Lab dancer Vortex Mixer by IKA

Overview

The Lab dancer Vortex Mixer is a precision-engineered vortex shaker developed by IKA, a German manufacturer with over 70 years of expertise in laboratory motion control systems. Designed for reproducible, high-frequency orbital agitation of small-volume samples, this instrument operates on the principle of eccentric circular motion—generating controlled vortex formation through rapid, consistent rotation of the platform at a fixed angular velocity of 2800 rpm. Its compact footprint and robust mechanical architecture make it ideal for benchtop integration in molecular biology labs, clinical diagnostics workstations, and quality control environments where space efficiency and operational reliability are critical. Unlike variable-speed mixers, the Lab dancer prioritizes repeatability and stability over speed flexibility—ensuring identical mixing intensity across users and experiments without calibration drift or operator-dependent variability.

Key Features

• Fixed-speed operation at 2800 rpm ensures consistent shear input and eliminates inter-user variability in mixing intensity.
• Touch-activated “pulse” mode enables momentary vortex initiation without continuous power engagement—ideal for sensitive samples requiring intermittent agitation.
• Reinforced polymer housing for the top cover and vortex plate provides chemical resistance and mechanical durability while minimizing weight.
• Zinc-coated cast iron base delivers exceptional mass inertia and vibration damping, significantly reducing resonance transmission to adjacent instrumentation.
• Integrated 12 V DC power supply (transformer included) ensures electrical isolation from mains voltage—enhancing safety compliance in wet-lab and regulated environments.
• Optimized platform geometry accommodates tubes up to 30 mm in diameter, including standard 15 mL and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes, 1.5–2.0 mL Eppendorf tubes, and PCR strip tubes.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Lab dancer is validated for use with common single-use polypropylene, polycarbonate, and borosilicate glass containers used in nucleic acid extraction, enzyme assays, immunoassays, and cell culture workflows. Its fixed-speed design meets the functional requirements of ISO 13485-certified medical device manufacturing processes where procedural consistency must be demonstrable and auditable. While not classified as a GLP/GMP-regulated instrument per se, its stable performance profile supports adherence to SOPs defined under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated into electronic lab notebook (ELN) workflows that log usage timestamps and operator IDs. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical safety and carries CE marking for conformity with EU electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives.

Software & Data Management

The Lab dancer is a stand-alone electromechanical instrument with no embedded microcontroller, firmware, or digital interface. As such, it does not support USB, Bluetooth, or Ethernet connectivity, nor does it generate electronic audit trails or export data logs. This analog architecture intentionally minimizes complexity and failure points—aligning with risk-based instrument qualification strategies in regulated laboratories. Users seeking traceable operation may pair the mixer with external time-stamped video recording or integrate it into validated equipment monitoring systems via relay-triggered sensors. No software installation, license management, or cybersecurity updates are required—reducing IT overhead and validation burden during facility audits.

Applications

• Routine resuspension of lyophilized reagents and pellet washing in centrifugation protocols.
• Homogenization of low-viscosity biological samples prior to spectrophotometric or fluorometric analysis.
• Pre-analytical mixing steps in ELISA, lateral flow assay preparation, and qPCR master mix assembly.
• Quality assurance checks for uniformity of suspension in pharmaceutical suspensions and diagnostic calibrators.
• Teaching laboratories requiring durable, intuitive equipment for undergraduate instruction in biochemistry and microbiology techniques.

FAQ

Is the Lab dancer compatible with microcentrifuge tubes (e.g., 0.2–2.0 mL)?
Yes—the vortex platform is engineered to securely accommodate tubes down to 0.2 mL volume when placed centrally; optimal vortex formation occurs with tubes ≥0.5 mL due to fluid dynamics constraints.
Can the speed be adjusted or calibrated?
No—this model operates exclusively at a factory-set 2800 rpm. It is not user-adjustable and does not include speed calibration capability.
Does the unit require routine maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is required: periodic cleaning of the platform surface with 70% ethanol and visual inspection of the rubber mat for wear. No lubrication or motor servicing is specified by IKA.
What safety certifications does the Lab dancer hold?
It bears CE marking and conforms to IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and EN 61326-1 (EMC for Laboratory Equipment).
Is the 12 V transformer compatible with global mains voltages (100–240 V AC)?
Yes—the included switching-mode power adapter automatically adjusts to input voltages between 100 V and 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, enabling seamless deployment across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.