INFORS Ecotron Benchtop Orbital Shaking Incubator

Overview

The INFORS Ecotron Benchtop Orbital Shaking Incubator is an engineered solution for controlled microbial, mammalian, and suspension cell culture under precise temperature and agitation conditions. Based on orbital shaking mechanics—where the platform moves in a circular motion with a fixed 25 mm diameter—the Ecotron ensures homogeneous oxygen transfer and nutrient distribution across liquid cultures without vortexing or splashing. Its compact cubic footprint (640 × 630 × 630 mm) enables under-bench installation, optimizing limited laboratory floor space while maintaining full operational access. Manufactured in Switzerland and built to ISO 9001-certified quality standards, the Ecotron integrates a quintuple-drive motor architecture that dynamically compensates for asymmetric load distribution—a critical feature when handling mixed flask sizes or partially filled vessels. This results in low-vibration, low-noise operation (<55 dB(A) at 300 rpm), even at maximum speed and load.

Key Features

• Quintuple-drive motor system with real-time auto-balancing for stable operation across unevenly loaded platforms
• Front-access horizontal folding door with ergonomic reach and integrated safety interlock—shaking pauses smoothly upon door opening
• Insulated monolithic housing made from thermally and electrically inert composite material, minimizing heat loss and ensuring operator safety
• Top-mounted motor module with IPX4-rated water resistance—facilitates rapid decontamination after accidental spillage or vessel breakage
• High-resolution LED touchscreen interface with intuitive menu navigation, multi-language support, and event logging
• Optional refrigeration unit extends low-temperature capability to 4°C, enabling psychrophilic culture and cold-adapted enzyme studies
• Versatile platform compatibility: accepts INFORS adhesive mats (no clamps required), spring-loaded flask holders, microplate adapters, or custom-designed fixtures

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Ecotron accommodates vessels ranging from 25 mL test tubes to 5 L baffled flasks (up to 2 units) on its 420 × 420 mm stainless-steel shelf. Adhesive mat technology eliminates mechanical constraints, permitting simultaneous use of conical flasks, serum bottles, and deep-well plates without cross-contamination risk or setup recalibration. Temperature performance meets ISO 13408-1 requirements for incubator uniformity (±0.2°C) and stability (±0.1°C), validated across the full operating range. The system supports audit-ready documentation when paired with optional INFORS Labworldsoft™ software, which provides electronic signatures, user access levels, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails—making it suitable for QC labs operating under GMP/GLP frameworks.

Software & Data Management

While the Ecotron operates autonomously via its embedded controller, integration with INFORS Labworldsoft™ (v5.0+) enables remote monitoring, protocol scheduling, data export (CSV/Excel), and long-term trend analysis. All setpoints—including speed, temperature, duration, and ramp profiles—are stored with timestamped metadata. Alarms (e.g., door open, temperature deviation >±0.5°C, motor stall) trigger automatic shutdown and log entries. Data integrity safeguards include write-protected archives, encrypted backups, and configurable retention policies aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.

Applications

• Aerobic bacterial and yeast fermentation (E. coli, Pichia pastoris, Bacillus subtilis)
• Mammalian suspension culture (CHO, HEK293) in serum-free or chemically defined media
• Enzyme production and biocatalysis assays requiring thermal stability and consistent shear input
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing and growth kinetics profiling under controlled aeration
• Microbial consortia studies where differential oxygen demand necessitates uniform mixing across heterogeneous cultures
• Preparation of competent cells, phage propagation, and plasmid amplification workflows

FAQ

Does the Ecotron support programming of multi-step temperature and speed ramps?
Yes—via Labworldsoft™ software or local touchscreen, users can define up to 10 sequential segments with independent temperature, speed, and dwell time parameters.
Is the adhesive mat reusable and autoclavable?
INFORS adhesive mats are designed for repeated use and withstand autoclaving at 121°C for 20 minutes; adhesive regeneration is possible using ethanol wipe and air drying.
Can the Ecotron be integrated into a central building management system (BMS)?
An optional RS485 Modbus RTU interface enables bidirectional communication with facility-level BMS for environmental monitoring and alarm forwarding.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the quintuple-drive motor?
No scheduled lubrication or belt replacement is required; the brushless DC motor design ensures maintenance-free operation for ≥15,000 hours under standard lab conditions.
Is validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) available?
INFORS provides standardized qualification templates and factory-verified calibration certificates traceable to NIST and PTB standards; on-site OQ execution support is available globally.