Benchmark INCU-SHAKER Mini Incubated Orbital Shaker

Overview

The Benchmark INCU-SHAKER Mini is a compact, integrated incubated orbital shaker engineered for precise control of temperature and agitation in microbiological, cell culture, and molecular biology workflows. It combines Peltier-based heating with forced-air convection and a digitally controlled brushless DC motor to deliver stable thermal environments and highly reproducible orbital motion—critical for applications requiring simultaneous incubation and mixing, such as bacterial growth, enzyme kinetics, suspension cell expansion, and recombinant protein expression. Its 19 mm orbit ensures efficient oxygen transfer and homogeneous suspension without shear-induced damage to sensitive cells or aggregates. Designed to meet the spatial constraints of modern biosafety cabinets and shared core facilities, the unit occupies minimal benchtop footprint while maintaining internal chamber volume sufficient for standard 1 L Erlenmeyer flasks and multi-well formats.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (28 cm wide) with optimized internal cavity geometry accommodating 1 L flasks under a domed, low-profile lid
• High-precision digital temperature control: range from ambient +5°C to 70°C, resolution 0.1°C, uniformity ±0.25°C, accuracy ±0.1°C
• Orbital shaking at 30–300 rpm with 1 rpm increment and consistent 19 mm orbit diameter for predictable mixing dynamics
• MAGic™ magnetic quick-release platform system—enables tool-free, one-second interchange of flask clamps, microplate carriers, tube racks, and custom fixtures
• Anti-slip rubber-coated standard platform ideal for tissue culture flasks, Petri dishes, staining trays, and low-profile vessels
• Programmable timer supporting intervals from 1 minute to 48 hours, plus continuous operation mode with audible end-of-cycle alert
• Robust construction with insulated double-wall chamber, quiet operation (<55 dB), and overheat/over-speed safety cutoffs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The INCU-SHAKER Mini supports diverse vessel types via interchangeable MAGic™ accessories—including conical flasks (50–1000 mL), test tube arrays (15 mL, 50 mL, angled configurations), 96-/384-well microplates, and specialized spring-loaded holders for irregular containers. All platforms comply with ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing protocols. The instrument’s temperature and timing parameters are traceable to NIST-calibrated references, and its firmware architecture supports audit-ready logging when paired with optional software (see Software & Data Management). While not certified for IEC 61010-1 Class II medical device use, it conforms to general laboratory equipment safety standards (UL 61010-1, EN 61010-1) and is suitable for GLP-compliant environments where environmental consistency and procedural repeatability are documented per SOP.

Software & Data Management

The shaker operates via an intuitive front-panel interface with LED display and tactile keypad. For enhanced traceability, optional PC connectivity (RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapter) enables real-time parameter monitoring and export of time-stamped logs—including setpoints, actual temperature, speed, and elapsed time. When integrated with Benchmark’s LabTrack™ companion software (sold separately), users can generate FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records with user authentication, audit trails, and electronic signatures—meeting requirements for regulated QC/QA laboratories conducting stability studies, bioprocess development, or ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing.

Applications

• Bacterial and yeast culture expansion under controlled aeration and thermal conditions
• Suspension mammalian cell line maintenance and transfection optimization
• Enzyme assay development requiring precise temperature–time–agitation coordination
• Protein solubilization, refolding, and ligand-binding equilibration studies
• Media preparation, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and biofilm formation assays
• High-throughput screening workflows using microplate-compatible MAGic™ adapters
• Environmental microbiology studies involving soil slurry or water sample homogenization

FAQ

What is the maximum flask size supported without accessory modification?
A single 1 L Erlenmeyer flask fits comfortably beneath the domed lid with the standard platform installed.
Can the unit operate at 4°C?
No—this model provides heating only; minimum operating temperature is ambient +5°C. Refrigerated incubated shakers are available in the Benchmark INCU-SHAKER Pro series.
Is the MAGic™ platform compatible with third-party clamps?
MAGic™ uses proprietary rare-earth magnet arrays and ferromagnetic coupling; only Benchmark-certified accessories ensure mechanical integrity and thermal stability during operation.
Does the timer retain settings after power interruption?
Yes—the non-volatile memory preserves all active parameters, including remaining time, upon power restoration.
What certifications does this instrument carry for international shipment?
It bears CE marking (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and LVD Directive 2014/35/EU), UKCA, and RoHS compliance; UL/cUL listing is available for North American configurations.