What Excel Scientific does

Excel Scientific, LLC is a Victorville, California-based manufacturer of microplate sealing films and foils used in life science research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostic laboratory workflows. The company produces more than 30 distinct sealing products across adhesive seals, foil seals, heat seals, breathable films for cell culture, roll-format dispensing systems, and accessories, all designed and manufactured at its ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14644 cleanroom-certified facility. Core technology centers on proprietary medical-grade adhesive formulations and specialized film constructions (polypropylene, aluminum, polyester, polyethylene, silicone) processed via precision cutting, slitting, laminating, printing, and perforating capabilities, with products certified DNase/RNase/Human DNA-free for contamination-sensitive applications.

Excel Scientific serves four primary verticals—life science research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, and diagnostic providers/clinical laboratories—primarily through a global distributor network and direct quote-based sales. The company maintains deep integrations with major automated heat sealing platforms (Kbiosystems, Azenta, Thermo Alps, Agilent PlateLoc), positioning its consumables within high-throughput diagnostic and pharma QC workflows. Founded in 1992 by Bambi Lyn Cahilly, the company has been owned by Vance Street Capital since January 2021 and operates as a platform alongside Innovize, LLC (acquired November 2022) and Zenith Adhesive Components (acquired April 2025), forming a broader medical and life sciences materials converting platform.

Name

Excel Scientific

Legal name

Excel Scientific, LLC

Website

https://excelscientific.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Excel Scientific manufactures microplate sealing films, foils, and heat seals for life science research, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and diagnostic laboratories. The company sells 30+ products direct and through a global distributor network from its ISO 9001:2015 Victorville, CA facility.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Laboratory Consumables

NAICS

Converted Paper Product Manufacturing (3222), Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing (322220)

SIC

Papers & Allied Products (2600), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Laboratory Consumables & Plasticware (Tips, Tubes, Plates, Filters) (HLAGAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialty Paper Manufacturing (Coated, Release, Thermal, Filter, Security) (IMAMAEAC)

Keywords

• Microplate sealing films
• Laboratory sealing consumables
• PCR sealing solutions
• Heat seal films
• Cell culture breathable seals

Headquarters

HQ city

Victorville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Microplate Sealing Films and Foils: Excel Scientific generates revenue through the sale of standard and custom microplate sealing films, foils, and laminate-based consumable products. Products include adhesive seals, heat seals, breathable films for cell culture, specialized films for PCR/qPCR, and foil seals for long-term storage. The company operates as a manufacturer selling directly and through distributor channels.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Excel Scientific manufactures high-performance microplate sealing films, foils, and laminate-based consumable products for life science research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies, and diagnostic providers. The portfolio includes adhesive seals, foil seals, heat seal films, breathable gas-permeable films for cell culture, and roll dispensing systems for both manual and automated workflows.

Product overview

Excel Scientific is a manufacturer of microplate sealing films and foils for life science and diagnostics applications. The product portfolio includes over 30 distinct sealing film and foil products organized into categories: Adhesive Seals (SealPlate®, ThermalSeal®, EZcap™, ValueSeal™, TiterSeal™, ThinSeal™, General Purpose, X-Pierce™, Zone-Free™, eXTReme™ Seal, BrightMax™, AbsorbMax™), Foil Seals (AlumaSeal®, AlumaSeal® II™, AlumaSeal® CS™, eXTReme™ FoilSeal™, FoilSeal™, EZcap™ FoilStrips™), Heat Seals (AdvanceSeal™ 1000, AdvanceSeal™ 2000, AdvanceSeal™ 3000, AdvanceSeal™ Heat Seal Peelable PCR Foil), Breathable Films (AeraSeal™ for cell culture), Roll Products (SealMate™ and RollMate™ formats), and Accessories (Plate-Sealing Roller, Multi-Swipe™ Plate-Sealing Paddles). Products are designed for applications including PCR, qPCR, ELISA, cell/tissue culture, long-term storage, auto-sampling, and specialty optical assays. All products are designed and manufactured in the USA at the ISO 9001:2015 certified facility in Victorville, CA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EZcap™: FilmStrips product line for partial plate sealing
• AdvanceSeal™
• AeraSeal™
• AlumaSeal®
• SealPlate®
• ThermalSeal®
• eXTReme™
• BrightMax™
• AbsorbMax™
• X-Pierce™
• Zone-Free™
• SealMate™
• RollMate™

