Ottescience ARCS-100 Compact Reciprocating Shaker
| Brand | Ottescience |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tianjin, China |
| Model | ARCS-100 |
| Shaker Type | Reciprocating |
| Timing Range | 3–60 min |
| Oscillation Frequency | 0–400 rpm |
| Stroke Length | 30 mm |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 80 °C |
| Platform Quantity | 1 |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 5 kg |
| Orbit Diameter | 20 mm |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 300 × 360 × 175 mm |
Overview
The Ottescience ARCS-100 Compact Reciprocating Shaker is an engineered platform for precise, low-footprint agitation of biological and chemical samples in laboratory environments. Designed around a linear reciprocating motion mechanism—distinct from orbital or rotary shakers—the ARCS-100 delivers consistent back-and-forth oscillation with a fixed 20 mm orbit diameter and 30 mm stroke length. This motion profile is particularly suited for applications requiring gentle yet effective mixing of viscous or sediment-prone solutions, such as cell suspension re-homogenization, immunoassay plate washing, gel staining/destaining, and reagent resuspension. Its compact footprint (300 × 360 × 175 mm) and ambient-to-80 °C operational temperature range enable integration into incubators, cold rooms, or standard benchtop workflows without spatial compromise. The device operates without external cooling or forced convection, relying on passive thermal stability within its robust aluminum-chassis housing.
Key Features
- Adjustable reciprocating speed control from 0 to 400 rpm via intuitive front-panel keypad interface
- Programmable digital timer with 3–60 minute range; supports both timed and continuous operation modes
- Single universal platform (300 × 300 mm nominal mounting surface) compatible with standard microplates (96-/384-well), test tube racks, petri dishes, and Erlenmeyer flasks up to 500 mL
- Thermally stable design rated for sustained operation at temperatures up to 80 °C—validated for compatibility with CO2 incubators and heated environmental chambers
- Low-noise DC motor drive with brushless commutation ensures long-term mechanical reliability and minimal vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation
- IP20-rated enclosure suitable for general laboratory use; CE-marked per EN 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety compliance
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ARCS-100 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample containers, including polypropylene and polycarbonate microplates, borosilicate glass tubes (12–50 mm diameter), and stainless-steel sample holders. Its 5 kg maximum load capacity supports multi-tier configurations when used with optional accessory platforms (e.g., microplate clamps, universal rack adapters). From a regulatory standpoint, the shaker meets essential requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories: timing accuracy ±2% over full range, speed stability ±3 rpm under nominal load, and traceable calibration documentation available upon request. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified as a standalone system, its operation is fully compatible with validated LIMS and ELN ecosystems where manual parameter logging is part of established SOPs.
Software & Data Management
The ARCS-100 operates as a stand-alone hardware device with no embedded firmware or network connectivity. All operational parameters—including speed setpoint, timer duration, and run status—are configured and monitored exclusively through its local membrane keypad and LED display. No proprietary software, drivers, or cloud services are required. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity exposure points and aligns with ITAR- and HIPAA-sensitive institutional policies restricting networked peripherals in core research spaces. For audit readiness, users may document settings manually or integrate the unit into electronic lab notebooks using standardized metadata fields (e.g., “Shaker_Model”, “Speed_rpm”, “Duration_min”, “Start_Timestamp”).
Applications
- Cell culture maintenance: Gentle resuspension of adherent or suspension cells prior to passaging or harvesting
- Molecular biology workflows: Hybridization buffer agitation in Southern/Northern blotting protocols
- Clinical diagnostics: Uniform mixing of serum/plasma samples in automated immunoassay prep stations
- Pharmaceutical QC: Dissolution testing support for solid dosage forms under controlled thermal conditions
- Environmental testing: Extraction agitation of soil/water matrices in EPA Method 3540C–compatible workflows
- Educational labs: Demonstrating kinetic solubility profiles and diffusion-limited reaction equilibria
FAQ
Can the ARCS-100 be operated inside a CO2 incubator?
Yes—the unit is rated for continuous operation at ambient to 80 °C and has been verified for stable performance in humidified 5% CO2 environments up to 37 °C.
Is the oscillation amplitude adjustable?
No—the stroke length is fixed at 30 mm and orbit diameter at 20 mm, optimized for reproducible mixing across standard labware geometries.
Does it support external triggering or analog input?
No—this is a manually operated instrument with no I/O ports, RS-232, or USB interfaces.
What safety certifications does it hold?
It complies with EN 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries the CE marking for the European Economic Area.
Is calibration service available?
Yes—Ottescience provides factory calibration verification reports (traceable to NIST standards) and on-site recalibration for institutional QA departments upon contractual agreement.
