TAITEC NR-Series Medium-Size Orbital and Reciprocal Shakers (NR-10, NR-20, NR-30, NR-80)

Overview

The TAITEC NR-Series medium-size shakers are precision-engineered benchtop orbital and reciprocal motion platforms designed for reproducible, application-specific agitation in life science laboratories. Based on proven mechanical architecture developed in Japan, the NR-Series employs brushless DC motor drive systems coupled with high-rigidity aluminum alloy frames and low-vibration eccentric cam mechanisms to deliver stable, low-noise oscillation across a wide dynamic range. Each model—NR-10 (reciprocal), NR-20 (orbital), NR-30 (dual-mode switchable), and NR-80 (triple-mode including figure-eight)—is calibrated to maintain ±1 rpm speed accuracy under load and supports continuous operation over extended durations. These shakers are not standalone incubators; rather, they are engineered for integration into controlled environments such as refrigerated incubators, CO₂ chambers, or light-controlled growth rooms—enabling temperature- and light-regulated cultivation of microbial, plant, and mammalian cell cultures, as well as post-electrophoresis processing like gel staining, destaining, and membrane washing.

Key Features

• Multi-mode oscillation control: Select optimal agitation geometry per application—reciprocal (NR-10), orbital (NR-20), dual-mode toggle (NR-30), or figure-eight horizontal motion (NR-80) that generates counter-phase fluid waves (A/B wave interaction) to minimize shear-induced gel damage during electrophoretic processing.
• Infinitely adjustable amplitude (10–40 mm) and speed (20–200 rpm), with digital display and memory retention for repeatable protocol execution.
• Modular platform compatibility: All NR models accept interchangeable mounting surfaces—including spring-mesh platforms (MR-4030), adhesive silicone film platforms (SR-4030), claw-type universal clamping platforms (MT-4030), and specialized fixtures for tubes, flasks, and Petri dishes—ensuring secure retention across diverse vessel geometries and volumes.
• Robust thermal interoperability: Designed for seamless use inside environmental chambers operating from 0 °C to +50 °C; no internal heating/cooling elements—eliminating thermal interference with external incubation systems.
• Integrated safety architecture: Includes motor overload protection, thermal cutoff, and redundant fuse circuitry compliant with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The NR-Series accommodates standard laboratory vessels without modification: centrifuge tubes (1.5–50 mL), Erlenmeyer flasks (50–3000 mL), round-bottom flasks (500 mL), Petri dishes, and multi-well plates. Optimal liquid fill ratios are defined per vessel type and mode—for example, 1/10–1/15 volume in centrifuge tubes under reciprocal motion (tilted 30–45°), or 1/5–1/3 volume in Erlenmeyer flasks under orbital motion. All platforms meet ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing controls. While the shakers themselves do not carry CE or UL marks as standalone devices (intended for integration into certified enclosures), their electrical design conforms to IEC 61010-1 Edition 3.0 requirements for measurement, control, and laboratory equipment. Documentation packages support GLP/GMP audit readiness, including calibration traceability to JIS Z 8000 standards and maintenance logs compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic record systems when paired with validated LIMS interfaces.

Software & Data Management

The NR-Series operates via embedded microcontroller firmware with no proprietary software dependency. All parameter settings—including speed, amplitude, and timer duration—are stored in non-volatile memory and retained after power cycling. For laboratories requiring electronic audit trails, optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters (sold separately) enable integration with third-party lab automation software (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling, or custom Python-based control scripts) for remote start/stop, real-time speed logging, and timestamped event capture. The integrated timer supports auto-reset functionality and cumulative runtime tracking—critical for long-duration fermentation or expression studies where protocol adherence must be verifiable. No cloud connectivity or vendor-hosted platforms are involved; data sovereignty remains fully under institutional control.

Applications

• Microbial culture: E. coli and other bacterial strains grown in baffled flasks under orbital agitation (NR-20/NR-30) at 37 °C within incubators—optimized for O₂ transfer via surface area expansion and vortex formation.
• Plant cell suspension culture: Light-regulated proliferation in photobioreactors using NR-20’s orbital mode to prevent cell sedimentation while minimizing shear stress.
• Gel processing: Figure-eight motion (NR-80) enables uniform dye penetration and background removal in SDS-PAGE and Western blot gels without physical contact between gel matrix and chamber walls—reducing fragmentation and improving band resolution.
• Hybridization and washing steps: Membrane-based assays (e.g., Southern/Northern blots) benefit from consistent, low-shear agitation across variable buffer viscosities and temperatures.
• Reagent mixing and solubilization: Accelerated dissolution of lyophilized proteins or small-molecule compounds in vials or microcentrifuge tubes using NR-10’s reciprocal motion with optimized tilt angles.

FAQ

Can the NR-Series shakers operate inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—provided the incubator maintains ambient humidity below 80% RH and temperature within 0–50 °C. No internal heat generation or off-gassing components make them suitable for CO₂-stable environments.
Is the 8-figure motion (NR-80) validated for reducing gel breakage?
Empirical validation per JIS K 6252 shows 22% with conventional linear shakers under identical destaining conditions—attributable to balanced A/B wave momentum distribution.
Are platform accessories cross-compatible across NR models and BR-series incubators?
Yes—spring mesh (MR-4030), adhesive film (SR-4030), and claw-type platforms (MT-4030) are mechanically and dimensionally identical across NR-10/20/30/80 and TAITEC BR-40/41/42/43 incubator-shaker combinations.
Does the timer support interval programming (e.g., on/off cycles)?
No—the integrated timer is a single-segment countdown unit. Interval protocols require external programmable relay controllers or LIMS-integrated scheduling.
What is the maximum flask size supported on the MT-4030 claw platform?
Up to 3 L Erlenmeyer flasks (CF-3000) or 2 L round-bottom flasks (SF-0500), with mechanical stability verified at full 200 rpm under 8 kg total load.