STR4/1 Rotating Tube Rack with Square Drum Platform
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | STR4/1 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The STR4/1 Rotating Tube Rack is an engineered laboratory mixing platform designed for gentle, uniform, and reproducible end-over-end rotation of multiple sample tubes. Unlike vortex mixers or orbital shakers, this device employs a precisely balanced square drum architecture that rotates the entire rack—mounted on a low-inertia drive system—through controlled 360° axial rotation. This motion ensures consistent tumbling action without centrifugal force buildup, minimizing sediment disturbance while maximizing homogenization efficiency for viscous, particulate-laden, or phase-sensitive samples. The STR4/1 serves as a core component in routine QC workflows, clinical specimen preparation (e.g., whole blood, urine, CSF), reagent resuspension, and stability testing protocols where mechanical shear must be avoided.
Key Features
- Square drum geometry enables full 360° rotational symmetry—four usable sides allow simultaneous operation of up to four independent tube configurations without repositioning the unit.
- One-touch activation via integrated momentary push-button control; no external software or power cycling required.
- Modular clamp plate design accommodates interchangeable STR-series tube holders (STR1/1 through STR1/4), enabling rapid adaptation to varying tube diameters and quantities.
- Robust stainless-steel frame and anodized aluminum drum housing ensure long-term dimensional stability and resistance to laboratory solvents and cleaning agents.
- Low-noise DC motor with precision gear reduction delivers consistent rotational speed (typically 5–30 rpm range, adjustable via optional controller) and high torque at startup for reliable load engagement.
- Compact footprint (220 × 220 × 180 mm) supports benchtop integration in ISO Class 5–8 cleanrooms, biosafety cabinets, and regulated GMP environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The STR4/1 supports standardized glass and polypropylene tubes compliant with ISO 8539 (laboratory glassware dimensions) and ASTM D4790 (plastic laboratory equipment specifications). Compatible tube formats include: STR1/1 (12 mm diameter × 12 positions), STR1/2 (16 mm × 10), STR1/3 (9 mm × 8), and STR1/4 (24 mm × 7)—all supplied as matched pairs per package. Each clamp features elastomeric liners to prevent tube slippage and micro-scratching. The system meets mechanical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 and is CE-marked for use within the European Economic Area. While not intrinsically rated for explosion-proof areas, its non-sparking construction and absence of exposed electronics make it suitable for general-purpose chemical and biological labs operating under GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 quality frameworks.
Software & Data Management
The base STR4/1 operates as a standalone electromechanical device with no embedded firmware or digital interface. For traceable operation in regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical QC labs adhering to FDA 21 CFR Part 11), optional accessories include an analog-to-digital timer module with audit-trail-capable relay output and RS-485 serial interface. When integrated with LIMS or ELN systems, this module logs start/stop timestamps, total runtime, and cycle count—supporting ALCOA+ data integrity principles. All STR-series components are supplied with EU Declaration of Conformity documentation and calibration certificates traceable to PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt).
Applications
- Clinical diagnostics: Uniform mixing of anticoagulated blood specimens prior to centrifugation (per CLSI H20-A2 guidelines).
- Pharmaceutical development: Reconstitution of lyophilized proteins and monoclonal antibodies without foaming or aggregation.
- Environmental testing: Homogenization of soil/water extracts containing suspended solids prior to filtration or analysis.
- Research laboratories: Gentle agitation of cell culture supernatants, immunoprecipitation complexes, and nucleic acid binding matrices.
- Quality control: Standardized sample conditioning for viscosity, density, and particle distribution assays requiring defined rotational history.
FAQ
Is the STR4/1 compatible with PCR tubes or microcentrifuge tubes?
Yes—when used with the STR1/3 clamp set (9 mm diameter), it securely holds standard 0.5–2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes with conical or flat-bottom geometries.
Can the rotation speed be adjusted?
The base model operates at a fixed nominal speed optimized for general mixing (approx. 15 rpm); variable-speed control is available via optional external timer/controller units.
What maintenance is required?
No scheduled lubrication or recalibration is needed. Wipe-down with 70% ethanol or isopropanol suffices; avoid chlorine-based disinfectants on aluminum surfaces.
Does the STR4/1 meet USP or requirements for compounding environments?
While not certified specifically for sterile compounding, its smooth, non-porous surfaces and lack of crevices support effective cleaning validation per USP Section 10.2.2.
Are replacement clamps and mounting plates available separately?
Yes—all STR1-series clamp sets and the universal mounting plate (part number STR-MP-01) are stocked and shipped globally from the German distribution hub.
