Hanuo HY-6 Dual-Layer Orbital Shaker

Overview

The Hanuo HY-6 Dual-Layer Orbital Shaker is an engineered laboratory shaker designed for consistent, low-shear orbital motion in biological and chemical sample processing. It operates on the principle of circular horizontal motion (orbital shaking) with a fixed 20 mm orbit diameter, generating uniform mixing without vortexing—ideal for cell culture suspension, microbial growth, ELISA plate incubation, and reagent homogenization. Unlike reciprocating or vortex shakers, this unit delivers gentle yet effective agitation suitable for sensitive biological samples including bacterial cultures, yeast suspensions, and protein solutions. Its dual-layer structural design—though functionally single-platform—refers to the reinforced chassis architecture that enhances mechanical stability during extended operation at variable speeds up to 220 rpm. The absence of temperature control positions it as a dedicated ambient-temperature shaker, commonly deployed in preparatory labs where thermal regulation is managed externally (e.g., inside incubators or cold rooms).

Key Features

• Single-tier stainless-steel platform (60 × 50 × 2 cm) with universal spring-loaded clamps accommodating flasks (50–2000 mL), test tubes, Petri dishes, and microplate carriers—enabling simultaneous handling of heterogeneous vessel types.
• Mechanical timer with precise 1–120 minute range; auto-shutoff ensures protocol repeatability and energy conservation.
• Stepless speed control via analog knob with digital RPM display (0–220 rpm), offering real-time feedback and eliminating calibration drift associated with analog-only interfaces.
• Low-noise brushless motor (100 W nominal output) integrated into a vibration-damped aluminum alloy housing—reducing operational sound pressure to ≤55 dB(A) at 1 m distance.
• Compact footprint (W × D × H ≈ 65 × 55 × 28 cm) and lightweight construction (<22 kg) facilitate placement on standard lab benches or integration into laminar flow hoods and biosafety cabinets.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HY-6 supports ISO-standard glassware and polypropylene containers compliant with ASTM D4169 and USP guidelines for laboratory equipment qualification. Its orbital motion profile meets common requirements for shake flask cultivation per CLSI M22-A3 and EU GMP Annex 11 (Section 5.2) for non-automated mixing devices. While not certified to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) or UL 61010-1 out-of-the-box, the unit conforms to general electrical safety practices for Class I laboratory apparatus operating at 220 VAC ±10%, 50 Hz. No CE or FDA 510(k) marking is applicable, as it falls outside regulated medical device scope; however, its mechanical design aligns with GLP documentation standards for instrument logbooks, maintenance records, and performance verification (e.g., speed accuracy ±3 rpm verified using NIST-traceable tachometer).

Software & Data Management

The HY-6 operates as a standalone electromechanical instrument without embedded firmware, network interface, or data logging capability—consistent with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 6.4.7 for manually operated equipment. All operational parameters (speed, duration) are set physically and observed visually; no software validation (e.g., 21 CFR Part 11 compliance) is required. Users maintain traceability through manual entry into laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated work orders. For laboratories requiring audit-ready records, optional external USB tachometers or programmable timers (e.g., Omega CNi16D) may be interfaced to document run logs independently.

Applications

• Microbial culture expansion in Erlenmeyer flasks under aerobic conditions (e.g., E. coli, Bacillus subtilis) at 150–200 rpm.
• Antibody-antigen binding kinetics in 96-well plates during ELISA development and optimization.
• Solution equilibration for buffer preparation, dye dispersion, and nanoparticle suspension prior to DLS or UV-Vis analysis.
• Soil/water extract homogenization in environmental testing labs following EPA Method 3510C protocols.
• Pre-analytical sample agitation in clinical research settings—e.g., whole blood mixing prior to centrifugation (CLSI H20-A2).

FAQ

Is the HY-6 compatible with incubator chambers?
Yes—the unit’s ambient-only operation and compact height allow installation inside standard CO₂ incubators (with door clearance ≥30 cm) when used with optional silicone-insulated power cords.
What maintenance is required?
Biannual inspection of motor coupling integrity and periodic cleaning of platform grooves with 70% ethanol; no lubrication or calibration is needed per manufacturer specifications.
Can it accommodate microtiter plates directly?
Yes—using optional universal microplate carriers (sold separately), which secure 96-/384-well plates without slippage at speeds up to 220 rpm.
Does it support continuous operation beyond 120 minutes?
No—the mechanical timer caps at 120 minutes; for unattended long-duration runs, external programmable timers must be used in series with the main power supply.
Is there a version with digital communication ports?
No—HY-6 is intentionally designed as a non-networked, low-complexity shaker; Hanuo offers RS-485-enabled models (e.g., HY-8D) for industrial integration scenarios.