IKA Lab Dancer Circular Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA Lab Dancer is a precision-engineered compact circular orbital shaker designed for rapid, reproducible mixing of small-volume samples in laboratory settings where space, reliability, and consistent mechanical agitation are critical. Unlike reciprocating or linear shakers, the Lab Dancer employs true circular orbital motion—generated via an eccentric drive mechanism—to induce homogeneous suspension and resuspension of particulates, cells, or reagents within low-capacity vessels. Its fixed 4.5 mm orbit diameter ensures controlled shear input without excessive foaming or splashing, making it especially suitable for sensitive biological suspensions, enzyme assays, and pre-PCR sample homogenization. The device operates at a single, optimized speed of 2800 rpm—selected to balance vigorous mixing efficiency with minimal mechanical stress on delicate tube seals and sample integrity. As a non-temperature-controlled instrument, it is intended for ambient-condition applications where thermal stability is maintained externally (e.g., inside cold rooms or laminar flow hoods).

Key Features

• Compact footprint (100 × 70 × 100 mm) ideal for benchtop use in biosafety cabinets, clean benches, or crowded incubator spaces
• Robust mechanical architecture: reinforced polymer upper housing and oscillation plate combined with a vibration-damping galvanized cast iron base for stable operation and long-term durability
• True circular orbital motion with precisely engineered 4.5 mm orbit diameter—ensuring uniform mixing across all vessel positions without cross-contamination risk
• Touch-activated momentary operation (“point-and-shake”) for precise control during transient mixing steps (e.g., brief vortexing prior to centrifugation)
• 100% continuous-duty rated motor with thermal protection—capable of uninterrupted operation over extended assay workflows
• Universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) with integrated power supply—eliminates need for external transformers in most international lab environments
• IP40-rated enclosure per DIN EN 60529—provides protection against solid objects ≥1 mm and limited ingress of vertically falling water droplets, suitable for general-purpose wet-lab use

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Lab Dancer accommodates standard cylindrical containers with outer diameters up to 30 mm—including 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes (Eppendorf®-type), conical test tubes, PCR strip tubes, and small vials. Its universal clamping design does not require adjustable fixtures or adapters, reducing setup time and contamination vectors. The unit complies with key international safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards, including IEC 61010-1 (Laboratory Equipment Safety) and IEC 61326-1 (EMC for measurement/control equipment). While not certified for GLP/GMP environments out-of-the-box, its fixed-speed, non-programmable architecture supports audit-ready documentation when integrated into validated SOPs. It meets no specific ISO or ASTM standard for shaker performance, but its mechanical consistency aligns with routine QC requirements under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories for sample preparation steps.

Software & Data Management

The Lab Dancer is a standalone, hardware-only instrument with no embedded microprocessor, display interface, or digital connectivity. It features no firmware, no USB/Ethernet ports, and no data logging capability—reflecting its design philosophy as a deterministic, maintenance-free mixing tool. All operational parameters (speed, orbit, duty cycle) are factory-set and mechanically locked, ensuring zero configuration drift over time. This architecture eliminates validation overhead associated with software-based instruments and satisfies regulatory preferences for “simple devices” in FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant workflows where electronic records are not generated. Users maintain full traceability through physical logbooks or LIMS-integrated manual entry of usage timestamps and sample identifiers.

Applications

• Routine resuspension of lyophilized reagents, bacterial pellets, or protein precipitates in microcentrifuge tubes
• Homogenization of cell lysates prior to clarification or Western blot sample loading
• Mixing of immunoassay reagents, ELISA plate wash buffers, or dilution series in low-volume formats
• Pre-centrifugation agitation to prevent sedimentation in viscous or high-density solutions (e.g., glycerol stocks, agarose suspensions)
• Supporting automated liquid handling systems by providing standardized pre-run mixing steps in walk-away workflows
• Teaching labs requiring robust, intuitive, and safe shaker operation for undergraduate molecular biology protocols

FAQ

Is the Lab Dancer suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—its operating temperature range is limited to 5–40 °C, and it lacks humidity-resistant sealing or corrosion protection required for humidified incubator environments.
Can the oscillation speed be adjusted?
No—the Lab Dancer operates exclusively at a fixed 2800 rpm. Speed variability is intentionally omitted to ensure mechanical reliability and eliminate calibration dependencies.
Does it include tube holders or adapters?
No dedicated holders are supplied; the oscillation plate is flat and compatible with standard tube racks or custom-cut foam inserts placed directly on the surface.
What safety certifications does it hold?
It conforms to IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and IEC 61326-1 (EMC Requirements for Laboratory Equipment).
Is it compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
As a non-software, non-data-generating device, it falls outside the scope of Part 11 requirements—making it inherently compliant for use in regulated environments where electronic records are not produced by the instrument itself.