WIGGENS WS-350R Tilting and Rocking Platform Shaker

Overview

The WIGGENS WS-350R Tilting and Rocking Platform Shaker is an engineered solution for gentle, reproducible mixing in life science laboratories requiring precise control over motion dynamics and thermal stability. Designed around Couette-type rocking mechanics—where platform tilt induces controlled laminar fluid displacement—the instrument delivers low-shear agitation ideal for sensitive biological samples. Unlike orbital or vortex shakers, the WS-350R operates via a dual-mode tilting mechanism: users select between true seesaw (rocking) motion (7°–13° tilt, 5–100 rpm) and flat-plane rocking (0°–13° tilt, 8–100 rpm), enabling optimization for applications ranging from hybridization and blotting to cell suspension and reagent equilibration. Its integrated Peltier-based air-bath temperature control (5–45 °C) ensures thermal consistency during extended incubation-mixing protocols, supporting compliance with ISO 17025–aligned laboratory workflows and GLP-relevant sample handling standards.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor: Ensures silent operation (<45 dB[A] at 1 m), zero maintenance, and long-term speed stability across the full 5–100 rpm range.
• TFT touchscreen interface with 1-rpm resolution: Real-time display of setpoint, actual speed, remaining time, and system status; intuitive rotary knob + tactile buttons for glove-compatible operation.
• Programmable timer (1 min – 99 h 59 min): Supports delayed start, auto-stop, and on-the-fly countdown monitoring—critical for unattended overnight protocols.
• Intelligent overload protection: Automatically halts operation and displays error code if load exceeds 5 kg or mechanical resistance exceeds torque threshold, preserving motor integrity and sample safety.
• Low-noise mechanical architecture: Silicone anti-slip feet and reinforced steel frame dampen vibration transmission; unit meets IEC 61000-6-3 EMC emission limits for shared lab environments.
• Compact footprint (276 × 320 × 150 mm): Optimized for placement inside standard CO₂ incubators or cold rooms—operational ambient range: 2–50 °C.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The WS-350R accommodates diverse vessel formats via its universal 276 × 276 mm platform, compatible with standard microplates (96-/384-well), Petri dishes (up to 150 mm), conical tubes (15–50 mL), centrifuge tubes, Eppendorf tubes, and gel trays. Its gentle rocking profile minimizes foam generation and shear-induced denaturation—validated for use in DNA extraction kits (e.g., QIAamp), Western/Northern blot transfer buffers, and antibody incubation steps per USP endotoxin testing guidelines. The device conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory equipment and supports audit-ready documentation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated LIMS integration (via optional RS-232 output).

Software & Data Management

While the WS-350R operates as a standalone instrument, its embedded firmware logs all critical operational parameters—including start/stop timestamps, final speed, tilt angle setting, and fault events—in non-volatile memory. These logs are accessible via USB export (FAT32 formatted drive) for traceability in regulated environments. Optional PC software (WIGGENS LabLink v3.2, sold separately) enables remote parameter configuration, batch protocol scheduling, and CSV-formatted data archiving compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate). All firmware updates undergo ISO/IEC 17025-accredited validation prior to release.

Applications

• Nucleic acid purification: Gentle rocking prevents genomic DNA shearing during binding/wash steps in silica-membrane columns.
• Immunoblotting: Uniform antibody distribution across PVDF membranes during 1–16 h incubations at 4–25 °C.
• Cell culture maintenance: Low-frequency agitation sustains suspension cultures (e.g., CHO, Sf9) without inducing apoptosis.
• Gel staining and destaining: Accelerates Coomassie or silver nitrate penetration while minimizing background diffusion artifacts.
• Molecular hybridization: Maintains consistent probe-target contact in Southern/Northern blot prehybridization buffers at 42–65 °C.
• Clinical sample prep: Homogenization of whole blood, serum, or plasma aliquots prior to ELISA or PCR analysis.

FAQ

Can the WS-350R be used inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—the unit is rated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to 50 °C and humidity levels ≤80% RH non-condensing. Its air-bath heating/cooling system functions independently of external chamber conditions.
What is the maximum recommended load for optimal speed accuracy?
For guaranteed ±1 rpm speed stability across the full 5–100 rpm range, maintain total mass ≤4.5 kg. At 5 kg, speed deviation remains within ±2 rpm per DIN EN 61000-4-2 testing.
Is the tilt angle calibrated at the factory?
Yes—each unit undergoes angular verification using optical encoder feedback against NIST-traceable inclinometers; calibration certificate included with shipment.
Does the device support GMP-compliant electronic records?
When used with WIGGENS LabLink v3.2 and configured with digital signature authentication, it meets 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic signatures and audit trails.
Are third-party accessories compatible?
Only WIGGENS-certified platforms and clamping fixtures (e.g., W5011301–W5011303) are validated for mechanical resonance and thermal uniformity; non-OEM adapters may compromise tilt accuracy or trigger false overload faults.