ARPHA Preprints, doi: 10.3897/arphapreprints.e179331
A low-cost, scalable solution for automated cutting of entomological labels
Jayme Sones‡, Marlee-Ann Lyle‡, Isaiah Dowling‡, Allison Brown‡, Paul Hebert‡‡ University of Guelph, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, Guelph, Canada
Corresponding author: Jayme Sones ( jsones@uoguelph.ca ) © Jayme Sones, Marlee-Ann Lyle, Isaiah Dowling, Allison Brown, Paul Hebert. This is an open access preprint distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Citation:
Sones J, Lyle M-A, Dowling I, Brown A, Hebert P (2025) A low-cost, scalable solution for automated cutting of entomological labels. ARPHA Preprints. https://doi.org/10.3897/arphapreprints.e179331 |  |
Abstract
The digitization and labelling of historic and new specimens is a time-consuming, error-prone process as labels are still often hand-cut. To improve efficiency and consistency, we developed a low-cost solution for high-throughput environments which employs Cricut Maker 3 to automatically cut precision entomological labels. We optimized digital label templates for use with Cricut software and developed custom accessories for efficient label transfer and organization. Implementation of pre-cut label batches increased workflow efficiency, reduced user strain, and improved label quality. This system is compatible with existing digitization pipelines and supports standardized labelling formats, including those for DNA barcode workflows. With minimal set-up and maintenance costs, Cricut offers an effective suite of tools for generating specimen labels in Natural History Collections. Modernizing entomology labelling workflows supports data standardization, collection digitization, and the scientific value of natural history specimens.
Keywords
collection management, Cricut Maker, entomology, natural history collections, specimen labels