Grant PS-3D 3D Orbital Platform Shaker

Overview

The Grant PS-3D is a compact, low-voltage 3D orbital platform shaker engineered for gentle, reproducible mixing in temperature-sensitive and space-constrained laboratory environments—including cold rooms, incubators, and biosafety cabinets. Unlike conventional horizontal or reciprocating shakers, the PS-3D employs a fixed-angle (7°) orbital motion that generates a true three-dimensional circular trajectory—combining lateral displacement with controlled vertical lift. This kinematic profile minimizes shear stress on delicate biological samples while ensuring uniform reagent distribution across heterogeneous surfaces such as polyacrylamide gels, membrane blots, and adherent cell monolayers. Its 12 V DC power architecture eliminates mains voltage hazards, enabling safe operation inside refrigerated chambers and through narrow incubator access ports. Designed and manufactured in the UK under ISO 9001-certified processes, the PS-3D conforms to IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment and supports GLP-compliant workflows through stable, non-drifting speed control.

Key Features

• Gentle 3D orbital motion at a fixed 7° tilt angle—optimized to prevent gel edge fracture, membrane wrinkling, and cellular detachment during extended incubation
• Adjustable speed range of 15–30 rpm with high-resolution analog control and mechanical stability across all setpoints
• Compact footprint (200 × 200 mm platform) compatible with standard Petri dishes, multi-well plates (up to 96-well), centrifuge tubes (15–50 mL), and hybridization trays
• Low-noise brushless DC motor delivering consistent torque with <45 dB(A) acoustic emission—suitable for shared lab spaces and quiet-room applications
• Robust anodized aluminum frame and chemically resistant polymer housing—designed for repeated cleaning with 70% ethanol, isopropanol, and mild alkaline detergents
• Integrated non-slip mat (PDM) included as standard; optional PTP-26 microtube adapter supports simultaneous agitation of up to 26 × 1.5/2.0 mL tubes

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PS-3D accommodates a broad spectrum of life science sample formats without requiring custom clamps or fixtures. Its open-platform design permits direct placement of glass or plastic containers—including staining dishes (e.g., Bio-Rad Mini-PROTEAN trays), immunoblotting cassettes, cell culture inserts, and vacuum-dried nucleic acid hybridization membranes. The device operates reliably within ambient conditions ranging from 4 °C (refrigerated storage) to 40 °C (warm incubation), maintaining ±1 rpm speed accuracy across the full temperature range per ASTM E2917-22 calibration guidelines. It meets EN 61326-1 (EMC) and EN 61010-1 (safety) requirements and carries CE marking for use in EU-regulated laboratories. While it does not include built-in timing or data logging, its analog interface ensures compatibility with external programmable controllers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated into validated workflows.

Software & Data Management

The PS-3D is a stand-alone, analog-controlled instrument with no embedded firmware, touchscreen, or USB connectivity. This design philosophy prioritizes operational simplicity, long-term reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility in proximity to sensitive detection systems (e.g., chemiluminescence imagers, microplate readers). Speed settings are adjusted via a calibrated rotary potentiometer with tactile feedback and LED illumination for low-light environments. For laboratories requiring audit trails or protocol documentation, the shaker may be operated in conjunction with external time-stamped environmental loggers or integrated into LIMS-controlled platforms via relay-triggered start/stop signals (12 V TTL-compatible). No proprietary software is required or provided.

Applications

• Gel staining and destaining (Coomassie, silver, SYPRO Ruby)—reducing diffusion gradients and edge artifacts
• Western and Southern blot processing: antibody incubation, wash steps, and substrate development under uniform agitation
• Immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) wash cycles—minimizing bead loss and nonspecific binding
• Cell-based assays involving fragile suspension cultures or differentiated organoids in low-adhesion plates
• In situ hybridization and RNA FISH protocols where probe penetration must be balanced with tissue integrity
• Antibody conjugation reactions and ELISA plate coating steps requiring homogeneous surface coverage

FAQ

Is the PS-3D suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator?

Yes—the 12 V DC power input and absence of heat-generating components allow safe operation inside humidified CO₂ incubators, provided the unit is placed on a stable, level surface and condensate drainage is managed.
Can the tilt angle be adjusted?

No—the 7° tilt is mechanically fixed to ensure repeatable 3D motion geometry and eliminate user-induced variability.
Does the PS-3D support timed operation?

No—timing functionality is not built-in; however, external timer relays or building management systems can be used to control power cycling.
What is the maximum recommended duration for continuous operation?

The motor and drive system are rated for indefinite duty cycle at nominal load (≤0.5 kg); routine maintenance is limited to periodic inspection of platform leveling and mat adhesion.
Is calibration certification available?

Grant Instruments provides factory calibration reports upon request (traceable to UKAS-accredited standards); field recalibration is not required under normal usage conditions.