An orbital shaker is ideal for a variety of general-purpose shaking applications in cell culture, bacterial growth and suspension, staining and washing procedures. This type has a circular shaking motion with low to high speed with less vibrations, ideal for culturing microbes.
Esco OrbiCult™ Shaker offers versatile models and outstanding features such as a unique triple-eccentric counterbalance drive and brushless DC motor for long term-reliability. Also, OrbiCult™ shakers are known for their flexibility, user-friendly control system, and safety features which provides user comfort and reliable results.
Must-have features to consider:
- Consistent and stable shaking performance with precise speed control.
- Robust, long-life drive mechanism with smooth, low-vibration operation.
- Intuitive digital interface for easy setup and control.
- Built-in safety & alarm functions to protect samples and operations.
- Versatile platform compatibility to support various flask types and applications.
- Durable, easy-to-clean construction for hygiene and maintenance ease.
- Visible parameter display and reliable operation monitoring.
OC-_
OrbiCult™ Temperature-Controlled Incubator Shakers
Specifications:
- 10-inch color touchscreen with digital high-efficiency filtering.
- Precise temperature control with PID, variable frequency compressor, and dual crossflow fans.
- CO2 infrared sensor and linear motion shakers for accurate environmental control.
- Triple-axis balanced drive with brushless motor and speed feedback system.
- Three-tier stacking design with stainless steel interior and independent layer control.
AS1-NC-_
OrbiCult™ Ambient Shaker
Specifications:
- Heavy-duty and high-speed application
- Reduced maintenance
- Multiple choice of accessories
- Easy-to-use design
- Audible and visible alarms
- Orbit Size: 19mm and 25mm
AS1-C-_
OrbiCult™ Ambient Shaker - CO<sub>2</sub> Resistant
Specifications:
- Heavy-duty and high-speed application
- Reduced maintenance
- Multiple choice of accessories
- Easy-to-use design
- Audible and visible alarms
- CO2 Resistance Option
- Orbit Size: 19mm and 25mm
IBS-NR-_-_
OrbiCult™ Incubator Benchtop Shaker - Non-refrigerated
Specifications:
- Heavy-duty and high-speed application
- Reduced maintenance
- Versatile for microorganism cultivation
- Easy-to-use design
- Audible and visible alarms
- Non-refrigerated
- Orbit Size: 19mm and 25mm
IBS-R-_-_
OrbiCult™ Incubator Benchtop Shaker - Refrigerated
Specifications:
- Heavy-duty and high-speed application
- Reduced maintenance
- Versatile for microorganism cultivation
- Easy-to-use design
- Audible and visible alarms
- World-class compressor with low energy consumption
- Orbit Size: 19mm and 25mm
Orbital shakers operate by generating a circular shaking motion on a horizontal plane. This motion ensures thorough, uniform mixing for culturing cells or processing samples.
All three series use a motor-driven platform that moves in an orbital path. The vessels placed on the platform are agitated consistently to mix, blend, or aerate the contents.
What is the difference between an ambient shaker and an incubator shaker?
An ambient shaker (AS1) provides shaking only, operating at room temperature. An incubator shaker (IBS and OC) provides shaking with temperature control, allowing you to heat or cool samples while mixing. OC models additionally offer CO₂ control options for applications that require a controlled CO₂ environment.
Shakers are ideal for applications like bacterial suspension, solubility studies, growth of bacteria and yeast, extraction procedures, washing procedures, diagnostics tests, hybridization, general mixing, staining & destaining, mixing, and extracting.
OrbiCult™ Shakers offer a wide range of accessories across all models, with AS1, IBS, and OC sharing common options including universal platforms, dedicated platforms, flask clamps, test tube racks, microplate holders, and adhesive mats. AS1 and IBS additionally support utility carriers, while OC provides an extended selection such as adjustable and fixed tube racks, multifunctional spring racks, separating funnel fixtures, infusion bottle clamps, static shelves, stacking stands, and humidity and water-management accessories.
Yes, all models support multi-step programming with adjustable time, speed, and temperature parameters, with AS1 offering up to 25 steps, IBS providing 15 steps, and OC models allowing 12 steps along with additional programmability for shaking and environmental control.
IBS-R (refrigerated incubator shaker) and OC models with cooling capability are recommended, as protein expression often requires temperatures below 10°C.
IBS-R and IBS-NR can reach high-temperature ranges appropriate for thermophilic organisms.
Use the orbit size based on vessel type and aeration needs. The 0.7" orbit, available on AS1 and IBS models, is suited for high-speed shaking and smaller vessels. The 1" orbit, supported across AS1, IBS, and OC, provides improved aeration and is ideal for larger flasks operating at lower speeds. For very large volumes requiring maximum aeration and mixing efficiency, the 2" orbit on OC models is the most appropriate choice.
AS1 can support up to 6 L flasks depending on the platform configuration. IBS models can accommodate up to 2.8 L flasks, while OC models can support up to 3 L flasks depending on orbit size and load capacity.
IBS and OC support data logging for key parameters such as temperature, speed, and alarms. The duration depends on the chosen settings and storage capacity.