IKA Hula Dancer Digital Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA Hula Dancer Digital Orbital Shaker is a compact, high-stability laboratory shaker engineered for precise and reproducible circular orbital motion in life science and bioengineering applications. Designed around a robust brushless DC motor architecture, it delivers consistent oscillation across its full speed range (1200–2800 rpm) with a fixed 4.5 mm orbit diameter—optimized for uniform mixing of low-volume samples in microtiter plates, PCR tubes, Eppendorf tubes, and small flasks. Its mechanical design eliminates gear-driven backlash and minimizes vibration transmission to the benchtop, ensuring long-term operational stability even during extended unattended runs. Unlike analog-only predecessors, the “Digital” variant incorporates electronic speed control circuitry enabling reliable speed retention under variable load conditions—critical for applications requiring repeatable kinetic energy input, such as cell suspension homogenization, immunoassay plate washing, and reagent resuspension protocols.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (123 × 42 × 123 mm) and lightweight construction (0.7 kg) for integration into biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or crowded benchtop environments.
• IP42-rated enclosure per DIN EN 60529, providing protection against solid objects ≥1 mm and vertically falling water droplets—suitable for standard wet-lab use without additional housing.
• Wide universal input voltage range (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz), eliminating need for external transformers in global laboratory deployments.
• Momentary start (“jog”) function enables rapid verification of motion before initiating timed or continuous operation.
• Continuous-duty rated motor (100 % duty cycle) with thermal overload protection ensures uninterrupted performance during overnight incubation-mixing workflows.
• Low standby power draw (0.8 W) aligns with institutional energy efficiency guidelines and reduces operational overhead in high-density instrument arrays.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Hula Dancer digital accommodates standard microplate formats (96-well, 384-well), conical tubes (up to 15 mL), and vials up to 0.1 kg total mass—including clamps and sample containers. Its fixed orbit geometry and rigid aluminum alloy platform ensure minimal cross-well variability in multiwell plate applications—supporting GLP-aligned assay development where inter-plate consistency is essential. While the device itself carries no embedded regulatory certification (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or ISO 13485), its electrical safety compliance with IEC 61010-1 and mechanical conformity to DIN EN 60529 IP42 allow integration into ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories when operated within documented SOPs. Users deploying it in regulated environments must validate speed accuracy and repeatability per internal protocols (e.g., ASTM D4064 for shaker qualification).

Software & Data Management

This shaker operates as a stand-alone hardware unit with no onboard microprocessor, display, or digital interface. Consequently, it does not support USB, Bluetooth, or Ethernet connectivity, nor does it generate audit trails, timestamps, or electronic records. All operational parameters—including speed selection and jog activation—are managed manually via front-panel controls. For laboratories requiring traceable operation, external validation tools (e.g., handheld tachometers calibrated per ISO 17025) are recommended for periodic speed verification. Integration with LIMS or ELN systems requires third-party hardware triggers or programmable relay modules—not supplied by IKA.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance: Gentle yet effective suspension of adherent or suspension cell lines during passaging or transfection preparation.
• Immunoassay processing: Uniform mixing during ELISA plate coating, blocking, and wash steps to minimize edge effects and improve signal-to-noise ratios.
• Nucleic acid handling: Resuspension of lyophilized primers, probes, and enzymes without foaming or denaturation.
• Microbiology: Homogenization of bacterial cultures prior to OD₆₀₀ measurement or serial dilution.
• Reagent preparation: Blending of viscous buffers, glycerol stocks, or agarose solutions at controlled shear rates.

FAQ

Does the Hula Dancer digital include a built-in timer or speed display?
No. It lacks both a digital speed readout and programmable timer; speed is set manually and maintained continuously until powered off.
Can this shaker be used inside a refrigerated incubator?
Yes—its specified ambient operating range (5–40 °C) and IP42 rating permit safe operation in chilled environments, provided condensation is managed per facility HVAC protocols.
Is speed calibration traceable to national standards?
The unit does not ship with calibration documentation. Users must perform periodic verification using an externally certified tachometer compliant with ISO/IEC 17025.
What clamps or accessories are compatible?
IKA offers dedicated microplate holders (e.g., MP2, MP3) and universal tube clamps (UTS series); all mount directly to the 123 mm × 123 mm platform via M4 threaded inserts.
Does it meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
No—this is a non-networked, non-auditable device with no electronic record generation capability. It may be used in Part 11 environments only as a secondary, non-critical component under validated procedural controls.