OHAUS ISLD04HDG Incubated Low-Load Orbital Shaker
| Brand | OHAUS |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | ISLD04HDG |
| Instrument Type | Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker |
| Timer Range | 1 sec to 160 h |
| Orbital Speed | 100–1200 rpm |
| Orbital Diameter | 3 mm |
| Temperature Range | 5–40 °C |
Overview
The OHAUS ISLD04HDG Incubated Low-Load Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform for precise, temperature-stabilized orbital agitation of low-mass biological samples in life science laboratories. Designed around a robust three-eccentric-shaft drive mechanism, it delivers consistent, low-vibration orbital motion with high mechanical reproducibility—critical for applications requiring uniform mixing without shear-induced cell damage or reagent stratification. Unlike generic benchtop shakers, the ISLD04HDG integrates active thermoregulation via Peltier-based heating/cooling and precision PID-controlled air circulation, enabling stable setpoint maintenance across the full 5–40 °C operating range—even under variable ambient conditions and extended runtime. Its 3 mm orbital diameter (standard configuration) is optimized for microplate compatibility (e.g., 96-well and 384-well formats), ensuring efficient liquid-phase homogenization while minimizing splashing and edge effects.
Key Features
- Three-eccentric-shaft balanced drive system ensures minimal vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation and long-term mechanical stability over >20,000 hours of continuous operation.
- Digital microprocessor controller with real-time display of speed (rpm), temperature (°C), and remaining time; programmable ramp-up/down profiles support protocol-driven workflows.
- Wide-speed range (100–1200 rpm) with ±1 rpm speed accuracy at setpoint, validated per ISO 17025-accredited calibration procedures.
- Temperature control fidelity of ±0.3 °C at 25 °C (typical), with uniformity ≤±0.5 °C across the platform surface (measured per ASTM E2500 Annex A4).
- Maximum load capacity of 3.6 kg distributed evenly across the platform—sufficient for up to four standard 96-well plates or equivalent microtube racks.
- Timer functionality spans 1 second to 160 hours, supporting both single-step and multi-stage incubation-agitation protocols.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ISLD04HDG accommodates standard microplates (SBS-compliant footprint), PCR plates, shallow-well assay trays, and low-profile tube carriers (e.g., 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes in compatible adapters). Its compact footprint and low acoustic emission (<45 dBA at 1 m) allow integration into biosafety cabinets and cold rooms. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment safety and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per CISPR 11 Group 1, Class B. For regulated environments, audit trail logging (via optional RS-232/USB interface) supports adherence to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant LIMS or ELN software.
Software & Data Management
While the ISLD04HDG operates as a standalone unit with intuitive front-panel controls, optional connectivity enables external monitoring and data capture. An RS-232 serial port (standard) and USB-to-serial adapter (optional) permit integration with LabVIEW™, Python-based automation scripts, or enterprise-grade laboratory information management systems (LIMS). All parameter changes—including speed, temperature, and timer settings—are timestamped and stored in non-volatile memory. When configured with traceable calibration records and electronic logbooks, the system supports GLP and GMP documentation requirements for QC/QA labs conducting method validation per USP Analytical Instrument Qualification.
Applications
- Cell-based assays requiring gentle, temperature-controlled suspension (e.g., mammalian cell culture maintenance during transient transfection or cytokine stimulation).
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plate washing and incubation steps where uniform antigen-antibody binding kinetics depend on consistent orbital mixing.
- High-throughput screening (HTS) workflows involving compound dilution series, dose-response curve generation, and kinetic endpoint measurements.
- Molecular biology applications including DNA hybridization, probe labeling, and post-PCR cleanup steps where thermal stability and agitation synergy improve yield and specificity.
- Microbial growth studies under controlled temperature gradients, especially for psychrophilic or mesophilic strains requiring precise incubation below ambient.
FAQ
Is the ISLD04HDG suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—the unit is not rated for humidified, high-CO₂ environments; it is intended for ambient-air laboratory settings only.
Can the shaker accommodate deep-well plates or 15/50 mL conical tubes?
Not natively; its design prioritizes low-profile microplates and microtubes. Deep-well or large-volume vessels require third-party platform adapters, which may affect thermal uniformity and mechanical balance.
Does the temperature control include refrigeration capability below ambient?
Yes—the Peltier-based system actively cools down to 5 °C regardless of room temperature, provided ambient does not exceed 32 °C and adequate ventilation is maintained.
What calibration documentation is provided with the instrument?
Each unit ships with a factory-issued Certificate of Conformance; NIST-traceable calibration certificates for temperature and speed are available upon request and subject to additional qualification testing.
Is firmware upgradable in the field?
Yes—firmware updates are delivered via USB stick and installed through the service menu, maintaining full backward compatibility with existing protocols and user-defined methods.
