[Nhcoll-l] Labeling Systems for Fluid Preserved Specimens

[Andrews, Tom]

Hello Colleagues,

We have a fairly sizable backlog of fluid preserved specimens that we need to make labels for. (Vast majority are in a 55% solution of IPA) In the past, we had used a typewriter that was proven to give good results even after decades in fluid (many labels made on this machine dating back to the 1960's still look as good as when they were made) but at some point it was discovered that modern ribbons are of a different spec and no longer stand up well in fluid. As a result, we have handwritten our labels for several years but now need to come up with something more manageable for labelling several hundred specimens.

In reading through past messages here and other literature on the topic, it appears that Thermal Transfer printers are the way to go, but it seems that the Duramax which are usually recommended are no longer produced and the Honeywell printers appear to be a not totally satisfactory replacement. A quick search shows that the Duramax printers are readily available second-hand. My idea was to try to acquire one of these since they are a known quantity and as an added bonus much less costly than the new printers.

My question is, has anyone gone this route before and to those who have used the Duramax over the years, is it feasible to maintain them without outside assistance?

Kind regards,

Tom Andrews
Collections Assistant
Tom_Andrews1 at baylor.edu<mailto:Tom_Andrews1 at baylor.edu>
254-710-1194
Mayborn Museum Complex
Baylor University


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