HMS-350 Compact Vortex Mixer

Overview

The HMS-350 Compact Vortex Mixer is an entry-level, benchtop reciprocating shaker engineered for rapid and reproducible sample agitation in analytical, quality control, and preparatory laboratory workflows. Unlike orbital or conical vortex mixers that rely on eccentric rotation to generate vortexing motion in tubes, the HMS-350 employs a precisely balanced linear reciprocating drive mechanism—producing horizontal back-and-forth oscillation at adjustable speeds up to 3000 rpm. This motion efficiently disrupts particle agglomeration, accelerates dissolution kinetics, enhances mass transfer during liquid–solid extraction, and supports consistent re-suspension of precipitates without introducing excessive shear or foaming. Its compact footprint (144 × 150 × 180 mm) and low thermal signature (15 W brushless motor) make it suitable for crowded fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and multi-instrument workstations where spatial efficiency and operational safety are critical.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor: Eliminates carbon brush wear, ensuring long-term speed stability, reduced electromagnetic interference, and maintenance-free operation over >10,000 hours MTBF.
• Touch-activated instant-on interface: No mechanical switches or dials—activation occurs only upon firm fingertip contact with the platform surface, minimizing unintended operation and improving lab hygiene.
• Corrosion-resistant construction: Housing fabricated from powder-coated aluminum alloy; all wetted surfaces—including platform inserts and fastening hardware—constructed from 304 stainless steel or chemically inert PTFE-coated alloys.
• Interchangeable platform adapters: Standard 65 mm diameter platform accepts optional silicone, rubber, or polypropylene cushioned inserts (sold separately) for secure retention of 0.2–50 mL tubes, microcentrifuge tubes, PCR strips, and small vials.
• Thermally optimized chassis design: Integrated passive heat dissipation channels and low-power motor reduce ambient temperature rise—critical for temperature-sensitive assays involving enzymes or volatile solvents.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HMS-350 accommodates standard laboratory consumables including conical-bottom centrifuge tubes (1.5–15 mL), screw-cap microtubes, flat-bottom glass vials (up to 30 mm height), and 96-well PCR plates when used with compatible plate-holding fixtures. It is validated for use with aqueous buffers, organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, chloroform), dilute acids (≤1 M HCl, ≤0.5 M HNO₃), and basic solutions (≤1 M NaOH). All materials comply with ISO 10993-5 (cytotoxicity) and USP extractables testing protocols. The device bears CE marking under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), conforms to EN 61010-1:2019 for laboratory electrical safety, and meets RoHS 2015/863/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. While not designed for GMP-regulated environments requiring audit trails, its mechanical simplicity and lack of embedded firmware support GLP-aligned documentation via external logbooks.

Software & Data Management

The HMS-350 operates as a standalone analog instrument with no digital controller, firmware, or connectivity interfaces. Speed is manually regulated via internal potentiometric feedback circuitry; no calibration certificates, firmware updates, or software drivers are required. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity vulnerabilities, avoids regulatory complications associated with computerized systems (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance), and ensures deterministic behavior across voltage fluctuations (operates stably within 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz). Users record operational parameters—including duration, speed setting, and sample configuration—in manual lab notebooks or LIMS-integrated electronic records using standardized SOP templates.

Applications

• Routine sample homogenization prior to HPLC, GC, or ICP-MS analysis
• Accelerated leaching of metals from soil/sediment matrices (EPA Method 3050B)
• Cell lysis optimization in microbiology and molecular biology workflows
• Equilibration of immunoassay reagents and antibody conjugates
• Preparation of calibration standards and QC reference materials
• Supporting ASTM D2487 classification tests for fine-grained soils via slurry dispersion
• Extraction of pesticides from plant tissue using QuEChERS-compatible protocols

FAQ

Is the HMS-350 suitable for continuous operation?
Yes—it is rated for indefinite duty cycle at any speed setting within the 0–3000 rpm range, provided ambient temperature remains below 35°C and ventilation is unobstructed.
Can it be used with sealed tubes containing volatile solvents?
Yes, but users must ensure tube caps are fully torqued and verify compatibility of cap gasket material (e.g., PTFE-lined caps recommended for chlorinated solvents).
Does the device include a timer function?
No—timing must be managed externally using laboratory timers or stopwatch functions integrated into LIMS or ELN platforms.
What maintenance is required?
None beyond periodic wiping of the platform and housing with isopropyl alcohol; no lubrication, alignment, or recalibration is necessary due to solid-state motor and fixed-amplitude mechanics.
Is technical support available internationally?
Yes—authorized distributors provide multilingual documentation, application notes, and remote troubleshooting; spare parts (platform inserts, feet, power cords) are stocked regionally with typical lead time <5 business days.