VWR Lab Dancer Mini Vortex Mixer Model 82019-170

Overview

The VWR^® Lab Dancer Mini Vortex Mixer (Model 82019-170) is a compact, fixed-speed orbital vortex mixer engineered for reproducible, hands-free homogenization of small-volume liquid samples in standard laboratory tubes. Utilizing a consistent orbital shaking motion—distinct from conical or variable-angle vortexing—the device generates controlled fluid agitation through mechanical displacement at a precisely maintained 2800 rpm. This fixed-speed architecture eliminates variability associated with manual operation or analog speed controls, ensuring high inter-run repeatability across routine QC checks, reagent resuspension, and pre-analytical sample preparation. Its design prioritizes footprint efficiency and ergonomic integration into crowded benchtop environments, including biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, and analytical workstations where space and thermal stability are constrained.

Key Features

• Fixed-speed orbital motion at 2800 rpm delivers consistent shear input without operator-dependent force variation
• Compact footprint (100 mm diameter × 70 mm height) enables placement in confined spaces including refrigerated workbenches and laminar flow hoods
• Inert plastic upper housing and tube-contact surface resist chemical degradation from common solvents, buffers, and biological reagents
• Zinc die-cast base with protective coating ensures structural rigidity, vibration damping, and long-term mechanical stability under continuous duty
• Touch-activated operation allows single-finger engagement—ideal for gloved use and minimizes cross-contamination risk during sterile workflows
• Thermally rated for operation between 5°C above ambient and 40°C, supporting compatibility with chilled centrifuge tubes and temperature-sensitive biomolecules

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Lab Dancer Mini accommodates cylindrical containers up to 30 mm in outer diameter, including standard 12 × 75 mm, 15 mL, and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes. Its orbital stroke of 4.5 mm provides sufficient lateral displacement to induce turbulent mixing in volumes ranging from 0.2 mL to 50 mL without splashing or aerosol generation when tubes are properly capped. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restrictions. While not certified for GMP or GLP environments as a standalone instrument, its fixed operational parameters and absence of programmable logic make it suitable for use within validated workflows where mixing consistency is documented per SOP—particularly in applications aligned with ASTM D4097 (standard practice for vortex mixing of aqueous suspensions) and ISO 15190:2020 (laboratory safety requirements).

Software & Data Management

This is a hardware-only, non-programmable vortex mixer with no embedded firmware, network interface, or data logging capability. It operates exclusively via momentary capacitive touch activation and requires no software installation, driver configuration, or connectivity infrastructure. As such, it introduces zero cybersecurity surface area and avoids validation overhead associated with electronic records. Its simplicity supports ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) in paper-based or hybrid documentation systems: operator identity, time of mixing, and tube identification are recorded manually per procedural requirements. No FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is applicable due to the absence of electronic records or signatures.

Applications

• Resuspension of lyophilized reagents, cell pellets, and precipitated nucleic acids in microcentrifuge and conical tubes
• Homogenization of immunoassay standards and calibration dilutions prior to ELISA or lateral flow analysis
• Pre-mixing of PCR master mixes and restriction enzyme reactions to ensure uniform component distribution
• Routine quality control of buffer pH and conductivity after dilution or storage-induced stratification
• Supporting ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs where method-defined mixing steps must be executed identically across analysts and shifts

FAQ

Is the speed adjustable?
No. The Lab Dancer Mini operates exclusively at a fixed speed of 2800 rpm. This design eliminates calibration drift and user-induced variability.
Can it accommodate multiple tubes simultaneously?
No. It is engineered for single-tube operation only—optimized for precise orbital coupling with one tube up to 50 mL capacity.
Does it generate significant heat during extended use?
The unit’s low-power motor (≤15 W) and thermally stable die-cast base limit surface temperature rise to ≤3°C above ambient after 30 minutes of continuous operation.
Is it compatible with organic solvents?
Yes—the inert plastic housing exhibits resistance to ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, and aqueous salt solutions; prolonged exposure to chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons is not recommended.
What is the warranty coverage?
VWR provides a two-year limited warranty covering material and workmanship defects under normal laboratory use conditions.