Products and services

• SealPlate® Industry standard microplate sealing film that minimizes evaporation, prevents well-to-well contamination and spillage, and eliminates edge effects. Features rigid polyester film with good clarity and easy handling. Available in color-coded variants for sample identification.
• ThermalSeal® Sealing Films Family of thermal cycling sealing films including ThermalSeal, ThermalSeal 2, ThermalSeal RT2 (optically clear), and ThermalSeal RTS (pressure-activated silicone adhesive) for PCR, qPCR, protein crystallography, and HPLC applications with temperature ranges up to -80°C to +105°C.
• AeraSeal™ Breathable Films Hydrophobic gas permeable membrane films designed for cell, tissue, and bacterial cultures, enabling uniform air/CO2 exchange. Temperature range -20°C to +80°C. Available with pore sizes from 10µm to 50µm.
• AlumaSeal® Foil Seals Family of aluminum foil sealing films including AlumaSeal, AlumaSeal CS (cold storage), and AlumaSeal II (DMSO-resistant) for long-term and cold storage applications. Temperature range up to -80°C to +120°C.
• EZcap™ FilmStrips and FoilStrips Pre-cut film and foil strips for sealing individual 8-well rows of 96-well plates or PCR 8-tube strips. Includes General Purpose FilmStrips, PCR FilmStrips, and FoilStrips for PCR, short-term storage, and light-sensitive assays. Temperature range -40°C to +120°C.
• eXTReme™ Sealing Films High-performance sealing films and foils for extreme conditions and ultra-low temperatures including eXTReme FoilSeal (aluminum with chemical resistance, -80°C long-term storage) and eXTReme Seal (extra-strong thick adhesive).
• BrightMax™ and AbsorbMax™ Optical Films Specialty optical sealing films for luminescence, fluorescence, and chemiluminescence assays. BrightMax (white vinyl) reflects light to maximize signal intensity; AbsorbMax (black vinyl) absorbs stray light to minimize background fluorescence and cross-talk.
• X-Pierce™ Pierceable Sealing Films Pierceable sealing films with pre-cut X designs over each well creating bendable flaps for easy sample access without pipet tip coring or adhesive fouling. Available in 96-well and 384-well formats. Reseals after piercing for continued sample protection.
• Zone-Free™ Sealing Films Multilayer films with pierceable adhesive-free zones to minimize contact between samples and adhesive. Available in 96-well (circular void areas) and 384-well (square void areas) formats. Optimized for multi-channel pipetting and robotics.
• General Purpose and ValueSeal™ Films Economical polypropylene sealing films offering superior barrier properties to minimize evaporation and prevent well-to-well contamination. ValueSeal is the most economical option for general laboratory use.
• EZ-Pierce™ and ThinSeal™ Pierceable Films Pierceable sealing films for single-channel pipet tips, probes, and needles. Minimizes evaporation and contamination with specially formulated adhesive that minimizes plate residue and prevents tip clogging. Temperature range -40°C to +90°C.
• FoilSeal™ PCR Foil Films Extra thick aluminum foil sealing film (2.0 mil) with specially formulated adhesive that minimizes evaporation, reduces cross-contamination, and prevents spillage. Removes easily without shredding.
• TiterSeal™ Economical sealing film for general laboratory use that minimizes evaporation, prevents well-to-well contamination and spillage, and eliminates edge effects which can occur with plate lids.
• Roll Seal for Automation Adhesive roll-seal films for high-throughput automated microplate sealers providing reliable and efficient sealing at lower cost per plate with minimal user intervention.
• AdvanceSeal™ 1000 Heat Seal Film Transparent peelable heat seal film for PCR, ELISA, incubation, cold storage, long-term storage, and general purpose applications. Temperature range -80°C to +105°C. Compatible with Kbiosystems, Azenta, and Agilent PlateLoc Heat Sealers.
• AdvanceSeal™ 2000 Pierceable Foil Heat Seal Pierceable foil heat seal for PCR, sample storage and transport, long-term storage, high throughput workflows, automation, anaerobic conditions, and re-sealing pierced plates. Temperature range -80°C to +105°C. PCR inhibitor-free and endotoxin-free.
• AdvanceSeal™ 3000 Peelable Foil Heat Seal Peelable foil heat seal designed for PCR, long-term compound storage, light sensitive assays, and robotics. Compatible with most automated heat sealing platforms. Certified free of detectable levels of Endotoxin, DNase, RNase, and Human DNA contamination.
• AdvanceSeal™ Heat Seal Peelable PCR Foil Peelable heat seal foil for use with single sheet heat seal applicators. Temperature range +4°C to +94°C. Compatible with polypropylene and dual component (polycarbonate/polypropylene) PCR plates.
• SealMate™ Roll Dispensing System Re-usable dispenser system with perforated film rolls for fast and efficient microplate sealing. Enables 3x faster sealing compared to sheeted films while utilizing approximately 59-72% less material. Available in AeraSeal, eXTReme Seal, and SealPlate variants with color-coded perforated bands.
• RollMate™ Pre-Scored Roll Dispenser Pre-scored SealPlate or FoilSeal film in convenient roll format with self-standing dispenser. More economical and efficient alternative for rapidly sealing microplates.
• Plate-Sealing Roller 4-inch soft rubber roller for sealing flat-top plates. Features smooth spinning thermoplastic elastomer sealing surface with durable plated metal handle. Reusable and autoclavable.
• Multi-Swipe™ Plate-Sealing Paddles Plate-sealing paddle ensuring secure and uniform pressure-sensitive seal around all wells. Economical alternative to plate rollers. Reusable and recyclable.

