IKA VORTEX 2 S025 Variable-Speed Orbital Vortex Mixer
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | VORTEX 2 S025 |
| Oscillation Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Oscillation Amplitude | 4 mm |
| Operating Temperature Range | 5–40 °C |
| Speed Range | 500–2500 rpm |
| Orbit Diameter | 4 mm |
| Max Load Capacity (incl. attachment) | 0.4 kg |
| Input Power | 60 W |
| Motor Output Power | 9 W |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 120 × 140 × 138 mm |
| Weight | 3.9 kg |
| Protection Class | IP21 |
| Voltage | 220–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Relative Humidity Limit | 80 % RH |
| Continuous Duty Rating | 100 % |
Overview
The IKA VORTEX 2 S025 is a precision-engineered orbital vortex mixer designed for reproducible, low-heat sample homogenization in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled orbital motion—generating a consistent 4 mm circular displacement at variable rotational speeds—to induce turbulent mixing within tubes, microplates, and conical flasks without requiring magnetic stir bars or external agitation mechanisms. Unlike fixed-speed vortexers, the VORTEX 2 S025 features analog speed control across a calibrated 0–6 scale, corresponding to a linearly tunable range of 500–2500 rpm. Its brushless motor architecture delivers stable torque output with minimal thermal drift, enabling uninterrupted operation under GLP-compliant workflows. The unit is engineered for benchtop integration in QC microbiology labs, molecular biology core facilities, and bioprocess development environments where repeatable dispersion of viscous suspensions, cell pellets, or reagent solutions is critical.
Key Features
- Orbital motion with precisely defined 4 mm orbit diameter ensures uniform shear distribution across diverse vessel geometries.
- Analog speed control (0–6 scale) enables fine-grained adjustment between 500 and 2500 rpm; no digital interface required for routine use.
- Dedicated pulse (touch) mode allows transient activation without mechanical latch engagement—ideal for sensitive samples requiring intermittent mixing.
- Robust metal housing and silicone non-slip feet provide vibration-dampened stability at maximum speed, even with unbalanced loads up to 0.4 kg.
- IP21-rated enclosure offers protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for standard laboratory ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH).
- Continuous-duty rated motor (39 W input / 9 W output) maintains thermal equilibrium during extended operation, eliminating duty-cycle limitations.
- Compliant with DIN EN 60529 for ingress protection and IEC 61000-6-3 for electromagnetic compatibility in shared lab infrastructure.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VORTEX 2 S025 supports broad sample container adaptability via optional attachments—including VG 3.1 (standard tube holder), VG 3.36 (conical flask strap), and plate adapters for 96-well microtiter formats. All accessories are engineered to ISO 8573-1 cleanroom-compatible materials and undergo mechanical load testing per IKA’s internal durability protocol (≥50,000 cycles at 2500 rpm). The system meets essential regulatory expectations for equipment used in pharmaceutical development: it supports audit-ready documentation practices through traceable calibration records (per ISO/IEC 17025), accommodates GMP-aligned maintenance logs, and permits integration into validated processes under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant data capture systems. No built-in temperature control is present; ambient thermal management must be maintained per specified operating limits (5–40 °C).
Software & Data Management
The VORTEX 2 S025 operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument with no embedded firmware, network interface, or software dependency. This design eliminates cybersecurity risks, firmware update obligations, and vendor lock-in—making it suitable for regulated environments where deterministic behavior and long-term hardware stability are prioritized over digital connectivity. Speed settings are manually verified using external tachometric validation tools traceable to NIST standards. For laboratories implementing electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS, operational parameters (e.g., speed setting, duration, attachment type) are recorded manually as part of batch-specific SOP execution. The absence of digital controls aligns with ALCOA+ principles for raw data integrity when used in conjunction with procedural documentation.
Applications
- Resuspension of bacterial or yeast cell pellets prior to lysis or centrifugation.
- Homogenization of immunoassay reagents, ELISA coating buffers, and antigen-antibody mixtures.
- Dispersion of lyophilized proteins or nucleic acid preparations in low-volume tubes (0.2–50 mL).
- Pre-mixing of culture media components before sterilization or pH adjustment.
- Agitation of enzymatic digestion reactions requiring gentle but consistent orbital motion.
- Supporting ASTM D4097 and ISO 8573-1 particulate testing protocols where standardized agitation is mandated.
FAQ
Does the VORTEX 2 S025 include a tube holder?
No—the VG 3.1 standard tube holder is supplied as standard equipment, but all other attachments (e.g., flask straps, microplate carriers) must be ordered separately.
Can this unit operate continuously for 24 hours?
Yes—it is rated for 100 % continuous duty under specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH) and load limits (≤0.4 kg including attachment).
Is the speed digitally displayed or calibrated?
Speed is indicated via an analog dial (0–6); calibration is performed at factory using traceable tachometry and documented per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
What voltage configurations are available?
Standard configuration is 220–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Optional 115 V and 100 V variants are available upon request for regional compliance.
Does it meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
As a non-computerized device with no electronic record generation, it inherently satisfies Part 11’s scope exclusions; however, its use in Part 11-regulated workflows requires procedural controls for parameter documentation.
