TAITEC Shake-LR/XR Desktop Orbital & Reciprocating Shaker

Overview

The TAITEC Shake-LR and Shake-XR are compact, high-precision desktop shakers engineered for reproducible, application-specific agitation in life science laboratories. Designed for integration into controlled environments—including incubators, cold rooms, and environmental chambers—they operate reliably across a wide ambient temperature range (0°C to +50°C). The Shake-LR implements a dual-mode orbital/reciprocating motion architecture, enabling rapid switching between orbital shaking (optimized for flasks and culture vessels) and linear reciprocation (ideal for tilted centrifuge tubes and enzymatic dissociation protocols). In contrast, the Shake-XR employs an elliptical, figure-eight horizontal trajectory—distinct from conventional circular orbitals—generating two counter-propagating wavefronts (A-wave and B-wave) across the liquid surface. This motion minimizes gel displacement and mechanical shear during staining, destaining, or membrane hybridization, while ensuring uniform agitation in rectangular containers such as gel trays and blotting cassettes. Both models feature robust brushless DC motor control, low-vibration mechanical design, and compliance with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) standards.

Key Features

• Dual operational modes: Shake-LR supports on-the-fly switching between orbital and reciprocating motion via front-panel interface—no mechanical reconfiguration required.
• Figure-eight oscillation path in Shake-XR ensures laminar, non-turbulent fluid displacement—critical for preserving fragile polyacrylamide or agarose gels during electrophoretic processing.
• Temperature-stable operation from 0°C to +50°C enables direct placement inside refrigerated incubators or heated environmental chambers without performance degradation or condensation-induced failure.
• Modular platform system with standardized M4 mounting threads accommodates interchangeable accessories—including spring-grid platforms (MR-2030), clamp fixtures (CF-0250, AT-0004), adhesive plates (ST-2030), and dual-layer configurations (WR-2030).
• Optional digital speed display provides real-time rpm readout with ±1 rpm resolution and retains setpoint memory after power cycling.
• Low-noise, maintenance-free brushless DC motor delivers consistent torque across full speed range (15–160 rpm for LR; 15–100 rpm for XR) with <±2% speed stability under variable load conditions.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Shake-LR/XR series supports a broad spectrum of sample containers—from 0.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes to 2 L Erlenmeyer flasks—via application-specific accessories. Spring-grid platforms enable secure retention of multiple tilted tubes during proteolytic digestion; clamp-based orbital platforms ensure stable rotation of conical flasks at elevated speeds; and adhesive thin plates provide uniform contact for gel trays during Western or Southern blotting workflows. All units comply with ISO 13485:2016 (medical device QMS), meet essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and conform to RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH (EC) No. 1907/2006. When used with validated accessories and documented SOPs, the system supports GLP-compliant data generation per OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice.

Software & Data Management

While the base unit operates via standalone hardware controls, optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial interfaces (available as field-upgrade kits) enable integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN). Time-stamped run logs—including start time, duration, speed setpoint, and platform type—can be exported in CSV format for audit trail reconstruction. Firmware updates follow a version-controlled release cycle aligned with IEC 62304 Class B software safety requirements. For regulated environments, optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trail modules (requiring external authentication server) provide user-level access control, electronic signatures, and immutable event logging.

Applications

• Cell culture: Gentle suspension of adherent cells during trypsinization and passaging using reciprocating mode on spring-grid platforms.
• Gel electrophoresis: Uniform staining/destaining of SDS-PAGE and native gels without edge distortion or cracking—leveraging Shake-XR’s figure-eight motion and ST-2030 adhesive plate.
• Molecular blotting: Consistent buffer exchange during pre-hybridization, hybridization, and wash steps in Northern, Southern, and Western blot workflows.
• Enzyme kinetics: Controlled agitation during multi-step immunoassays and ELISA plate preparation where mixing uniformity directly impacts signal reproducibility.
• Microbial cultivation: Low-shear orbital shaking of bacterial or yeast cultures in sealed flasks within CO₂ incubators or anaerobic chambers.
• Reagent preparation: Homogenization of viscous solutions (e.g., agarose, glycerol stocks) prior to aliquoting or storage.

FAQ

Can the Shake-LR and Shake-XR be operated inside a CO₂ incubator?

Yes—both models are rated for continuous operation at 0–50°C and 20–95% RH, making them compatible with standard CO₂ incubators when installed on vibration-dampened shelves.
Is the dual-platform configuration (WR-2030) compatible with both LR and XR models?

The WR-2030 dual-layer platform is mechanically and electrically compatible with both Shake-LR and Shake-XR units, though speed limits must remain within the XR’s 15–100 rpm range when stacked.
Does the optional digital display support password-protected parameter locking?

No—the standard display module lacks user authentication; however, this functionality is available in the LIMS-integrated firmware package with external LDAP or RADIUS server integration.
What is the maximum allowable eccentric mass imbalance for safe operation?

The system maintains mechanical integrity up to 50 g·cm unbalance; users should ensure symmetrical loading across the platform surface to prevent resonant vibration amplification.
Are replacement brushes or motor components required during routine maintenance?

No—brushless DC motors eliminate carbon brush wear; only periodic inspection of platform fasteners and bearing lubrication (every 12 months under continuous use) is recommended.