DLAB MX-S Adjustable and MX-F Fixed Orbital Shaker

Overview

The DLAB MX-S Adjustable and MX-F Fixed Orbital Shaker are precision-engineered benchtop instruments designed for consistent, low-shear mixing in life science, clinical diagnostics, and analytical chemistry laboratories. Based on orbital oscillation mechanics—where a motor-driven eccentric cam imparts a smooth 4 mm circular motion to the platform—these shakers generate uniform agitation without vortexing or splashing, preserving sample integrity during cell suspension, reagent homogenization, enzyme reaction incubation, or immunoassay plate preparation. Unlike vortex mixers that induce high-shear localized turbulence, orbital shakers provide laminar, reproducible motion ideal for delicate biological samples such as suspended mammalian cells, bacterial cultures, and antibody-antigen complexes. The MX-S and MX-F share identical mechanical architecture and thermal management design but differ in control philosophy: MX-S offers continuously variable speed adjustment from standstill to 2500 rpm, while MX-F operates exclusively at a fixed 2500 rpm output—optimized for standardized protocols requiring strict inter-laboratory consistency.

Key Features

• Orbital motion with precisely controlled 4 mm orbit diameter ensures uniform mixing across all vessel positions on the platform.
• MX-S features analog speed control (0–2500 rpm) via calibrated dial; MX-F delivers stable 2500 rpm output without user adjustment—minimizing protocol deviation.
• Silicone-damped polymer base absorbs mechanical resonance, enabling stable operation even at maximum speed—critical for long-duration incubations (e.g., overnight hybridization or binding kinetics).
• Eccentric ball bearing system provides wear-resistant, low-maintenance rotation with minimal vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation.
• IP21-rated enclosure protects internal electronics against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for general laboratory environments under GLP-compliant conditions.
• Compact footprint (127 × 130 × 160 mm) and lightweight construction (3.5 kg) allow flexible placement on biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or crowded benchtops.
• Momentary (touch-start) and continuous operation modes support both rapid resuspension tasks and extended kinetic assays.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MX-S and MX-F accept a broad range of common labware via interchangeable adapter plates—including conical tubes (0.5–15 mL), Eppendorf®-format microcentrifuge tubes, PCR strips, and round-bottom culture tubes up to 99 mm in diameter. Adapter kits VT1.1 (standard flat platform) and VT1.3 (universal concave head with adjustable clamping rings) enable secure retention across varying tube geometries and fill volumes. All components comply with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restrictions. While not certified to ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the shakers meet essential electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1:2010 (EN 61010-1) for laboratory equipment, supporting routine use in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs when integrated into documented SOPs.

Software & Data Management

These are standalone electromechanical instruments with no embedded firmware, network interface, or digital data logging capability. Speed setting on the MX-S is indicated via a non-electronic analog scale; MX-F has no display. Consequently, they require no software installation, driver updates, or cybersecurity validation—reducing validation burden in regulated environments where electronic records are not mandated. For laboratories implementing ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate), manual entry of operational parameters (e.g., speed, duration, adapter type) into lab notebooks or LIMS remains the recommended practice. Their deterministic mechanical behavior supports repeatable process execution under GMP Annex 11 and USP guidance for analytical instrument qualification.

Applications

• Resuspension of pelleted cells or lyophilized reagents prior to downstream analysis (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR).
• Uniform mixing of viscous solutions (e.g., agarose gels, protein buffers, polymerase master mixes) without introducing air bubbles.
• Enhancing antigen-antibody binding efficiency in immunoassays by maintaining constant motion during incubation steps.
• Facilitating enzymatic digestion or lysis reactions where shear-sensitive macromolecules must remain intact.
• Supporting QC/QA workflows in pharmaceutical manufacturing for dissolution testing prep or reference standard dilution series.
• Integration into automated workstations via external relay control (dry contact input optional upon request).

FAQ

What is the difference between MX-S and MX-F?
The MX-S allows continuous speed adjustment from 0 to 2500 rpm using an analog dial; the MX-F operates solely at a fixed 2500 rpm output—designed for applications demanding absolute speed repeatability.
Can these shakers be used inside a cold room or incubator?
Yes—provided ambient temperature remains within 5–40 °C and relative humidity does not exceed 80% RH. Condensation must be prevented on the unit’s surface and power cord.
Are adapters for 50 mL conical tubes available?
No—the maximum supported diameter is 99 mm, but height clearance and center-of-gravity constraints limit compatibility to tubes ≤15 mL in standard configurations. Custom adapter development may be requested through DLAB technical support.
Does the shaker include a timer function?
No—timing must be managed externally using a laboratory timer or integrated into assay protocols via LIMS or electronic lab notebook systems.
Is calibration required before use?
DLAB recommends initial verification of rotational speed using a certified tachometer per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.2; periodic verification intervals should align with internal quality procedures and risk assessment outcomes.