CZGY HY-4 Variable-Speed Reciprocal Shaker

Overview

The CZGY HY-4 Variable-Speed Reciprocal Shaker is a robust, floor-standing laboratory shaker engineered for reliable and reproducible mixing, suspension, and homogenization of biological and chemical samples in non-temperature-controlled environments. It operates on a mechanical reciprocating motion principle—characterized by linear back-and-forth oscillation along a horizontal axis—making it particularly suitable for applications requiring gentle yet effective agitation of cell cultures, microbial suspensions, immunoassay plates, extraction buffers, and environmental samples. Unlike orbital or rotary shakers, the HY-4’s fixed-amplitude (20 mm), variable-frequency drive delivers consistent shear profiles across the entire platform, minimizing sample stratification and ensuring uniform suspension without vortexing or splashing. Its low center of gravity and rigid steel frame provide exceptional stability during extended operation—even at maximum speed—supporting uninterrupted workflows in teaching labs, QC laboratories, and small-scale bioprocessing facilities.

Key Features

• Variable-speed control (0–300 rpm) via analog dial, enabling precise adjustment to match sample viscosity, container size, and protocol requirements
• Mechanically actuated timer with 0–120 minute range, offering repeatable run durations without reliance on digital electronics or software dependencies
• Dual-spring universal bottle rack system—compatible with test tubes (10–50 mL), Erlenmeyer flasks (50–500 mL), and standard Petri dishes—designed to absorb resonance and dampen vibration transmission
• Single-platform configuration (43 × 26 cm usable area) rated for continuous operation under up to 20 kg total load, including vessels, media, and adapters
• Compact footprint (43 × 26 × 23 cm) and open-frame design facilitate integration into fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and benchtop workflows where space is constrained
• Industrial-grade AC induction motor with thermal overload protection ensures long-term reliability and minimal maintenance intervals

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HY-4 supports a broad spectrum of sample containers and protocols common in life science laboratories—including bacterial culture resuspension (e.g., E. coli pellets in LB broth), antigen-antibody incubation for ELISA plate preparation, soil slurry homogenization per ASTM D3740, and buffer equilibration prior to chromatography or electrophoresis. While the unit does not incorporate temperature regulation, its mechanical simplicity and absence of heating/cooling elements make it compliant with ambient-condition GLP-aligned workflows where thermal stability is externally controlled. The device meets general electrical safety standards for Class I laboratory equipment (IEC 61010-1) and is constructed using corrosion-resistant steel and powder-coated carbon steel components suitable for routine exposure to aqueous, saline, and mildly acidic reagents. No regulatory certification (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 13485) applies to this non-data-logging, non-thermostatic instrument; however, its operational consistency supports traceable manual recordkeeping per internal SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The CZGY HY-4 operates as a standalone analog instrument with no embedded microcontroller, firmware, or data connectivity. All operational parameters—including speed setting and timer activation—are adjusted manually and recorded externally (e.g., in lab notebooks or LIMS entries). This architecture eliminates cybersecurity vulnerabilities, software validation burdens, and calibration drift associated with digital interfaces—making it especially appropriate for regulated educational institutions, contract testing labs operating under simplified QA frameworks, and field-deployable setups where power stability or IT infrastructure is limited. For users requiring electronic audit trails, external timers with logging capability (e.g., NIST-traceable stopwatch modules) may be integrated into procedural documentation without modifying the shaker itself.

Applications

• Resuspension of centrifuged microbial pellets in molecular biology workflows
• Agitation of agarose or polyacrylamide gel casting trays during polymerization
• Extraction of metabolites from plant tissues in phytochemical analysis
• Homogenization of wastewater or sediment samples prior to nutrient or heavy metal assays (EPA Method 3015A)
• Pre-incubation mixing of immunoassay reagents and coated microplates
• Standardization of cell density in suspension cultures prior to passaging or transfection
• Supporting ASTM D5976 (standard practice for mixing liquid samples in environmental testing)

FAQ

Is the HY-4 suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator or cold room?
No—the unit lacks environmental sealing, condensation resistance, or temperature-rated components. It is designed strictly for ambient laboratory conditions (15–30°C, <80% RH).
Can custom platforms or clamping fixtures be added?
Yes—CZGY offers OEM platform modifications (e.g., drilled aluminum plates, universal clamp kits) upon request; engineering drawings and mechanical compatibility assessments are required prior to fabrication.
What maintenance is recommended for long-term performance?
Biannual inspection of spring tension, belt integrity (if applicable), and motor mounting bolts is advised. Lubrication is not required for the sealed induction motor.
Does the timer automatically shut off the motor when the set time expires?
Yes—the mechanical timer disconnects power to the motor circuit at completion, preventing over-agitation and enabling unattended operation within defined safety limits.
Is the oscillation motion truly linear and horizontal?
Yes—unlike rotary shakers, the HY-4 employs a cam-driven crank mechanism that produces pure reciprocating displacement parallel to the work surface, verified via laser vibrometry during factory acceptance testing.