DLAB HM100-Pro Magnetic-Attachment Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaking Metal Bath

Overview

The DLAB HM100-Pro Magnetic-Attachment Constant-Temperature Orbital Shaking Metal Bath is an integrated thermal and mechanical platform engineered for precise temperature-controlled sample agitation in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical quality control laboratories. Unlike conventional water baths or dry-block heaters, this instrument employs a solid aluminum heating block with embedded PTC thermistors and PID-driven feedback control to deliver rapid, uniform thermal response across the entire block surface. Its orbital shaking mechanism—driven by a brushless DC motor—generates consistent 3 mm circular motion at speeds adjustable from 200 to 1500 rpm, enabling efficient mixing of viscous or low-volume samples without vortexing-induced shear stress. The system operates within a validated temperature range of 15–100 °C, with ±0.5 °C accuracy maintained between 20–45 °C (per ISO/IEC 17025 calibration guidelines), and achieves a maximum heating rate of 5.5 °C/min under standard ambient conditions (23 °C, 50% RH). Designed for reproducibility in regulated environments, it complies with general laboratory equipment safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and supports GLP-compliant operation through programmable protocol storage and audit-ready parameter logging.

Key Features

• Magnetic-Attachment Module Recognition: Proprietary magnetic coupling interface enables tool-free, auto-aligning installation of interchangeable aluminum blocks—including 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL tube formats—eliminating mechanical misalignment and ensuring optimal thermal contact.
• Programmable Thermal & Motion Profiles: Supports up to 9 user-defined protocols with independent time-temperature-speed sequences; each program stores setpoints, ramp rates, hold durations, and endpoint actions (e.g., auto-shutdown or alarm).
• Thermal Uniformity Optimization: Block geometry and internal heat distribution channels minimize axial and radial gradients; verified ≤±0.5 °C variation across all wells at 37 °C (ASTM E2251-19 methodology).
• Energy-Efficient Thermal Management: Integrated insulated cover reduces convective heat loss by >40%, lowering power demand during extended incubation cycles and improving stability at elevated temperatures (>70 °C).
• Robust Safety Architecture: Dual independent over-temperature protection circuits (electronic + mechanical bimetal switch), real-time fault diagnostics, and automatic cut-off at 150 °C prevent thermal runaway.
• TFT Display Interface: High-contrast 3.5-inch color screen with intuitive icon-based navigation, real-time graphical trend display (temperature vs. time), and on-screen calibration adjustment access.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HM100-Pro accommodates standard microcentrifuge tubes (0.2–2.0 mL), PCR strips, and custom-insert modules via its modular base plate. All aluminum blocks are anodized for chemical resistance against common reagents including ethanol, isopropanol, and diluted acids/bases (pH 2–12). The instrument meets CE marking requirements (2014/30/EU EMC Directive and 2014/35/EU LVD Directive) and conforms to RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions. While not certified for IEC 62304 medical device software lifecycle compliance, its firmware architecture supports traceable parameter changes required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records in GMP environments—provided local validation documentation is established per organizational SOPs.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary PC software is bundled; however, the unit supports manual data export via USB flash drive (FAT32 formatted) for timestamped temperature-speed-log files (.csv format). Each log entry includes date/time stamp, setpoint, actual temperature (±0.1 °C resolution), speed (rpm), and error codes. Internal memory retains the last 100 operational events (power-on, program start/end, alarm triggers) with UTC timestamps—accessible directly from the TFT menu. For integration into LIMS or ELN systems, optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters enable ASCII command-line control (SCPI-like syntax) and status polling at 1 Hz intervals.

Applications

• Enzyme reaction incubation (e.g., restriction digests, ligations, phosphorylation)
• Cell lysis and protein extraction workflows requiring simultaneous heating and gentle agitation
• Antibody labeling and ELISA plate pre-incubation steps
• RNA/DNA hybridization optimization studies
• Standard curve preparation in quantitative PCR assay development
• Accelerated stability testing of biologics formulations (per ICH Q5C guidance)
• QC release testing of sterile injectables where temperature-dependent solubility must be controlled

FAQ

Is the HM100-Pro suitable for use with flammable solvents?
No. The unit is not rated for Class I, Division 1 hazardous locations. Avoid use with acetone, ether, hexane, or other volatile organic compounds due to lack of explosion-proof enclosure.

Can multiple temperature zones be programmed simultaneously?
No. The HM100-Pro features a single-zone heating block; all wells operate at the same setpoint temperature at any given time.

What is the expected service life of the shaking mechanism under continuous operation?
The brushless DC motor and eccentric drive assembly are rated for ≥20,000 hours MTBF at 1200 rpm and 37 °C ambient, per manufacturer accelerated life testing (IEC 60068-2-64).

Does the magnetic attachment affect module thermal conductivity?
Independent thermal impedance measurements confirm <2% increase in interfacial resistance versus screw-mounted equivalents—within measurement uncertainty of ±0.1 °C at steady state.

Is firmware update capability available?
Yes. Field-upgradable firmware (v2.1+) is distributed via DLAB’s secure customer portal; updates require USB flash drive and follow FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) verification protocols compliant with ISO/IEC 15408 EAL2+ assurance level.