Hanuo HY-5 Digital Variable-Speed Orbital Shaker

Overview

The Hanuo HY-5 Digital Variable-Speed Orbital Shaker is an entry-level yet robust benchtop orbital shaker engineered for consistent, low-shear mixing of liquid samples in life science, environmental, and industrial quality control laboratories. It operates on the principle of circular orbital motion—where the platform rotates around a fixed central axis with a 20 mm orbit diameter—generating uniform agitation ideal for cell suspension, microbial culture, reagent homogenization, and ELISA plate preparation. Unlike reciprocating or vortex shakers, orbital motion minimizes foaming and shear stress on delicate biological samples while ensuring reproducible mixing across multi-well plates, test tubes, and Erlenmeyer flasks. Designed for continuous-duty operation under ambient laboratory conditions, the HY-5 delivers stable rotational performance at speeds ranging from 0 to 280 rpm, with real-time digital speed feedback via front-panel LED display. Its compact footprint (45 × 33 cm tray surface) supports standard labware configurations without requiring dedicated ventilation or external cooling.

Key Features

• Digitally displayed rotational speed (0–280 rpm) with ±2 rpm repeatability across operating range
• Mechanical timer with adjustable 0–120 minute countdown; auto-shutoff upon completion
• Universal spring-loaded clamp platform accommodating multiple tube sizes (13–50 mm OD) and flat-bottom vessels up to 2 L capacity
• Brushed DC motor (80 W nominal power) with thermal overload protection and brush-life monitoring indicator
• Low-noise operation (<55 dB(A) at 200 rpm, 1 m distance) enabled by precision-balanced drive mechanism and vibration-damped base housing
• Non-slip rubber mat surface with optional stainless-steel tray overlay (accessory) for enhanced chemical resistance and cleanability
• IP20-rated enclosure suitable for dry, non-corrosive indoor laboratory environments per IEC 60529

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HY-5 accommodates a wide range of sample containers including glass and plastic test tubes, centrifuge tubes, conical flasks (up to 2 L), microtiter plates (96-well and 384-well formats secured with optional plate clamps), and serum bottles. Its orbital motion ensures homogeneous suspension of suspended cells, yeast cultures, bacterial inocula, and immunoassay reagents without pelleting or stratification. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. While not certified for GLP/GMP-regulated workflows requiring full audit trails, its mechanical timer and analog speed control provide traceable, operator-defined parameters suitable for routine QC testing, teaching labs, and preliminary R&D screening where formal electronic records are not mandated.

Software & Data Management

The HY-5 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded microprocessor or data logging capability. Speed and timer settings are manually entered and retained only during active operation; no memory retention or USB/RS-232 connectivity is provided. This design prioritizes operational simplicity, electromagnetic compatibility, and long-term reliability in high-throughput teaching and service laboratories. For users requiring electronic parameter logging or remote control integration, Hanuo offers the HY-5A variant (sold separately), which includes digital PID speed regulation and optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface compatible with LabVIEW™ and SCADA systems.

Applications

• Microbial growth studies: E. coli, Bacillus spp., and yeast propagation in liquid broth media
• Cell culture maintenance: Gentle resuspension of adherent and suspension mammalian cell lines prior to passaging
• Environmental analysis: Extraction of heavy metals or organic pollutants from soil/water matrices using acid or solvent-based protocols
• Clinical diagnostics: Mixing of whole blood samples for complete blood count (CBC) preparation and antigen-antibody incubation in lateral flow assays
• Pharmaceutical QA: Dissolution testing support, buffer equilibration, and excipient dispersion verification
• Academic instruction: Undergraduate laboratory modules covering kinetics, solubility, and biochemical assay development

FAQ

Is the HY-5 suitable for temperature-controlled applications?
No. The HY-5 is a non-thermostatic shaker and must be operated within ambient laboratory conditions (15–30 °C). For incubated shaking, consider Hanuo’s IS-508 series orbital incubator shakers.
Can the HY-5 accommodate microtiter plates securely?
Yes—when used with Hanuo’s optional universal microplate clamp kit (Part No. H-CLAMP-MTP), the platform provides stable fixation for 96-well and 384-well plates during orbital motion.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual inspection of motor brushes, cleaning of dust filters (if installed), and verification of platform balance using a spirit level are recommended. Lubrication is not required—the sealed gearbox uses lifetime synthetic grease.
Does the HY-5 meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
No. As a Class I non-connected analog device without electronic audit trail functionality, it falls outside the scope of Part 11 compliance. It may be used in non-GxP environments or as a secondary tool in validated processes where manual log entries suffice.
What is the expected service life under typical lab usage?
With proper loading (≤80% of max rated capacity) and routine visual inspection, the unit demonstrates >10,000 hours of operational durability based on accelerated life testing per ISO 13384-1.