Thermo Fisher Scientific Digital Orbital Shaker

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Scientific Digital Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform designed for precise, reproducible orbital mixing of liquid samples in tubes, flasks, microplates, and other standard laboratory vessels. Operating on the principle of controlled orbital motion—where the platform rotates around a fixed horizontal axis with adjustable eccentricity—the instrument generates gentle yet effective fluid agitation without vortexing or splashing. This motion promotes uniform suspension of cells, reagents, or particulates while minimizing shear stress, making it especially suitable for sensitive biological applications such as cell culture maintenance, ELISA plate incubation, antibody labeling, and buffer equilibration. Unlike reciprocating or linear shakers, orbital motion ensures consistent kinetic energy transfer across sample volumes, supporting high inter-run repeatability under defined G-force profiles.

Key Features

• Digital speed control with real-time RPM display (1–70 rpm range), enabling fine-tuned adjustment to match protocol-specific mixing intensity requirements.
• Adjustable tilt angle (1°–15°) allows optimization of orbital radius and resultant centrifugal component—critical for balancing mixing efficiency against sample integrity in low-volume or viscous preparations.
• Robust aluminum alloy platform with non-slip silicone mat surface ensures secure placement of diverse vessel formats including 50 mL conical tubes, 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks, 96-well plates, and PCR strips.
• Brushless DC motor delivers silent, maintenance-free operation with extended service life and stable rotational output across ambient temperature ranges (10–40 °C).
• Programmable timer (0–999 minutes) with auto-shutdown functionality supports unattended overnight protocols while maintaining compliance with GLP documentation standards.
• Compact footprint (28 × 24 × 12 cm) and low power consumption (<15 W) facilitate integration into biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or shared benchtop environments without thermal load concerns.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This shaker accommodates a broad spectrum of container types and volumes—from 0.2 mL PCR tubes to 1 L glass flasks—when used with compatible accessories (e.g., universal clamps, microplate holders, or custom adapter inserts). Its mechanical design conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment). While not classified as a medical device, its performance consistency supports adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 quality management principles for testing laboratories and aligns with common internal SOPs governing reagent preparation in pharmaceutical QC labs and academic core facilities.

Software & Data Management

The unit operates via embedded firmware with no external software dependency; all operational parameters are set directly through the front-panel keypad and LCD interface. For laboratories requiring audit trails or electronic record retention, the shaker’s timer function supports manual log entry in validated LIMS or ELN systems. Though lacking native network connectivity or FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, its deterministic behavior—verified via periodic calibration using traceable tachometer measurements—ensures data integrity in regulated workflows when paired with procedural controls (e.g., operator sign-off, timestamped run logs).

Applications

• Homogenization of bacterial suspensions prior to plating or OD₆₀₀ measurement.
• Gentle mixing of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plates during incubation and wash steps.
• Equilibration of protein solutions with reducing agents or denaturants under non-aggressive agitation.
• Preparation of agarose or polyacrylamide gels with uniform monomer distribution before polymerization.
• Stabilization of immunoaffinity capture beads in magnetic separation workflows.
• Rehydration and dispersion of lyophilized reagents or standards in clinical chemistry assay development.

FAQ

Is this shaker suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—provided the ambient humidity remains below 80% RH and condensation is prevented, the unit’s sealed electronics and low-heat motor allow safe operation at 37 °C with 5% CO₂. Verify compatibility with your incubator manufacturer prior to installation.
Can the tilt angle be locked during operation?
Yes—the tilt adjustment mechanism features a knurled locking knob that secures the platform at any selected angle between 1° and 15°, preventing drift during extended runs.
Does the shaker support continuous operation beyond 24 hours?
The device is rated for indefinite continuous duty; however, routine visual inspection of platform alignment and motor noise is recommended every 500 operating hours per ISO 5725-2 guidance for sustained precision instrumentation.
What calibration documentation is provided?
A factory-issued Certificate of Conformance (CoC) is included, verifying speed accuracy ±1 rpm at 25 °C ambient and tilt angle tolerance ±0.5°. NIST-traceable calibration services are available through Thermo Fisher Service Centers upon request.
Are third-party adapters supported?
Yes—standardized 1/4″-20 threaded mounting holes on the platform perimeter accept commercially available tube racks, flask clamps, and microplate carriers from vendors including VWR, Eppendorf, and Benchmark Scientific.