Quantifiable outcome

• Roll seal format enables 3x faster microplate sealing compared to sheeted films
• +1 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Zenith Adhesive ComponentsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 April 2025Excel Scientific and Innovize (both Vance Street portfolio companies) acquired Zenith Adhesive Components, an Irish contract manufacturer established in 2012 in Athlone. The acquisition aims to enhance capabilities and expand market reach in the medical, life science, and high technology sectors.
• Innovize, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 November 2022Vance Street Capital completed acquisition of Innovize, LLC, an advanced medical contract manufacturer focused on complex materials conversion for diagnostics, wearables and electronics devices. Innovize was founded in 1958 and headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. The acquisition creates a medical and life sciences platform with specialized materials expertise.
• Distributor PartnerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal network of authorized distributors serving life science research, biotech, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic customers. Company provides Find a Distributor and Become a Distributor programs.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bio-Rad Laboratories: Bio-Rad's Microseal family of sealing films and foils competes head-to-head with Excel's SealPlate and ThermalSeal portfolios across PCR, qPCR, ELISA, and storage workflows serving the same life-science research and diagnostic customer base.
• Azenta Life Sciences (incl. former 4titude): Azenta absorbed the plate-sealing consumables business historically run by 4titude and also markets the PlateLoc heat-sealing instrument — overlapping Excel's AdvanceSeal films and direct competition in the heat-seal consumable category.
• Greiner Bio-One: Greiner Bio-One manufactures microplates and associated sealing consumables for cell culture, ELISA, and PCR/qPCR workflows, making it a directly comparable specialty consumables competitor to Excel Scientific.
• KBiosystems: KBiosystems manufactures automated plate-sealing instruments whose consumable ecosystem overlaps with Excel's AdvanceSeal heat-seal films; the two firms are both commercial partners and adjacent competitors in the heat-sealing category.

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher offers a broad portfolio of microplates, sealing films, and heat sealers (including integration with Excel's AdvanceSeal products via the Thermo Alps platform) — a deep-pocketed incumbent that competes via bundled catalog rather than specialization.
• Corning Life Sciences: Corning's Life Sciences segment produces microplates and storage/assay consumables (including sealing options) for life-science research and diagnostic customers, overlapping Excel's core vertical but as part of a much larger diversified portfolio.
• Agilent Technologies: Agilent's PlateLoc Heat Sealer integrates with Excel's AdvanceSeal films, while Agilent's broader Diagnostics & Genomics group competes downstream with diagnostic assay workflows that drive demand for plate-sealing consumables.
• Eppendorf: Eppendorf supplies consumables (plates, tubes, sealing mats) and instruments for sample preparation and cell-handling workflows, addressing a similar life-science laboratory customer base even where their product lines only partially overlap.
• Bio-Techne: Bio-Techne (R&D Systems, Novus Biologicals, ProteinSimple) supplies reagents, proteins, and consumables to research and diagnostic labs, competing for similar assay-consumable budgets as Excel Scientific even with limited direct sealing-film overlap.

Emerging players

• Hamilton Company: Hamilton's automated liquid-handling and storage platforms compete in high-throughput laboratory workflows where sealing-film/foil consumables are consumed; Hamilton offers its own seal-compatible solutions that intersect Excel's automation-focused product lines.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Excel Scientific