IKA Trayster Digital Top-Mount Horizontal Rotator
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | IKA Werke GmbH & Co. KG |
| Product Type | Top-Mount Horizontal Rotator |
| Model | Trayster Digital |
| Timing Range | 1 s – 5999 min (99 h 59 min) |
| Speed Range | 0–80 rpm |
| Adjustable Minimum Speed | 5 rpm |
| Speed Resolution | 1 rpm/step |
| Load Capacity (incl. clamp) | 2 kg |
| Operating Environment | 4–50 °C, ≤80 % RH |
| Protection Rating | IP21 |
| Power Supply | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 1000 mA |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 460 × 180 × 140 mm |
| Weight | 3.282 kg |
| Compliance | DIN EN 60529 |
Overview
The IKA Trayster Digital is a precision-engineered top-mount horizontal rotator designed for gentle, reproducible mixing of biological samples in clinical, diagnostic, and research laboratories. Operating on the principle of controlled rotational motion—where sample tubes are mounted horizontally and rotated end-over-end—the device ensures uniform suspension, re-suspension, or homogenization without shear-induced damage to sensitive biomolecules, cells, or particulates. Unlike orbital shakers or vortex mixers, the Trayster Digital’s horizontal rotation minimizes foaming and bubble formation, making it especially suitable for blood banking, serum separation, antigen-antibody incubation, and preparation of viscous or low-volume samples in Eppendorf® and Greiner Bio-One® tubes up to 50 mL capacity. Its robust all-metal housing, brushless DC motor, and microprocessor-controlled drive system deliver high positional accuracy and long-term operational stability under continuous duty cycles.
Key Features
- Top-mounted horizontal rotation architecture with adjustable speed from 5 to 80 rpm in 1-rpm increments—enabling precise optimization for delicate sample types.
- Dual-timer functionality: programmable countdown timer (1 s to 5999 min) and real-time elapsed time display for GLP-compliant process documentation.
- LED seven-segment display for intuitive monitoring of speed and timing parameters; capacitive touch keypad for glove-compatible operation.
- Quick-release universal clamp system—tool-free disassembly allows rapid cleaning after accidental spills or cross-contamination events.
- Full-duty-cycle rated motor (100% continuous operation) with thermal protection and error-code diagnostics (e.g., overload, sensor fault, power anomaly).
- IP21-rated enclosure ensures safe operation in standard laboratory environments (4–50 °C, ≤80 % relative humidity) while meeting DIN EN 60529 ingress protection requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Trayster Digital accommodates standard conical-bottom and round-bottom centrifuge tubes—including 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL, 15 mL, and 50 mL formats—via interchangeable clamps (sold separately). It supports common polypropylene, polycarbonate, and glass vessels used in blood banking (e.g., EDTA, citrate, heparin tubes), immunoassay workflows, and nucleic acid extraction protocols. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical safety and conforms to electromagnetic compatibility standards per EN 61326-1. While not intrinsically certified for use in regulated GMP environments, its deterministic timing, non-volatile parameter memory, and error logging support audit readiness for ISO 17025-accredited labs and FDA-regulated QC/QA processes where traceability of mixing conditions is required.
Software & Data Management
The Trayster Digital operates as a standalone instrument with no proprietary software dependency. All settings—including speed, duration, and mode—are stored in non-volatile memory and retained after power cycling. Timer and speed values are displayed in real time via dual LED readouts, eliminating ambiguity during protocol execution. For integration into digital lab notebooks or LIMS, users may manually log timestamped parameters using standardized templates aligned with 21 CFR Part 11 principles (e.g., operator ID, batch number, start/stop times). Optional RS232 interface (available on select configurations) enables basic serial communication for external logging systems, though no native driver or cloud connectivity is provided.
Applications
- Blood bank processing: gentle inversion of whole blood and plasma units to prevent platelet activation or hemolysis.
- Clinical diagnostics: uniform resuspension of dried reagents, calibration standards, and control materials prior to assay initiation.
- Cell culture maintenance: low-shear mixing of adherent cell detachment solutions or cryopreservation media.
- Pharmaceutical QC: dissolution testing support, buffer equilibration, and excipient dispersion verification.
- Academic research: preparation of homogeneous suspensions for flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, and microbiological culture inoculation.
FAQ
Is the Trayster Digital suitable for use inside refrigerated or cold rooms?
Yes—its specified operating temperature range (4–50 °C) permits reliable function in chilled storage environments, including +4 °C cold rooms commonly used for blood product handling.
Can multiple tube sizes be mixed on a single clamp?
No—each clamp is engineered for a specific tube diameter and height. Mixing incompatible formats risks uneven torque distribution and potential slippage; always use matched clamps per application.
Does the device support automatic restart after power interruption?
No—it does not feature auto-restart logic. Upon power loss, all settings reset to default; users must re-enter parameters before resuming operation.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine cleaning of the clamp interface and base surface is recommended. No lubrication or internal calibration is needed—the brushless motor and optical speed sensor require zero scheduled maintenance over the rated service life.
Is the Trayster Digital compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
It is not inherently Part 11-compliant as a standalone device, but its deterministic behavior, parameter retention, and error logging enable manual compliance when embedded within validated workflows and documented SOPs.
