TAITEC NR-1/NR-2/NR-3 Compact Orbital and Reciprocal Shakers

Overview

The TAITEC NR-1, NR-2, and NR-3 compact shakers are precision-engineered benchtop oscillation platforms designed for controlled agitation in microbiological culture, cell biology, molecular assays, and analytical sample preparation. Each model implements a distinct hydrodynamic agitation principle: NR-1 employs linear reciprocal motion optimized for vertical mixing in conical tubes and centrifuge vessels; NR-2 utilizes orbital rotation to generate consistent vortexing in Erlenmeyer flasks and flat-bottomed containers; NR-3 integrates both modes via a single-mode toggle switch, enabling protocol-specific optimization without hardware reconfiguration. All units comply with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and are rated for continuous operation within environmental chambers (e.g., incubators, light-controlled growth rooms) up to +50°C. Their low-profile architecture (160 mm height) and minimal footprint (355 × 355 mm base) facilitate integration into confined workspaces, biosafety cabinets, and stacked incubator configurations.

Key Features

• Digital speed and timer interface with real-time display and auto-reset functionality for repeatable run cycles (0.1–999.9 h)
• Infinitely adjustable amplitude (10–40 mm), factory-calibrated to 25 mm for optimal shear-to-mixing balance
• Three dedicated oscillation architectures: reciprocal (NR-1), orbital (NR-2), and mode-switchable (NR-3)
• Modular platform system compatible with TAITEC’s BR-series incubated shakers—enabling cross-platform accessory reuse
• Integrated motor overload protection and thermal fuse for sustained operational reliability under variable load conditions
• Low-vibration chassis design minimizes cross-talk in multi-unit installations and preserves sensitive optical measurements nearby

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The NR-series accommodates a broad spectrum of laboratory vessels through interchangeable platform kits. The MR-2925 spring-grid platform supports heterogeneous tube arrays (e.g., 50 × 16 mm test tubes at 45° tilt or 4 × 500 mL flasks), while the SR-2925 adhesive film platform secures Petri dishes and flat-bottom flasks without mechanical clamping. For high-integrity flask retention, the MT-2925 claw-mount platform—paired with CF-series flask clamps (CF-0500 to CF-3000) or AF-series angled brackets—ensures zero-slip rotation even at 200 rpm. All accessories meet ISO 8573-1 purity class 5 for non-contaminating polymer surfaces and are autoclavable (SR-2925 film excluded). The system is routinely validated for GLP-compliant microbial growth studies per USP , ASTM D2923-22 (microbial enumeration), and ISO 21528-2 (food pathogen enrichment).

Software & Data Management

While the NR-series operates as a stand-alone analog-digital hybrid instrument (no embedded microcontroller or network interface), its timer and speed controls are traceable via external calibration logs per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Digital display values are referenced against NIST-traceable tachometer standards during annual maintenance. When deployed in regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical QC labs), users may integrate the shaker into electronic lab notebook (ELN) workflows via manual entry of run parameters (speed, duration, amplitude) linked to batch records. The absence of firmware eliminates cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with connected instruments, aligning with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 guidance for non-networked analytical devices requiring audit-trail–capable documentation.

Applications

• Microbial cultivation: E. coli and yeast propagation in incubated environments (0–50°C), with NR-1 enabling high-efficiency oxygen transfer in 15 mL conical tubes (1/10–1/15 fill volume, 30–45° tilt)
• Plant cell suspension culture: NR-2 orbital motion maintains uniform shear stress in light-incubated bioreactors using baffled Erlenmeyer flasks (1/5–1/3 fill volume)
• Molecular assay support: Gel staining/destaining, Western blot membrane washing, and ELISA plate agitation—optimized via NR-3’s mode switching between gentle reciprocal motion (for delicate membranes) and vigorous orbital shaking (for high-throughput plate formats)
• Bioprocess development: Seed train expansion and media solubilization where reproducible, low-shear mixing prevents protein denaturation or cell lysis

FAQ

Can the NR-series be operated inside a CO₂ incubator?

Yes—provided the incubator’s internal temperature remains ≤+50°C and ambient humidity is maintained below 80% RH to prevent condensation on electronics. Units must be placed on level, vibration-dampened surfaces.

Is the amplitude setting calibrated per ISO 5347?

Amplitude is mechanically adjusted via eccentric cam linkage and verified during factory calibration using laser Doppler vibrometry per ISO 5347-12. Users receive a certificate of conformance with each unit.

Are replacement parts available for long-term maintenance?

All platform modules (MR-2925, SR-2925, MT-2925), clamp sets (CF-, AF-, AT-series), and consumables (ST-2925 adhesive film, CB-0205/CB-1000 retention bands) are stocked globally through TAITEC’s authorized distribution network with ≥10-year part availability guarantees.

Does the shaker meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for clinical labs?

Yes—certified to EN 61326-1:2013 for EMC immunity and emissions, including radiated RF fields (80 MHz–2.7 GHz) and electrostatic discharge (±8 kV contact, ±15 kV air).