Ottescience AFS-100 Compact Orbital Shaker
| Brand | Ottescience |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tianjin, China |
| Model | AFS-100 |
| Timer Range | 3–60 min |
| Oscillation Speed | 0–180 rpm |
| Oscillation Angle | 4° (tilt) |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 80 °C |
| Platform Count | 1 |
| Max Load | 4 kg |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 320 × 330 × 130 mm |
Overview
The Ottescience AFS-100 Compact Orbital Shaker is an entry-level, benchtop orbital shaker engineered for precision mixing, suspension, and aeration of biological samples in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled orbital motion—generating consistent circular displacement at adjustable speeds—to promote homogeneous suspension of cells, microorganisms, or reagents without shear-induced damage typical of vortexing or high-speed agitation. Designed for integration into incubators, environmental chambers, or standard lab benches, the AFS-100 supports temperature-sensitive applications up to 80 °C, making it suitable for bacterial culture maintenance, enzyme reaction kinetics, solubility testing, and preparatory steps in molecular biology workflows such as plasmid extraction or antibody binding assays.
Key Features
- Orbital shaking mechanism with continuously adjustable speed from 0 to 180 rpm, enabling fine-tuned control over mixing intensity for delicate cell cultures or viscous media.
- Dual operation modes: programmable timer (3–60 minutes) and continuous run—both selectable via intuitive front-panel membrane buttons.
- Compact footprint (320 × 330 × 130 mm) optimized for space-constrained environments including CO₂ incubators, cold rooms, and laminar flow hoods.
- 4° fixed tilt-angle platform ensures stable sample retention during oscillation while minimizing splashing and condensation interference in sealed vessels.
- Chemically resistant, heat-stable polymer housing rated for prolonged exposure to common laboratory solvents, dilute acids and bases, and elevated temperatures up to 80 °C.
- Four vacuum-adhesion feet provide mechanical stability across smooth surfaces—including stainless steel incubator shelves—eliminating lateral drift during extended operation.
- Single-platform design accommodates standard multi-well plates (6–96-well), Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 500 mL), test tubes, and centrifuge tubes with optional universal clamps or silicone mat inserts.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AFS-100 is compatible with glass, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and borosilicate containers used in microbiological, biochemical, and pharmaceutical research. Its non-vibrating base and low electromagnetic emission profile ensure compatibility with adjacent analytical instrumentation (e.g., spectrophotometers, pH meters). While not certified to IEC 61000-6-3 or ISO 13485 out-of-the-box, the unit meets general electrical safety requirements per GB 4793.1 (Chinese equivalent of IEC 61010-1) for laboratory equipment. When deployed under GLP or GMP-aligned protocols, users may document operational parameters (speed, duration, ambient temperature) manually or via external logging devices to support audit readiness.
Software & Data Management
The AFS-100 operates as a standalone analog-controlled instrument with no embedded firmware, network interface, or digital data output. All settings—including speed and timer—are configured locally via tactile membrane switches. This architecture eliminates software validation overhead and ensures long-term reliability without dependency on operating systems or driver updates. For labs requiring traceability, integration with external environmental monitoring systems (e.g., Vaisala viewLinc, DeltaTRAK) is possible using auxiliary relay modules triggered by the shaker’s power-on signal. No proprietary software, cloud services, or FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records are provided; manual logbooks remain the primary documentation method.
Applications
- Maintenance of aerobic bacterial and yeast cultures in liquid media (e.g., LB, YPD) under controlled temperature conditions.
- Cell suspension prior to harvesting, staining, or flow cytometry analysis.
- Equilibration of immunoassay plates during ELISA development and validation studies.
- Homogenization of protein extraction buffers containing protease inhibitors or reducing agents.
- Accelerated dissolution testing of solid dosage forms in early-stage pharmaceutical formulation screening.
- Pre-incubation mixing of PCR master mixes and restriction digestion reactions to ensure reagent uniformity.
FAQ
Can the AFS-100 be operated inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—the unit is rated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to 80 °C and features a thermally stable housing that resists deformation and outgassing under humidified 5% CO₂ conditions.
Is the oscillation platform interchangeable with other Ottescience shaker accessories?
No—the AFS-100 uses a dedicated fixed-angle platform; however, third-party universal platform adapters compliant with 320 × 330 mm mounting dimensions may be mechanically retrofitted.
What is the maximum load capacity when operating at 180 rpm?
The rated maximum load is 4 kg at any speed within the 0–180 rpm range, assuming even weight distribution and use of appropriate vessel holders.
Does the timer retain its setting after power interruption?
No—the timer is analog-electromechanical and resets upon loss of mains power; users must reconfigure timing before each use.
Are replacement fuses or service manuals available directly from Ottescience?
Yes—technical documentation and spare parts, including fuse kits and platform gaskets, are supplied through authorized regional distributors and supported by Ottescience’s Tianjin-based service center.
