DLAB MX-RL-E Economy Long-Axis Rotational Mixer

Overview

The DLAB MX-RL-E Economy Long-Axis Rotational Mixer is an entry-level, horizontally oriented rotary shaker engineered for gentle, uniform mixing of liquid samples in standard laboratory tubes. Unlike vortex mixers that generate high-shear orbital motion, the MX-RL-E employs low-speed rotational agitation—rotating samples along a fixed horizontal axis at speeds ranging from 0 to 80 rpm. This principle ensures minimal foaming, reduced sample denaturation, and consistent suspension of particulates without introducing air bubbles or thermal stress. Its design prioritizes operational simplicity and reliability in routine QC labs, clinical diagnostics workflows, and academic teaching laboratories where reproducible, non-turbulent homogenization is required for downstream assays such as ELISA preparation, cell resuspension, reagent reconstitution, or buffer equilibration.

Key Features

• Gentle horizontal rotary motion optimized for sensitive biological samples—including proteins, antibodies, and cultured cells—minimizing shear-induced aggregation or degradation.
• Continuously adjustable analog speed control (0–80 rpm) via calibrated dial, enabling precise matching of mixing intensity to sample viscosity and tube volume.
• Modular clamp system supporting three standardized tube formats: 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 15 mL conical tubes, and 50 mL conical tubes—clamps are interchangeable and require no tools for installation.
• Compact footprint (150 × 530 × 190 mm) and low power draw (20 W) make it suitable for benchtop use in space-constrained environments, including inside cold rooms and CO₂ incubators (operational down to 5 °C).
• Durable ABS housing provides chemical resistance to common lab solvents and disinfectants while maintaining structural integrity under continuous operation.
• IP21-rated enclosure offers basic protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for standard ISO Class 5–7 cleanroom-adjacent lab spaces.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MX-RL-E accommodates commonly used polypropylene and polycarbonate centrifuge tubes without requiring adapters. Its rotational geometry ensures even distribution of kinetic energy across all tube positions, reducing inter-sample variability. While not certified to GLP or GMP standards out-of-the-box, its mechanical simplicity, lack of firmware, and absence of data logging align with regulatory expectations for non-critical ancillary equipment in FDA-regulated environments (e.g., USP guidance on analytical instrument qualification). The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets CE marking requirements for EMC and low-voltage directives when used within specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH).

Software & Data Management

The MX-RL-E operates as a standalone electromechanical device with no embedded software, firmware, or digital interface. Speed selection is performed manually via analog dial; no calibration certificate, audit trail, or electronic recordkeeping capability is provided. As such, it falls outside the scope of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requirements. Laboratories implementing ALCOA+ data integrity principles may document usage manually (e.g., in logbooks) or integrate the device into broader SOPs governing sample handling prior to analytical testing. No driver installation, USB connectivity, or remote control functionality is supported.

Applications

• Resuspension of pelleted cells or precipitated nucleic acids prior to quantification or electrophoresis.
• Homogenization of viscous reagents (e.g., glycerol stocks, agarose solutions, enzyme buffers) before dispensing.
• Equilibration of temperature-sensitive samples during incubation cycles in environmental chambers.
• Pre-analytical mixing in clinical microbiology labs for blood culture broth dilution or sputum liquefaction protocols.
• Standardized agitation of calibration standards and reference materials in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories.

FAQ

Can the MX-RL-E be used inside a -20 °C freezer?
No. The specified operating temperature range is 5–40 °C. Operation below 5 °C may impair motor performance and cause ABS housing embrittlement.
Is speed calibration traceable to NIST or other national standards?
No. The analog speed dial is factory-set and not user-calibratable; no calibration certificate is supplied.
Does the unit include overload or thermal protection?
Yes. The brushed DC motor incorporates internal thermal cutoff circuitry to prevent damage during extended continuous operation.
Are replacement clamps available separately?
Yes. DLAB offers part-numbered clamp kits (MX-CLAMP-1.5, MX-CLAMP-15, MX-CLAMP-50) for individual procurement through authorized distributors.
What maintenance is required?
Periodic visual inspection of clamp integrity and cleaning of the ABS housing with 70% ethanol; no lubrication or internal servicing is recommended or supported.