Hanuo HNX-1500 96-Well Microplate Orbital Shaker

Overview

The Hanuo HNX-1500 96-Well Microplate Orbital Shaker is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible agitation of biological samples in standard 96-well microplates. Designed specifically for life science laboratories engaged in ELISA development, cell-based assays, bacterial culture preparation, and high-throughput screening workflows, this shaker employs orbital motion with a fixed 3 mm diameter to ensure uniform mixing across all wells without splashing or cross-contamination. Unlike reciprocating or vortex-style shakers, the orbital mechanism generates gentle yet effective fluid circulation—critical for maintaining cell viability during incubation-associated shaking or for accelerating binding kinetics in immunoassays. Its brushless DC motor delivers stable rotational output across the full speed range (300–1500 rpm), with minimal speed drift (< ±2 rpm under steady-state conditions), ensuring assay repeatability between runs and across instruments.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled speed and timer circuitry ensures ±1 rpm speed accuracy and ±10 s timing resolution over the full 0–99 h 59 min range—or continuous operation mode for extended protocols.
• LED digital display provides real-time readout of setpoint and actual speed, elapsed time, and remaining duration—enabling unambiguous operator verification without external monitoring tools.
• Four independently configurable plate positions accommodate up to four standard ANSI/SLAS-compliant 96-well plates simultaneously, maximizing throughput while preserving consistent orbital dynamics across all platforms.
• Brushless DC motor eliminates carbon brush wear, reducing long-term maintenance requirements and eliminating electrical noise that could interfere with sensitive detection systems nearby.
• Low-vibration mechanical architecture—optimized mass distribution and rubber-isolated platform mounting—ensures stable operation on shared lab benches without transmission of resonant frequencies to adjacent instrumentation.
• Audible end-of-cycle alarm alerts users without requiring visual confirmation, supporting hands-free workflow integration in multi-tasking environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HNX-1500 is compatible with all commercially available 96-well formats—including flat-bottom, U-bottom, V-bottom, and PCR plates—as well as shallow-well assay plates used in chemiluminescence and fluorescence detection systems. It supports both aqueous and viscous media (up to 50% glycerol or 20% FBS-containing culture media) without performance degradation. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and carries CE marking for conformity with EU directives. While not a regulated medical device, its design adheres to GLP-aligned operational principles—including audit-ready parameter logging when integrated with optional RS-232 or USB data export modules (sold separately). It does not incorporate temperature control; users requiring thermal regulation must pair it with externally heated or cooled incubators.

Software & Data Management

The base HNX-1500 operates via standalone front-panel controls and requires no host software. However, optional communication interfaces (RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapter) enable integration into LIMS or ELN environments using ASCII command protocol. Supported commands include speed setpoint adjustment, timer start/stop/pause, status query (current rpm, remaining time), and error code reporting (e.g., overload, timeout, sensor fault). All parameters are stored in non-volatile memory and persist through power cycling. For FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, third-party middleware solutions can be deployed to enforce electronic signature, audit trail, and role-based access control when remote operation is implemented.

Applications

• Antibody-antigen binding acceleration in ELISA and lateral flow assay development
• Homogenization of bacterial suspensions prior to OD₆₀₀ measurement or plating
• Cell detachment and resuspension in adherent culture workflows
• Enzyme reaction mixing in kinetic assays (e.g., luciferase, β-galactosidase)
• Pre-incubation agitation for PCR master mix equilibration
• Coating uniformity enhancement during microplate surface functionalization (e.g., streptavidin, IgG immobilization)

FAQ

Is the HNX-1500 suitable for use inside CO₂ incubators?
No—the unit is not rated for humidified or elevated-CO₂ environments. Its electronics and motor are designed for ambient lab conditions only.
Can the shaker accommodate 384-well plates?
It is mechanically optimized for 96-well footprint dimensions. 384-well plates may be placed but are not secured; dedicated adapters are not provided.
What is the maximum load per platform?
Each platform supports up to 1.2 kg total weight (including plate, lid, and liquid volume), corresponding to four fully loaded 96-well plates at 200 µL/well.
Does the device support programmable multi-step protocols?
No—only single-stage speed and timer settings are available natively. Multi-step sequences require external controller integration.
How is calibration verified?
Speed calibration is traceable to NIST-certified tachometers; users may perform field verification using optical tachometers or strobe devices aligned to the rotating platform edge.