IKA Lab Dancer Compact Tube Shaker
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | Lab Dancer |
| Oscillation Frequency | 0–2800 rpm |
| Oscillation Amplitude | 4.5 mm |
| Temperature Range | 5–40 °C |
| Power Input | 30 W (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) |
| Dimensions | 100 × 70 × 100 mm |
| Weight | 0.55 kg |
| IP Rating | IP40 |
| Max Load Capacity (incl. fixture) | 0.1 kg |
| Motor Output Power | 0.8 W |
| Duty Cycle | Continuous (100 %) |
| Sample Compatibility | Tubes up to 30 mm diameter (e.g., Eppendorf®, centrifuge tubes, test tubes) |
| Operating Humidity | ≤80 % RH |
| Safety Compliance | DIN EN 60529 |
Overview
The IKA Lab Dancer is a compact, benchtop orbital shaker engineered for precise and reproducible mixing of small-volume liquid samples in standard laboratory tubes. Designed around a robust eccentric drive mechanism, it delivers consistent circular motion with a fixed 4.5 mm orbit diameter—optimized for efficient suspension, resuspension, and homogenization of viscous or particulate-laden solutions without splashing or foaming. Unlike variable-speed shakers requiring calibration or tuning, the Lab Dancer operates at a single, factory-optimized speed of 2800 rpm—ensuring maximum throughput for routine applications such as cell culture maintenance, enzyme reconstitution, PCR master mix preparation, and immunoassay plate pre-incubation. Its minimalist architecture integrates a zinc-coated cast iron base for vibration damping and structural stability, while the reinforced polypropylene housing and sample platform provide chemical resistance and mechanical durability under continuous operation.
Key Features
- Fixed high-speed orbital motion at 2800 rpm—engineered for rapid, uniform mixing of low-volume samples (0.1–2 mL) in tubes up to 30 mm in diameter
- Compact footprint (100 × 70 × 100 mm) and lightweight design (0.55 kg) enable flexible placement in biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or crowded benchtop environments
- IP40-rated enclosure ensures protection against solid objects ≥1 mm and limited ingress of dust—suitable for general laboratory use under controlled ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH)
- Dedicated momentary “pulse” (jog) function allows manual initiation of short-duration shaking cycles—ideal for quick resuspension prior to centrifugation or pipetting
- 100 % duty cycle rating supports uninterrupted operation during extended protocols, including overnight incubation-assisted mixing
- Integrated 12 V DC power supply eliminates reliance on external transformers; universal input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) enables global deployment without voltage conversion
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Lab Dancer accommodates standard conical-bottom and round-bottom tubes—including 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL Eppendorf® tubes, 15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes (with optional adapters), and glass or plastic test tubes up to 30 mm outer diameter. Its rigid, non-slip platform ensures secure retention without clamps or fasteners, minimizing cross-contamination risk and simplifying cleaning. The device complies with DIN EN 60529 for mechanical ingress protection and meets essential safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment. While not certified for GMP or GLP-regulated environments out-of-the-box, its consistent performance, traceable manufacturing origin (Germany), and stable mechanical output support audit-ready documentation when integrated into validated workflows.
Software & Data Management
The Lab Dancer is a standalone, microcontroller-driven instrument with no embedded software, display interface, or digital connectivity. This design philosophy prioritizes operational simplicity, reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility in sensitive instrumentation environments (e.g., near mass spectrometers or electrophysiology rigs). Absence of firmware or network interfaces eliminates cybersecurity concerns and reduces qualification burden in regulated labs. Users maintain full control via the physical jog button and power switch—supporting ALCOA+ principles of attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, and accurate recordkeeping when paired with manual log entries or LIMS-integrated workflow tracking.
Applications
- Routine resuspension of lyophilized reagents, bacterial pellets, and antibody conjugates
- Pre-centrifugation mixing of blood samples, serum dilutions, and nucleic acid extractions
- Enhancing solubilization kinetics during protein refolding or buffer exchange protocols
- Supporting hybridization steps in blotting workflows and antigen-antibody binding assays
- Low-heat mixing in temperature-sensitive applications where Peltier-based shakers introduce thermal gradients
FAQ
Does the Lab Dancer support variable speed control?
No. It operates exclusively at a fixed 2800 rpm, optimized for rapid, repeatable mixing of small-volume tube formats.
Can it accommodate microtiter plates or deep-well plates?
No. The Lab Dancer is mechanically designed for individual tubes only; it does not accept plate carriers or orbital platforms for multiwell formats.
Is the unit suitable for use inside a 4 °C cold room?
Yes—its specified operating temperature range (5–40 °C) includes refrigerated environments, though condensation must be mitigated per facility HVAC protocols.
What is the maximum allowable load per run?
The total mass—including tubes, caps, fixtures, and contents—must not exceed 0.1 kg to maintain mechanical integrity and orbital consistency.
Does it comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
No. As a non-networked, non-auditable device without electronic records or user authentication, it falls outside the scope of Part 11—but remains fully compatible with paper-based or LIMS-managed validation frameworks.
