DLAB MX-S Adjustable Vortex Mixer

Overview

The DLAB MX-S Adjustable Vortex Mixer is an entry-level yet highly reliable benchtop mixing instrument engineered for consistent orbital agitation of liquid samples in tubes, microcentrifuge vials, and small containers. It operates on the principle of eccentric orbital motion—generating a controlled 4 mm circular displacement at the vortex head—to induce homogeneous suspension, resuspension, or gentle homogenization without cavitation or excessive shear. Designed for routine laboratory workflows—including sample preparation prior to centrifugation, ELISA plate priming, reagent reconstitution, and buffer equilibration—the MX-S delivers stable rotational output across its full 0–3,000 rpm range, maintaining set speed regardless of load variation within its specified capacity. Its compact footprint (127 × 130 × 160 mm), low thermal signature (<60 W total input power), and IP21-rated enclosure make it suitable for shared lab environments, biosafety cabinets, and quality control laboratories where space efficiency and operational safety are prioritized.

Key Features

• Infinitely adjustable speed control from 0 to 3,000 rpm via calibrated analog dial—enabling precise selection between gentle mixing (e.g., cell suspensions) and vigorous vortexing (e.g., precipitate resuspension)
• Eccentric ball-bearing drive mechanism ensures mechanical stability and long-term speed consistency under variable load conditions
• Robust die-cast aluminum housing combined with a reinforced steel base and vacuum-suction rubber feet minimizes transmission of vibration to adjacent equipment and enhances positional stability on smooth work surfaces
• Two operational modes: momentary touch activation for rapid pulse mixing and continuous operation for extended incubation-compatible protocols
• Shaded-pole motor architecture provides brushless, maintenance-free operation with low electromagnetic interference—ideal for proximity to sensitive instrumentation such as pipettes or balances
• Universal dual-voltage compatibility (100–120 V / 200–240 V, 50/60 Hz) supports global deployment without external transformers

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MX-S accepts standard round-bottom tubes, conical centrifuge tubes, PCR strips, and microtiter plates up to 30 mm in diameter using its fixed-position universal adapter. No additional accessories are required for common vessel formats including 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (LVD Directive 2014/35/EU). While not certified for use in classified hazardous locations, its IP21 rating confirms protection against vertically falling solid objects and limited ingress of moisture—sufficient for general-purpose wet-lab applications under GLP-aligned environments.

Software & Data Management

The MX-S is a standalone analog instrument with no embedded microprocessor, firmware, or digital interface. Consequently, it does not support data logging, remote control, or electronic audit trails. This design intentionally eliminates software-related validation burdens, making it compliant with simplified documentation requirements in non-regulated research settings and early-stage method development labs. For users operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or ISO/IEC 17025 frameworks, the absence of electronic records simplifies instrument qualification (IQ/OQ) and reduces the scope of periodic performance verification—typically limited to mechanical speed calibration using a traceable tachometer and visual inspection of structural integrity per SOP-defined intervals.

Applications

• Routine resuspension of lyophilized reagents, bacterial pellets, and protein precipitates
• Homogenization of immiscible phases prior to phase separation or extraction steps
• Pre-centrifugation mixing of whole blood, serum, or plasma samples in clinical chemistry workflows
• Equilibration of assay buffers and diluents in immunology and molecular biology laboratories
• Supporting automated liquid handling systems by ensuring uniform sample density before aspiration
• Quality assurance testing of viscosity-sensitive formulations in pharmaceutical pre-formulation studies

FAQ

Does the MX-S support programmable time-based operation?
No. The MX-S offers only manual touch-activated or continuous run modes; timing must be managed externally using a stopwatch or laboratory timer.
Can the MX-S accommodate deep-well plates or 15 mL conical tubes?
No. Its standard adapter is dimensionally optimized for vessels ≤30 mm in diameter. Larger formats require optional accessories not supplied with the base unit.
Is speed calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes—users may verify rotational speed using a NIST-traceable optical tachometer. DLAB provides calibration guidelines in the operator manual but does not supply certified calibration certificates as standard.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual inspection of suction feet adhesion, visual check of housing integrity, and cleaning of the vortex head surface with 70% ethanol are recommended. No lubrication or internal servicing is required due to the sealed shaded-pole motor design.
Is the MX-S compatible with cold rooms or refrigerated centrifuge suites?
It is rated for ambient operation between 5–40 °C and ≤80% RH non-condensing. Prolonged use below 10 °C may affect vacuum foot performance and analog dial responsiveness; condensation must be avoided.