IKA VORTEX1 Circular Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA VORTEX1 Circular Orbital Shaker is a compact, precision-engineered laboratory device designed for rapid and reproducible mixing of small-volume samples in tubes, microcentrifuge vessels, and other cylindrical containers with diameters up to 30 mm. It operates on the principle of circular orbital motion—generating consistent, low-shear agitation through a fixed 4.5 mm orbit diameter—making it particularly suitable for applications requiring gentle yet effective homogenization without foaming or sample denaturation. Unlike reciprocating or linear shakers, the VORTEX1’s orbital kinematics ensure uniform vortex formation across diverse tube geometries, supporting routine tasks in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, immunoassay preparation, and sample reconstitution. Its thermally stable operating range (5–40 °C) allows integration into cold-room workflows or ambient benchtop environments, while its low-power DC motor architecture minimizes electromagnetic interference and heat generation—critical for temperature-sensitive reagents.

Key Features

• High-precision speed control from 1,000 to 2,800 rpm, adjustable via intuitive rotary dial for repeatable protocol execution
• Stable 4.5 mm orbital displacement optimized for efficient vortex initiation in tubes ≤30 mm diameter
• Chemically resistant polymer housing and coated zinc-alloy base provide mechanical robustness and corrosion resistance against common lab solvents (e.g., ethanol, isopropanol, dilute acids/bases)
• Low-voltage 12 V DC power supply enhances electrical safety and eliminates grounding concerns in humid or multi-instrument setups
• Minimal footprint (125 × 125 × 130 mm) and lightweight design (0.9 kg) facilitate placement in biosafety cabinets, refrigerated workstations, or crowded bench spaces
• No timer function—engineered for manual, on-demand operation aligned with quick-mix protocols such as enzyme reconstitution, buffer equilibration, or PCR master mix preparation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VORTEX1 accommodates standard conical-bottom and round-bottom tubes—including 0.2 mL PCR strips, 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, and 15 mL polypropylene conical tubes—without adapter requirements. Its single-platform configuration ensures consistent energy transfer regardless of tube fill volume (0.1–1.5 mL typical). While not certified for GLP/GMP production environments, the unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment safety and meets RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions. Its non-sterile, non-validated design aligns with ISO 13485 ancillary equipment classifications for research-use-only (RUO) applications in academic, diagnostic, and preclinical laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The IKA VORTEX1 is a standalone analog instrument with no embedded firmware, digital interface, or data logging capability. All operational parameters are manually set and unrecorded—intentionally designed to eliminate software validation burdens under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11 requirements. This architecture supports audit-ready simplicity in regulated settings where electronic records are unnecessary or undesirable for basic mixing steps. For labs requiring traceability, external documentation (e.g., paper-based SOP logs or LIMS-integrated workflow entries) remains the recommended practice per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 on equipment usage records.

Applications

• Routine resuspension of lyophilized enzymes, antibodies, and oligonucleotides
• Homogenization of viscous solutions prior to centrifugation or filtration
• Preparation of calibration standards and QC reference materials in clinical chemistry
• Cell suspension maintenance during short-term incubation steps (e.g., staining protocols)
• Accelerated dissolution testing of solid-phase reagents in assay development
• Supporting ASTM D4097-22 (Standard Practice for Laboratory Mixing of Liquid Samples) for non-quantitative homogenization

FAQ

Does the VORTEX1 support programmable timing or automatic shut-off?
No. The device operates only in momentary contact mode; continuous operation requires sustained pressure on the touch-activated platform.
Can it be used inside a 4 °C cold room?
Yes—the specified operating range begins at 5 °C; performance may be marginally reduced below 10 °C due to increased motor load, but no condensation-related failure has been observed in validated installations.
Is the 4.5 mm orbit diameter adjustable?
No. The mechanical drive system is fixed to deliver consistent 4.5 mm orbital displacement; this design ensures long-term repeatability and eliminates user-induced variability.
What tube types are officially supported by IKA?
IKA validates compatibility with Eppendorf-type 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, Axygen PCR tubes, and Sarstedt 15 mL conical tubes—other formats require empirical verification of vortex stability.
Does the 12 V DC power supply include overcurrent protection?
Yes—the included adapter features built-in thermal cutoff and short-circuit protection compliant with EN 62368-1.