Eppendorf Innova 42 R Stackable Refrigerated Incubator Shaker
| Brand | Eppendorf |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | Innova 42 R |
| Instrument Type | Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker |
| Timer Range | Continuous Control |
| Oscillation Frequency | 25–400 rpm |
| Orbit Diameter | 190 mm (standard), 250 mm (Innova 42 R) |
| Temperature Range | −15 °C to 80 °C (refrigerated operation down to 15 °C below ambient |
| Number of Platforms | 1 |
| Cooling Capability | Yes (Refrigerated model) |
Overview
The Eppendorf Innova 42 R is a high-performance, stackable refrigerated incubator shaker engineered for precision-controlled orbital shaking under tightly regulated thermal conditions. It operates on the principle of balanced eccentric drive mechanics—utilizing a cast-iron base and triple-eccentric shaft system—to deliver uniform, low-vibration orbital motion across the full speed range (25–400 rpm). Unlike standard benchtop shakers, the Innova 42 R integrates active refrigeration with precise PID-controlled heating, enabling stable temperature maintenance from −15 °C (up to 15 °C below ambient) to +80 °C. This dual-range capability supports demanding applications including psychrophilic culture, protein expression at low temperatures, and thermosensitive fermentation protocols. Its modular architecture allows vertical stacking of two units without external support structures—reducing footprint by up to 50% in space-constrained laboratories such as core facilities, bioprocessing labs, and GLP-compliant QC environments.
Key Features
- Triple-eccentric shaft drive system mounted on a vibration-damping cast-iron base ensures long-term mechanical stability and operational silence—even at maximum speed and load.
- Programmable control interface enables independent or synchronized scheduling of temperature setpoints, rotational speed, ramp rates, hold durations, and optional accessories (e.g., UV germicidal lamp, LED illumination module).
- Large observation window with integrated LED lighting permits real-time visual monitoring without door opening—minimizing thermal and humidity perturbation during extended runs.
- Removable stainless-steel spill tray with integrated drain channel collects condensate and accidental spills, protecting internal electronics and facilitating rapid decontamination between experiments.
- Standard platform accommodates universal clamping systems (sold separately), supporting vessels from microtiter plates and tube racks to 6 L baffled flasks—compatible with ISO 13485-certified vessel holders for regulated biomanufacturing workflows.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Innova 42 R maintains consistent orbital dynamics and thermal homogeneity across all load configurations, validated per ASTM E1509 (Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Laboratory Incubators) and IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission standards). Its refrigerated chamber meets Class II biological safety cabinet airflow compatibility requirements when used with optional ventilation ducting. Humidity control—via built-in water reservoir and evaporation tray—is suitable for cultures requiring >60% RH stability (e.g., mammalian cell suspension growth). Optional UV-C disinfection (254 nm) and white-light illumination modules comply with ISO 15190:2020 laboratory safety guidelines and support decontamination cycles traceable under FDA 21 CFR Part 11–enabled software logs.
Software & Data Management
When paired with Eppendorf’s optional VisioNize Lab Suite software, the Innova 42 R supports remote monitoring, alarm notification (SMS/email), and secure audit-trail generation—including timestamped parameter changes, door-open events, and temperature deviation alerts. All data are stored in encrypted SQLite databases compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). The system supports export to CSV and PDF formats for inclusion in regulatory submissions (e.g., IND, BLA dossiers) and internal SOP documentation.
Applications
- Low-temperature recombinant protein expression in E. coli strains (e.g., 16 °C induction protocols)
- Aerobic microbial cultivation under controlled hypothermic conditions (e.g., Pseudomonas putida biocatalysis at 22 °C)
- Long-duration yeast fermentation with dissolved oxygen optimization via orbital agitation
- Stability testing of biologics formulations per ICH Q5C guidelines (2–8 °C and 25/60% RH conditions)
- High-throughput screening of enzyme kinetics using microplate-compatible shaking platforms
FAQ
Can the Innova 42 R operate continuously at −15 °C in a room at 30 °C ambient?
Yes—the unit’s compressor-based cooling system is rated for sustained operation at its minimum setpoint across ambient temperatures up to 35 °C, provided adequate ventilation clearance (≥10 cm rear/side) is maintained.
Is the UV disinfection cycle validated for ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom requalification?
While the UV-C lamp delivers ≥10 mJ/cm² surface dose at 1 m distance, formal cleanroom requalification requires third-party airborne particle and viable microbiological testing per ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14698-1; Eppendorf provides irradiance mapping reports upon request.
Does the shaker support GMP-compliant user access control?
Yes—when configured with VisioNize Lab Suite, it supports role-based permissions (Administrator, Operator, Viewer), electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit trails.
What is the maximum load capacity at 400 rpm with 250 mm orbit?
The platform supports up to 25 kg uniformly distributed load at full speed and orbit diameter, verified per EN 61000-3-2 harmonic current emission limits.
Are calibration certificates available for temperature and speed verification?
Factory-calibrated units ship with NIST-traceable certificates for temperature (±0.3 °C at 37 °C) and rotational speed (±1 rpm); annual recalibration services are offered through Eppendorf Certified Service Centers.

