DLAB SK-O180-Pro / SK-L180-Pro Digital Orbital & Linear Shaker

Overview

The DLAB SK-O180-Pro and SK-L180-Pro are precision-engineered digital shakers designed for reproducible, low-shear mixing in life science, pharmaceutical, and quality control laboratories. The SK-O180-Pro employs orbital motion with a 10 mm diameter orbit—ideal for uniform suspension of cell cultures, microbial growth media, and ELISA plate washing—while the SK-L180-Pro delivers linear reciprocating motion with a 4 mm stroke, optimized for gentle agitation of sensitive samples such as blood collection tubes, reagent vials, and low-volume microplates. Both models operate on brushless DC motor technology, ensuring consistent torque delivery across the full speed range without mechanical wear or carbon brush degradation. This architecture supports long-term stability under continuous operation and eliminates routine maintenance associated with brushed motors. The shakers comply with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), and their IP21 ingress protection rating provides basic safeguards against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for standard laboratory benchtop use.

Key Features

• Dual-mode digital control: Independent selection of orbital (SK-O180-Pro) or linear (SK-L180-Pro) oscillation via front-panel interface
• High-resolution dual-line LCD display showing real-time speed (rpm) and remaining timer value (min)
• Programmable timer with 1–1199 minute range; supports both timed operation and continuous mode
• Over-speed safety cutoff: Automatic shutdown if rotational velocity exceeds user-defined or factory-set limits
• Modular clamping system: Compatible with universal platform trays, universal bottle clamps, microplate holders, and custom fixtures for tubes (13–50 mL), flasks (up to 2 L), Petri dishes, and multiwell plates
• RS232 serial interface enabling remote parameter configuration, real-time data logging, and kinetic curve visualization using free ShakerPC software (Windows-compatible)
• Compact footprint and low acoustic signature (<55 dB(A) at 1 m), minimizing spatial and ambient impact in shared lab environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SK-O180-Pro and SK-L180-Pro accommodate a broad spectrum of laboratory vessels without requiring tool-based adjustments. Standard configurations support Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), centrifuge tubes (15–50 mL), culture dishes (60–150 mm), and 96-well microplates. Optional accessories include silicone-coated universal clamps, adjustable platform inserts, and autoclavable stainless-steel adapters—ensuring compatibility with GLP/GMP workflows where traceability and cleaning validation are required. While not certified to ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, the RS232 interface and ShakerPC software support audit-trail-enabled operation when integrated into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS). The instruments meet CE marking requirements under the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and EMC Directive (2014/30/EU).

Software & Data Management

ShakerPC is a vendor-provided Windows application that connects via RS232 to configure operating parameters—including speed setpoint, timer duration, and run mode—and to stream live operational data. It records timestamped speed and timer values at user-selectable intervals (1–60 s), exporting CSV-formatted logs compatible with Excel, GraphPad Prism, and LabArchives. The software supports up to four simultaneous instrument connections and includes export templates aligned with common QC documentation formats (e.g., SOP-compliant test reports). No proprietary drivers are required; standard Windows COM port enumeration suffices. Firmware updates are delivered through the same interface, preserving configuration integrity during version upgrades.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance: Uniform suspension of adherent and suspension cells during passaging and subculturing
• Clinical diagnostics: Gentle mixing of whole blood, serum, and plasma samples prior to centrifugation or immunoassay processing
• Pharmaceutical QA/QC: Dissolution testing support, buffer equilibration, and reagent homogenization per USP & EP guidelines
• Molecular biology: Hybridization buffer agitation in Southern/Northern blotting protocols
• Environmental microbiology: Soil slurry homogenization and water sample mixing prior to membrane filtration
• Educational labs: Demonstrating first-order kinetics, diffusion-limited reactions, and mass transfer principles under controlled agitation

FAQ

What is the difference between orbital and linear motion in these shakers?
Orbital motion (SK-O180-Pro) generates circular displacement ideal for thorough suspension of particles and gas exchange in aerobic cultures. Linear motion (SK-L180-Pro) produces back-and-forth translation better suited for low-turbulence mixing of viscous or shear-sensitive samples.
Can the shaker be used inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—these units are rated for ambient laboratory conditions only (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH) and lack the temperature/humidity sealing required for incubator integration.
Is ShakerPC software compatible with macOS or Linux?
ShakerPC is officially supported only on Windows 10/11 (64-bit); however, serial communication can be established on macOS/Linux using terminal emulators (e.g., CoolTerm) and custom Python scripts via pySerial.
Are calibration certificates available?
DLAB offers optional NIST-traceable speed calibration services upon request, including documented uncertainty budgets and certificate of conformance aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
What maintenance is required for the brushless DC motor?
None—the motor contains no brushes, bearings requiring lubrication, or consumable components. Routine cleaning of the platform surface and inspection of clamp integrity constitute the full preventive maintenance protocol.