Grant PMR-100 Platform Rocker Shaker

Overview

The Grant PMR-100 Platform Rocker Shaker is an engineered solution for gentle, reproducible, and low-shear mixing of biological samples in demanding laboratory environments—including cold rooms, incubators, and biosafety cabinets. Unlike orbital or vortex shakers, the PMR-100 employs a precise rocking motion based on a cam-driven linear actuator system, generating controlled lateral oscillation along a fixed horizontal axis. This motion ensures uniform suspension of particulates, efficient reagent penetration into membranes or gels, and minimal sample foaming or shear-induced denaturation—critical for nucleic acid hybridization, immunoassays, and post-electrophoresis processing. Its 12 V DC power architecture eliminates high-voltage wiring hazards and enables safe integration into temperature-controlled enclosures without compromising environmental integrity or seal performance.

Key Features

• Four independent, interchangeable platforms (460 × 360 mm each), supporting simultaneous processing of multiple blotting trays, staining dishes, or culture bags
• Stepwise adjustable rocking angle (0°–10° in 1° increments), with dynamic coupling between angle and speed: 0°–9° at 1–50 rpm; fixed 10° at 51–100 rpm for optimized fluid displacement at higher frequencies
• High-resolution electronic timer (1 minute to 99 hours 59 minutes) with auto-shutdown and memory retention—even after power interruption
• Low-noise brushless DC motor delivering consistent torque across the full 1–100 rpm range, ensuring <±0.5 rpm speed stability under load
• Integrated anti-slip silicone matting and optional platform clamps to secure vessels ranging from 50 mL conical tubes to 2 L hybridization bags
• Compact footprint (W480 × D420 × H145 mm) and lightweight aluminum chassis (≤8.2 kg) for benchtop flexibility and stackable deployment
• Real-time dual-line LCD display showing setpoint and actual values for speed (rpm), angle (°), and remaining time (hh:mm)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PMR-100 accommodates standard life science consumables—including polypropylene hybridization bottles (up to 2 L), gel electrophoresis cassettes (up to 20 × 20 cm), multi-well plates (6–96-well), and vacuum-sealed blotting membranes. Its operation within +4 °C to +40 °C ambient conditions meets ISO 15195:2019 requirements for equipment used in clinical laboratory environments. The 12 V DC power interface complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory instrumentation, while CE and RoHS declarations confirm conformity with EU directives governing electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous substance restriction. No internal heating or cooling elements are present, eliminating thermal drift concerns during long-duration hybridization or washing protocols.

Software & Data Management

The PMR-100 operates as a standalone hardware-controlled device with no embedded firmware or network connectivity. All operational parameters are configured directly via front-panel membrane keys, ensuring deterministic behavior and eliminating software validation overhead. For laboratories operating under GLP or GMP frameworks, the absence of digital data logging is intentional: time, speed, and angle settings are manually recorded in bound lab notebooks or integrated into electronic lab notebook (ELN) workflows via user-defined SOPs. The instrument supports audit-ready documentation through its stable mechanical design, calibrated factory-set timing accuracy (±0.1% over full range), and traceable serial-number-based service history.

Applications

• Northern, Southern, and Western blotting: uniform probe hybridization and stringent wash cycles without membrane distortion
• Immunodetection assays (e.g., ELISA plate development, antibody incubation): enhanced antigen-antibody binding kinetics through laminar fluid motion
• Post-electrophoresis procedures: Coomassie/silver stain destaining, gel fixation, and passive diffusion-based transfer buffer equilibration
• Cell culture maintenance: gentle agitation of suspension cultures in gas-permeable bags or roller bottles at sub-physiological shear stress
• Nucleic acid purification: homogenization of lysates in spin-column or magnetic bead-based workflows prior to centrifugation
• Protein crystallization screening: low-frequency rocking to promote nucleation while minimizing convection currents

FAQ

Can the PMR-100 be used inside a CO₂ incubator?

Yes—its 12 V DC power supply, sealed electronics, and absence of heat-generating components make it compatible with standard humidified CO₂ incubators (5% CO₂, 37 °C), provided the incubator’s internal power outlet supports low-voltage DC input.
Is the rocking motion programmable for ramped acceleration/deceleration?

No—the PMR-100 delivers constant-speed rocking only. Acceleration profiles are not supported, aligning with standardized hybridization and wash protocols requiring steady-state fluid dynamics.
What is the maximum weight capacity per platform when operating at 100 rpm?

The rated load remains >5 kg per platform across the entire speed range, verified per EN 61000-6-3:2011 for mechanical stability under dynamic loading.
Does Grant provide calibration certificates traceable to NPL or NIST?

Calibration services are available upon request; standard delivery includes factory verification against Grant’s internal metrology standards, with optional UKAS-accredited calibration (ISO/IEC 17025) for regulated labs.
Are replacement platforms or custom-sized mats available?

Yes—Grant offers OEM-compatible platform inserts (e.g., perforated stainless steel for vacuum-assisted blotting) and autoclavable silicone mat kits with reinforced edge bonding for extended service life.