Brady : What floorutions for durably identifying and tracking samples?

Brady designs identification and traceability solutions that withstand the toughest environments. For laboratories, the brand offers cryogenic labels, autoclavable and solvent-resistant options, as well as printers for benchtop and portable use, and label-design software. From biobanks to QC and R&D units across pharmaceutical, food & beverage and academic settings, Brady safeguards sample integrity, standardises labelling and cuts errors, while meeting GLP/GMP expectations and GHS/CLP requirements.

A pioneer in identification since 1914

Founded in 1914 in Milwaukee (USA), Brady Corporation began with a simple idea: to make information visible and built to last. Over the past century, the company expanded from industrial labelling to end-to-end identification solutions, combining advanced materials, inks, ribbons and printing systems. Backed by a global presence and an EMEA headquarters in Zele (Belgium), it supports regulated industries — healthcare, pharmaceuticals, chemicals — where traceability allows no compromise. For laboratories, Brady has developed dedicated materials, such as the Freezerbondz ranges for ultra-low temperatures, and has evolved its printers from portable units to connected benchtop systems, as well as its software ecosystem (Brady Workstation). Its DNA: reliability, legibility and long-term durability.

Expertise and Areas of Specialisation

Brady is recognised for the performance of its materials and the consistency of its “media + ribbon + printer” system. In the lab, that means:

- Cryogenic labels that adhere to dry or wet surfaces and remain legible from ?196 °C (liquid nitrogen) to +121 °C (autoclave). Freezerbondz materials minimise peeling and cracking on tubes, cryovials and cryo straws.

- Histology solutions: labels resistant to xylene and solvents for slides and cassettes, crisp contrast with resin ribbons to prevent smudging.

- Identification of microplates, tips and small diameters: ultra-compact formats, “flag” tabs for tight curves, 1D/2D and DataMatrix barcodes that scan perfectly.

On the hardware side, the printers simplify on-bench labelling; the BradyPrinter i3300 secures benchtop printing with auto-calibration and drop-in cartridges; the i5100/i7100 handle higher throughput. The Brady Workstation software offers ready-to-use templates, barcodes/QR generation and CSV export to feed a LIMS.

Why Brady? For long-term readability, proven chemical resistance, and a labelling workflow that is fast, reproducible and compliant. Dutscher completes the offer with stock of key lines (labels, ribbons).

Brady products supplied by Dutscher

Frequently asked questions about the Brady brand

Do Brady labels withstand cryogenic conditions?
Yes. The materials maintain adhesion and legibility down to ?196 °C. Depending on the part number, apply to dry or frozen surfaces; follow the technical datasheet.

Can the labels be autoclaved?
Dedicated SKUs remain intact after cycles at +121 °C/15–20 min. Use the recommended label + resin ribbon pairing to ensure contrast and durability.

Which Brady printer for my lab?
M210-LAB: mobile, stand-alone use. M510-LAB: mobility and versatility. i3300: self-calibrating benchtop. i5100/i7100: high volumes and specialty materials.

Are the labels LIMS/barcode compatible?
Yes. Brady Workstation generates 1D/2D barcodes, QR codes and CSV/Excel exports. Printing via USB/network; scannability validated on micro and cryo formats.

Which regulatory compliances do the materials cover?
Depending on the SKU: REACH/RoHS compliance, plus UL/CSA listings where applicable. Refer to the TDS and SDS.

What about Brady’s CSR approach?
The brand focuses on durable identification and eco-design. Long-life labels reduce relabelling and waste.