DLAB MX-S Adjustable Vortex Mixer

Overview

The DLAB MX-S Adjustable Vortex Mixer is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible sample homogenization in routine and research laboratory workflows. Utilizing a mechanical eccentric drive system, it generates controlled circular orbital motion—commonly referred to as vortexing—to induce turbulent mixing within liquid samples housed in tubes or small containers. This principle relies on centrifugal acceleration and fluid shear forces to suspend particulates, resuspend pelleted cells, reconstitute lyophilized reagents, or ensure uniform dispersion of immiscible phases. Designed for integration into QC labs, molecular biology suites, clinical diagnostics environments, and analytical chemistry workstations, the MX-S delivers consistent performance across variable load conditions without speed drift—a critical requirement for method transfer and inter-laboratory comparability.

Key Features

• Adjustable speed range from 0 to 2500 rpm (analog scale calibration), enabling both gentle resuspension of fragile cells and vigorous mixing of viscous or particulate-laden solutions.
• Dual operation mode: momentary touch activation for brief agitation (e.g., quick mixing prior to centrifugation) and continuous run for extended incubation-mixing protocols.
• Eccentric bearing assembly ensures rapid, tool-free attachment and alignment of the VT1.1 standard vortex head—optimized for tubes up to 30 mm in diameter.
• Stabilized base architecture incorporating a steel-reinforced silicone elastomer platform and integrated vacuum suction feet minimizes transmission of vibration to benchtop surfaces and prevents lateral displacement during high-speed operation.
• Die-cast aluminum housing provides structural rigidity, thermal dissipation efficiency, and resistance to chemical splashes and mechanical impact under daily laboratory use.
• Compliance-ready design supports traceable operation in regulated environments: analog speed control eliminates firmware dependencies, while mechanical simplicity facilitates preventive maintenance and calibration verification per internal SOPs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MX-S accommodates a broad spectrum of primary labware through interchangeable vortex heads (VT1.x series), including single tubes (6–20 mm OD), multi-well formats (48-, 15-, 24-, and 56-well PCR plates), and flat-bottom microcentrifuge tubes. All adapters are precision-machined to maintain concentricity and minimize wobble at maximum rotational speeds. While the device itself does not require regulatory certification as a standalone instrument, its mechanical reliability and stable output support adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4 (equipment verification) and GLP principles for equipment qualification (IQ/OQ). When used in pharmaceutical or clinical settings, the absence of digital control logic simplifies audit readiness under FDA 21 CFR Part 11—no electronic records, no audit trail requirements.

Software & Data Management

The MX-S operates without embedded software or connectivity interfaces. Its analog speed control and electromechanical actuation eliminate dependency on firmware updates, network configuration, or user authentication protocols. This architecture ensures deterministic behavior across power cycles and ambient temperature fluctuations—critical for laboratories maintaining legacy validation packages or operating under strict IT security policies. Documentation—including factory calibration reports, mechanical schematics, and accessory compatibility matrices—is supplied in English and conforms to IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) and IEC 61000-6-3 (emission) standards for laboratory-grade electrical equipment.

Applications

• Cell culture: Resuspension of adherent or suspension cells prior to counting, staining, or passaging.
• Molecular biology: Homogenization of DNA/RNA extraction lysates; mixing of restriction digests, ligation reactions, and PCR master mixes.
• Clinical diagnostics: Uniform dispersion of whole blood samples in EDTA tubes prior to automated hematology analysis.
• Quality control: Preparation of reference standards and working dilutions in pharmaceutical stability studies.
• Environmental testing: Extraction buffer agitation for soil or water microbiological assays.
• Material science: Preliminary dispersion of nanoparticle suspensions prior to sonication or rheological characterization.

FAQ

Is the MX-S compatible with international voltage standards?
Yes—the unit accepts dual-voltage input (100–120 V / 200–240 V, 50/60 Hz) and ships with region-specific power cords (e.g., C14 inlet + country-certified plug). No external transformer is required.
Can the MX-S be validated for GMP environments?
While not a “qualified instrument” out-of-the-box, its mechanical design enables straightforward IQ/OQ execution per Annex 15 and ASTM E2500. Calibration can be performed using a non-contact tachometer traceable to NIST standards.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
Rated for >10,000 hours of cumulative runtime when operated within specified environmental limits (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH) and maintained per manufacturer-recommended cleaning and inspection intervals.
Does the VT1.1 head support conical-bottom tubes?
Yes—its tapered contact surface accommodates both round-bottom and conical-bottom microcentrifuge tubes up to 30 mm in outer diameter, provided tube wall thickness remains within standard tolerances (0.7–1.2 mm).
Is there a CE or UKCA marking on the device?
The MX-S complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. CE marking is affixed to the rear panel; UKCA marking is available upon request for shipments to Great Britain post-Brexit.