I. Introduction
A laboratory shaker is an equipment often used in various shaking and mixing applications in the lab. It is made up of a motor-powered platform that agitates in either horizontal or orbital motion. The shaker’s platform is designed to cater to different vessels such as flasks and test tubes. Vital features of lab shakers nowadays include adjustable shaking speed and precise temperature settings. There are several types of laboratory shakers, and one of the most common varieties is the orbital shaker. Orbital shakers ensure uniform sample agitation and even distribution of nutrients within flasks or tubes. They are commonly used in applications involving cell cultures, bacterial suspensions, washing procedures, solubility studies, and more.
II. Laboratory Shaker Guide to Models
Type of Shaker |
Ambient Shaker |
Incubator Benchtop Shaker |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Model Code |
AS1-NC-19 |
AS1-NC-25 |
AS1-C-19 |
AS1-C-25 |
IBS-NR-19 |
IBS-NR-25 |
IBS-R-19 |
IBS-R-25 |
|
Drive System |
Triple-Eccentric Counterbalanced Drive System |
Triple-Eccentric Counterbalanced Drive System |
Corrosion-resistant Triple-Eccentric Counterbalanced Drive System |
Corrosion-resistant Triple-Eccentric Counterbalanced Drive System |
Triple-Eccentric Counterbalanced Drive System |
Triple-Eccentric Counterbalanced Drive System |
Triple-Eccentric Counterbalanced Drive System |
Triple-Eccentric Counterbalanced Drive System |
|
Display |
Digital LED Controller |
Digital LED Controller |
Digital LED Controller |
Digital LED Controller |
SmarTouchTM Controller |
SmarTouchTM Controller |
SmarTouchTM Controller |
SmarTouchTM Controller |
|
Speed (rpm) |
15-575 |
15-575 |
15-575 |
15-575 |
15-575 |
15-575 |
15-575 |
15-575 |
|
Temperature Control |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Incubation |
Incubation |
Incubation and Refrigeration |
Incubation and Refrigeration |
|
Temperature Range |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
5oC (above ambient) to 80oC |
5oC (above ambient) to 80oC |
10°C (below ambient) to 80°C |
10°C (below ambient) to 80°C |
|
Interchangeable Platforms |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Orbit (mm) |
19 |
25 |
19 |
25 |
19 |
25 |
19 |
25 |
|
Speed Accuracy |
±1 rpm |
±1 rpm |
±1 rpm |
±1 rpm |
±1 rpm |
±1 rpm |
±1 rpm |
±1 rpm |
|
Temperature Accuracy |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
±0.5oC |
±0.5oC |
±0.5oC |
±0.5oC |
|
Max. Load (kg) |
30 |
25 |
30 |
25 |
30 |
25 |
30 |
25 |
|
Timer |
9999 minutes |
9999 minutes |
9999 minutes |
9999 minutes |
999 hours and 59 minutes |
999 hours and 59 minutes |
999 hours and 59 minutes |
999 hours and 59 minutes |
|
Programs |
25 steps |
25 steps |
25 steps |
25 steps |
15 steps |
15 steps |
15 steps |
15 steps |
|
Ambient Temperature Range |
18°C to 34°C |
18°C to 34°C |
5°C to 45°C |
5°C to 45°C |
18°C to 34°C |
18°C to 34°C |
18°C to 34°C |
18°C to 34°C |
|
CO2 Resistance |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Electrical Supply |
100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
230 VAC, 50/60 Hz 115 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
230 VAC, 50/60 Hz 115 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
230 VAC, 50 Hz 115 VAC, 60 Hz 230 VAC, 60 Hz |
230 VAC, 50 Hz 115 VAC, 60 Hz 230 VAC, 60 Hz |
III. Must-Have Features of a Laboratory Shaker
Triple-Eccentric Counterbalanced Drive System
Imbalance sensor
User-Friendly Control System
Built for Safety
Excellent Shaking Performance
Interchangeable Platform*
Adequate alarm system
Large capacity with optimized dimensions*
Programmable
Accessories and Options
Ports for Easy Access**
*Applicable to OrbiCult™ Ambient Shakers only.
**Applicable to OrbiCult™ Incubator Benchtop Shakers only.
IV. Factors to Consider When Buying a Laboratory Shaker
A laboratory shaker is commonly used for laboratory mixing or helping in growing cultures. It operates at a certain speed and for a specific amount of time, depending on the experimental requirements. As an essential tool inside the lab, it is vital to know the right features and options that will fit your needs. Here are the key factors to serve as a guide before purchasing a laboratory shaker.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A LABORATORY SHAKER
- Heavy-duty drive system
- Maintenance-free and brushless motor
- Load capacity
- Wide speed range
- Programmable and user-friendly control system
- Precise and wide temperature range
- Accessories and options
- Multiple interchangeable platform
- CO2-resistant option
- Wide timer range
- Ergonomic features
- Ports for easy access
- Adequate alarm system
- Orbit size
- Energy-efficiency
- Warranty period
- After-sales service
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE PURCHASE
What is the shaking speed range of the unit?
Does the unit have temperature control?
What is the temperature range of the incubator shaker?
What is the shaker's maximum load capacity?
What platform is available for all the vessels?
How many vessels can it accommodate?
What is the orbit size of the lab shaker?
Is the ambient shaker CO2-resistant?
What accessories are compatible with the shaker?
What are the safety features of the laboratory shaker?
Is the equipment user-friendly?
How long is the warranty period?
WHY YOU NEED A NEW ONE
Setting up a new laboratory.
Replacing an old and less efficient unit with high operating costs.
Defective laboratory shaker unit.
The temperature range is not enough for the experimental requirement.
Shaker cannot accommodate all the required vessels.
Additional unit due to an increased laboratory workload.
The unit is inefficient and the service provider is inaccessible.
V. Safety Tips When Using a Laboratory Shaker
Orbital shakers are a vital part of the lab because they are often used in shaking procedures for various applications. Laboratory personnel should be trained ahead before operating them to avoid accidents and to help prolong their lifespan.
Take note of these tips to ensure safety, at the same time, make the laboratory shaker last longer.
General Safety Points Requirement
Do not operate the shaker beyond the specified ambient temperature for operation.
Do not operate the shaker without the platform installed.
Only qualified and trained laboratory personnel are allowed to operate the shaker.
Laboratory personnel should wear appropriate clothing, safety gloves, and face mask to ensure safety while working with microbiological cultures and chemicals.
Immediately turn off and inspect the lab shaker when smoke and burning occurs.
Disconnect the power cord from the power supply during power/operation interruptions to avoid accidents.
Products that are flammable should not be used as the lab shaker is not explosion-proof.
Loose clothing, hair, and body parts should not come into contact with the rotating part of the orbital shaker.
Do not overfill the flasks. Excessive fill volume can cause damage to the shaker drive assembly.
