriting — these small failures cascade into real scientific risk. LVL Technologies set out to close that gap, and the result is the SAFE® Tube Laser Marker (TLM 864).
The Problem With Traditional Tube Labeling
For decades, labs have relied on two approaches: handwritten labels and adhesive stickers. Both fail under real-world conditions. Handwriting becomes illegible under freezing temperatures or when tubes are handled frequently. Adhesive labels peel, smear, and can contaminate samples or jam automated liquid handlers.
These are not minor inconveniences. In biobanking, pharma, genomics, and diagnostics, a single misidentified or untraceable tube can mean discarded samples, invalid assay results, or regulatory non-compliance. The cost — in time, money, and scientific integrity — is significant.
Illegible handwriting, sticky tubes, and untraceable sample tubes are now a thing of the past with the SAFE® Tube Laser Marker.
What the TLM 864 Does Differently
The TLM 864 is a fully automated laser coding system that permanently marks SAFE® sample tubes with custom information — right in the lab, on demand. Unlike adhesive labeling, laser etching fuses the code directly into the tube surface, making it immune to solvents, cryogenic storage, moisture, and mechanical wear.
The system works across three standard formats — SBS 96, SBS 48, and SBS 24 — and can process up to nine racks simultaneously, achieving throughput of up to 500 tubes per hour. Each tube can be coded from two sides, meaning there is always a visible, readable code regardless of orientation in downstream automation.
Key Benefits
| 01Permanent IdentificationLaser-etched codes are physically bonded to the tube — no peeling, no fading, even after years in cryogenic storage. | 02Full Database LinkageLinks new coded information to the pre-existing 2D data matrix code, creating a complete auditable chain of identity in your LIMS. |
| 03High-Speed ThroughputUp to 500 tubes per hour across nine racks. Hours of manual effort complete in minutes, without human error. | 04Flexible Code DesignCreate custom code layouts on-site via touchscreen or external PC. Adapt to project, study, or regulatory requirements instantly. |
Seamless Lab Integration
The TLM 864 is engineered to slot into existing workflows rather than replace them. Data is transmitted from an external PC in a convenient CSV format, requiring no bespoke software or complex integration work. The device is configured through an integrated touchscreen, and once set up, operates fully automatically — freeing lab staff to focus on science rather than logistics.
The system’s compatibility with SBS/ANSI standardized rack formats means it works with the infrastructure most automated labs already have in place. It also integrates naturally with LVL’s broader SAFE® ecosystem of readers, cappers, and storage systems.
- Touchscreen configuration — no software installation required on the device itself
- CSV data exchange format for easy connection to any LIMS or ELN
- Double-sided laser coding ensures readability in any rack orientation
- 100% compatible with SAFE® 2D tubes and existing SBS/ANSI rack systems
- ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing quality from Crailsheim, Germany
Applications Across the Life Sciences
The TLM 864 is versatile enough to serve a wide range of laboratory environments. Biobanks rely on it to maintain sample integrity across decades-long storage programs. Pharmaceutical companies use it to satisfy rigorous chain-of-custody documentation during drug development. Genomics and diagnostics labs benefit from the high-throughput automation that keeps pace with next-generation sequencing workflows.
Technical Specifications
| Model | TLM 864 |
| Throughput | Up to 500 tubes/hr |
| Rack capacity | 9 racks simultaneously |
| Tube formats | SBS 96 / 48 / 24 |
| Coding sides | Double-sided |
| Data input | CSV via external PC |
| Interface | Integrated touchscreen |
| Certification | ISO 9001:2015 |
| Manufacturer | LVL Technologies GmbH |
| Origin | Crailsheim, Germany |
The Bottom Line
The SAFE® Tube Laser Marker is not just a labeling upgrade — it is a fundamental improvement to sample management quality and laboratory efficiency. By replacing error-prone manual methods with permanent, automated, database-linked laser coding, LVL Technologies has addressed one of the last remaining weak points in modern lab automation.
For labs serious about sample integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, the TLM 864 sets a new standard for what tube identification should look like.
At 2D Tubes by AutoGen, we offer a broad array of end-to end sample workflow solutions – from extraction to secure, scalable storage. Through our partnership with LVL Technologies, we believe you won’t find better sample storage and management solutions. If you’re interested in getting the TLM 864 into your lab, get in touch. Our team is here to help your lab become more efficient.