TAITEC Shaker-LR Benchtop Reciprocal/Rotary Switchable Orbital Shaker

Overview

The TAITEC Shaker-LR is a compact, benchtop orbital shaker engineered for precision and adaptability in life science laboratories. It employs a dual-mode oscillation mechanism—selectable between reciprocal (linear back-and-forth) and rotary (circular orbit) motion—enabling optimal mixing dynamics across diverse vessel geometries and experimental requirements. Unlike fixed-mode shakers, the Shaker-LR’s mode-switching architecture eliminates mechanical compromise: reciprocal motion delivers high-shear agitation ideal for viscous solutions or cell detachment protocols (e.g., trypsin-EDTA treatment), while rotary motion provides gentle, uniform suspension suitable for microbial culture in flasks or gel staining/destaining workflows. Its robust brushless motor and low-vibration chassis ensure stable operation within environmental chambers—including incubators and cold rooms—across a certified ambient operating range of 0–50 °C. Designed to ISO 9001-compliant manufacturing standards in Japan, the unit meets core functional expectations for GLP-aligned routine laboratory use, including reproducible speed control, mechanical durability under continuous duty, and electromagnetic compatibility per IEC 61326-1.

Key Features

• Switchable Oscillation Modes: One-button selection between reciprocal and rotary motion—optimized for vessel-specific fluid dynamics without hardware reconfiguration.
• Wide Speed Range: Adjustable from 20 to 160 rpm with fine incremental control; maintains consistent torque output across the full range, critical for protocol reproducibility.
• 25 mm Amplitude: Fixed orbital displacement engineered for effective suspension of cells, particles, and gels while minimizing splashing or foaming in standard labware.
• Chamber-Compatible Design: Compact footprint (300 × 270 × 152 mm) and low heat dissipation allow direct integration into CO₂ incubators, refrigerated chambers, and environmental growth cabinets.
• Modular Platform System: Interchangeable accessory platforms—including spring-net trays (MR-2030), claw-type flask holders (CF-0500), and double-layer configurations (WR-2030)—support standardized vessels from 1.5 mL microtubes to 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks.
• Energy-Efficient Operation: Rated at ≤0.5 A @ 100 V AC; complies with JIS C 61000-3-2 for harmonic current emissions, reducing facility-level power load during high-throughput workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Shaker-LR accommodates common life science consumables via purpose-built accessories: MR-2030 spring-net platforms enable angled placement of 15–50 mL centrifuge tubes (up to 24 units); MT-2030 claw platforms paired with CF-series fixtures securely hold up to four 500 mL flasks. All accessories are manufactured to JIS B 0601 surface finish specifications for chemical resistance and cleanability. The system supports ASTM D2240-compliant elastomeric components (e.g., ST-2030 anti-slip mats) and conforms to IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory equipment. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its analog control interface permits integration into validated workflows where electronic audit trails are managed externally (e.g., via LIMS-linked environmental loggers).

Software & Data Management

The Shaker-LR operates via an analog front-panel interface with tactile speed adjustment and mode selection—intentionally omitting digital displays or network connectivity to maximize reliability in humid or temperature-cycled environments. Optional digital speed display (sold separately) provides real-time rpm readout traceable to internal tachometer calibration. No embedded firmware or data logging is included; however, the unit’s stable mechanical performance enables seamless synchronization with external monitoring systems (e.g., chamber temperature loggers, programmable incubator controllers). For GxP-regulated labs, operational parameters are documented manually or via integrated lab notebook software compliant with ALCOA+ principles.

Applications

• Cell Culture & Microbiology: Sustained suspension of bacterial or plant cell cultures inside incubators; compatible with shake-flask protocols per USP sterility testing guidelines.
• Downstream Processing: Uniform trypsinization of adherent mammalian cells; efficient resin mixing in small-scale affinity chromatography setups.
• Molecular Biology Workflows: Gel staining/destaining (Coomassie, silver), membrane blocking/washing (Western blot), and nucleic acid extraction buffer equilibration.
• Quality Control & Stability Testing: Accelerated stability studies requiring controlled agitation under defined thermal conditions (e.g., ICH Q1A–Q1E).
• Educational & Method Development Labs: Teaching fundamental mixing kinetics; optimizing agitation parameters for novel assay formats prior to scale-up.

FAQ

Can the Shaker-LR be used inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—its certified operating range of 0–50 °C and low outgassing housing materials make it suitable for uninterrupted use in standard humidified CO₂ incubators.
Is speed calibration traceable to national standards?
The base unit does not include factory-calibrated digital feedback; however, optional digital display modules (e.g., TAITEC DS-100) provide rpm readouts calibrated against NIST-traceable tachometers.
What is the maximum flask size supported without custom fixtures?
With the CF-0500 claw fixture mounted on the MT-2030 platform, up to four 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks can be secured simultaneously.
Does the shaker meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for shared lab spaces?
Yes—it complies with IEC 61326-1 Class A emission limits and IEC 61000-4-2/3/4 immunity standards for laboratory environments.
Are replacement parts and accessories available globally?
All TAITEC accessories—including MR-2030, CF-0500, and ST-2030—are distributed through authorized regional partners and carry ≥5-year spare parts availability per TAITEC’s global service policy.