IKA MTS 2/4 Digital Microplate Shaker

Overview

The IKA MTS 2/4 Digital Microplate Shaker is a precision-engineered orbital shaker designed specifically for high-throughput laboratory workflows in life science research, clinical diagnostics, and quality control environments. It operates on the principle of controlled circular orbital motion—generating a consistent 3 mm orbit diameter—to ensure uniform mixing, re-suspension, and incubation of samples across standard microplates. Unlike generic platform shakers, the MTS 2/4 integrates dedicated mechanical architecture optimized for microplate geometry, minimizing edge-to-center variance in agitation intensity and supporting reproducible assay performance. Its dual-configuration design accommodates either two or four standard 96-well plates simultaneously—or, with appropriate accessory kits, up to four 384-well plates—enabling scalable throughput without compromising mechanical stability or thermal consistency. The device is engineered for continuous-duty operation under ambient lab conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH), making it suitable for integration into automated workcells, biosafety cabinets, and temperature-controlled rooms.

Key Features

• Electronic speed regulation with digital feedback loop ensures stable rotational velocity across the full 0–1100 rpm range, independent of load distribution or plate type.
• Dual-mode plate carriage system supports rapid reconfiguration between 2-plate and 4-plate operation via tool-free mechanical adjustment—no recalibration required.
• Integrated digital timer (1–99 minutes) with audible end-of-cycle alarm provides precise endpoint control for kinetic assays, ELISA wash steps, and antigen-antibody binding protocols.
• Low-vibration motor assembly (35 W input / 13.2 W output) delivers high torque at low speeds while maintaining acoustic emission below 52 dB(A) at 1 m distance—critical for shared lab spaces.
• Compact footprint (185 × 320 × 105 mm) and lightweight chassis (2.7 kg) facilitate placement inside laminar flow hoods, cold rooms, or modular benchtop setups without structural reinforcement.
• Non-slip silicone-coated clamping surfaces prevent plate displacement during high-speed agitation, even with partially loaded or unevenly distributed wells.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MTS 2/4 is validated for use with ANSI/SLAS-compliant 96-well and 384-well microplates—including flat-bottom, round-bottom, and PCR-compatible formats—as well as deep-well storage plates when used with IKA-certified adapter inserts. It does not require plate-specific firmware calibration; all mechanical tolerances are factory-set to accommodate dimensional variances within ISO 20776-1 and CLSI EP25-A2 specifications. While the unit itself carries CE marking per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), its application in regulated diagnostic settings (e.g., IVD CE-IVD or FDA 510(k)) requires integration into a validated process per ISO 13485:2016 and alignment with laboratory-specific SOPs. No internal data logging or audit trail functionality is embedded; compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11 depends entirely on external software integration and procedural controls.

Software & Data Management

The MTS 2/4 operates as a standalone hardware device with no onboard connectivity (USB, Bluetooth, or Ethernet). All parameter inputs—speed setpoint, timer duration, and activation—are executed locally via front-panel membrane buttons and confirmed through dual-digit LED displays for both rpm and remaining time. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, IKA recommends coupling the shaker with third-party laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN) using external programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or TTL-triggered I/O modules. Time-stamped operational logs must be generated externally; the instrument provides no native export capability or timestamped event history.

Applications

• ELISA and immunoassay plate washing and incubation steps requiring uniform agitation to reduce non-specific binding.
• Cell-based assays involving suspension culture resuspension prior to centrifugation or imaging.
• High-throughput screening (HTS) workflows where consistent orbital mixing across multiple plates minimizes inter-plate coefficient of variation (CV).
• Nucleic acid hybridization and probe binding protocols demanding gentle yet persistent agitation at sub-37 °C temperatures.
• Quality assurance testing of diagnostic reagents, including lot-to-lot consistency verification of enzyme conjugates and detection antibodies.

FAQ

Is the MTS 2/4 compatible with 384-well microplates?
Yes—when used with IKA’s optional multi-plate adapter kit (Order No. 0000001234), the MTS 2/4 supports up to four 384-well plates simultaneously.
Does the shaker support programmable ramp-up or ramp-down profiles?
No—the MTS 2/4 provides only fixed-speed operation with immediate start/stop response; it does not feature acceleration/deceleration profiling.
Can the unit be operated inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—its specified operating humidity limit (≤80% RH) and lack of condensation-resistant sealing make it unsuitable for humidified incubator environments.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual inspection of motor coupling integrity and cleaning of ventilation grilles with compressed air is recommended; no lubrication or calibration is user-serviceable.
Is there a version with RS-232 or USB interface for remote control?
No—IKA does not offer a digitally controllable variant of the MTS 2/4; users requiring automation should consider the IKA VIBRAX series or integrate via external relay control.