JingHong THZ-320 Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker

Overview

The JingHong THZ-320 Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker is an integrated laboratory instrument engineered for simultaneous precise temperature regulation and controlled orbital agitation. It operates on the principle of horizontal circular motion (28 mm orbit diameter) to ensure uniform suspension and aeration of liquid cultures—critical for aerobic microbial growth, enzyme kinetics studies, and cell-based assays. Designed for reliability in demanding routine applications, the THZ-320 combines a thermally insulated chamber with PID-regulated heating and a brushless DC motor drive system, eliminating mechanical wear and delivering consistent rotational stability across its full frequency range (30–280 rpm). Its operational envelope—spanning ambient +5°C to 50°C—supports standard microbiological incubation protocols while avoiding thermal stress on heat-sensitive biological samples. The unit is not equipped with refrigeration; therefore, it is intended for applications where active cooling is not required.

Key Features

• Integrated orbital shaker and incubator functionality—eliminates need for separate equipment and reduces footprint in space-constrained labs.
• Microprocessor-based dual-display controller with independent digital readouts for setpoint and actual temperature, plus real-time rpm monitoring.
• PID auto-tuning algorithm ensures rapid thermal equilibration and minimal overshoot during temperature transitions.
• Brushless DC motor delivers low-vibration, maintenance-free operation with high torque consistency—even at low speeds (≤50 rpm) critical for fragile cell suspensions.
• Full-view tempered glass lid enables non-invasive visual monitoring of culture status without interrupting temperature or agitation conditions.
• Programmable timer supports extended unattended operation up to 99.9 hours, with automatic shutdown upon completion.
• Single-tier stainless steel platform accommodates up to 22 × 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks (or equivalent vessel configurations), optimized for standard benchtop workflow integration.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The THZ-320 is compatible with common microbiological and biochemical sample containers—including glass and polycarbonate flasks, test tubes, and multi-well plates—provided they are secured using standard clamps or adhesive platforms. Its uniform orbital motion minimizes shear stress compared to reciprocating or vortex shakers, making it suitable for mammalian cell suspension cultures, bacterial fermentation, plasmid amplification, and immunoassay plate washing steps. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, the instrument’s stable thermal and mechanical performance supports GLP-compliant workflows when operated within documented SOPs. Users performing regulated work (e.g., pharmaceutical QC, clinical research) are advised to implement periodic verification per ASTM E1247–22 (Standard Practice for Characterizing Spectrophotometers) and internal calibration protocols for temperature and speed accuracy.

Software & Data Management

The THZ-320 operates via embedded firmware with no external software dependency. All parameters—including temperature setpoint, oscillation speed, and timer duration—are configured directly through the front-panel keypad. Real-time values are displayed concurrently on dual LED screens, supporting immediate verification without menu navigation. Although the device lacks USB/Ethernet connectivity or data logging capability, its analog output interface (optional accessory) permits integration with third-party chart recorders or building management systems for continuous environmental monitoring. For laboratories requiring electronic records, manual timestamped entries into LIMS or ELN systems—paired with periodic calibration logs—fulfill basic audit trail requirements under GxP frameworks.

Applications

• Bacterial and yeast cultivation under controlled aeration and temperature (e.g., E. coli expression, S. cerevisiae fermentation).
• Enzyme activity assays requiring constant mixing and thermal stabilization.
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing and MIC determination in CLSI-compliant broth microdilution formats.
• Hybridization steps in molecular biology workflows, including Southern/Northern blotting and probe labeling reactions.
• Preparation of homogeneous reagent stocks, buffer equilibration, and solubility screening in formulation development.
• Environmental monitoring of water or soil extracts where standardized shaking protocols (e.g., EPA Method 1664) apply.

FAQ

Does the THZ-320 support cooling below ambient temperature?
No. The unit provides only heating control and maintains temperatures from ambient +5°C to 50°C. External cooling solutions (e.g., cold rooms or chillers) are required for sub-ambient applications.
Is the platform compatible with microplate carriers or deep-well plates?
Yes—when used with optional universal plate clamps or custom-fit adapters, the single-tier platform supports 96-well, 384-well, and deep-well plate formats.
What is the maximum load capacity of the shaking platform?
The platform is rated for a total payload of ≤8 kg, distributed evenly. Overloading may compromise thermal uniformity and mechanical stability.
Can the THZ-320 be validated for ISO 13485 or GMP environments?
While the hardware design supports validation activities, formal qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) must be performed by the end user or qualified service provider using traceable standards and documented procedures.
Are replacement parts such as fuses, motors, or controllers available internationally?
Yes—JingHong provides OEM spare parts with lead times typically ranging from 4–8 weeks for overseas delivery; technical schematics and service manuals are available under NDA upon request.