IKA lab dancer Small Vortex Mixer

Overview

The IKA lab dancer Small Vortex Mixer is a compact, precision-engineered orbital shaker designed for rapid and reproducible mixing of small-volume samples in cylindrical vessels up to 30 mm in diameter. Operating on the principle of circular orbital motion—with a consistent 4.5 mm orbit diameter—the device generates uniform shear forces across the sample meniscus, enabling efficient suspension of precipitates, homogenization of viscous solutions, and thorough re-suspension of pelletized biomaterials. Unlike variable-speed vortex mixers, the lab dancer delivers a fixed rotational speed of 2800 rpm, eliminating calibration drift and ensuring inter-laboratory method consistency. Its brushless DC motor provides high torque at low power consumption (motor output: 0.8 W), supporting uninterrupted operation under continuous duty (100% duty cycle), making it suitable for unattended overnight protocols in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and quality control workflows.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (100 × 70 × 100 mm) and lightweight design (0.55 kg) optimized for crowded benchtop environments and portable use in field labs or mobile testing units.
• Robust mechanical architecture: reinforced polymer housing and vortex platform paired with a vibration-damping galvanized cast iron base for long-term stability and minimal energy transfer to adjacent instruments.
• Momentary activation (“touch mode”) allows precise, hands-free control—ideal for sequential processing of multiple tubes without manual speed adjustment or timer setup.
• Universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) with integrated switching power supply ensures compatibility across global laboratory infrastructures; includes a regulated 12 V DC adapter for safe, low-voltage operation.
• IP40-rated enclosure (per DIN EN 60529) provides protection against solid objects ≥1 mm and limited ingress of vertically falling water droplets—suitable for standard dry laboratory conditions but not wet or sterilizable environments.
• No display or timer circuitry reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) susceptibility and enhances reliability in electromagnetically sensitive settings such as near NMR spectrometers or electrophysiology rigs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The lab dancer accommodates standard cylindrical containers—including 0.2 mL to 15 mL conical tubes, 13 mm and 16 mm round-bottom test tubes, and 1.5/2.0 mL Eppendorf®-style microcentrifuge tubes—provided their outer diameter does not exceed 30 mm. It is not compatible with microtiter plates, deep-well plates, or non-cylindrical vessels due to its fixed geometry and lack of plate-holding accessories. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EMC requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. While not certified for GLP/GMP-regulated environments out-of-the-box, its fixed-speed operation, absence of software-controlled parameters, and mechanical simplicity support straightforward validation for routine QC applications under ISO/IEC 17025 or internal SOP frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The IKA lab dancer operates as a standalone hardware device with no embedded firmware, connectivity ports (USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet), or digital interface. Consequently, it requires no software installation, driver configuration, or cybersecurity maintenance. This architecture eliminates risks associated with firmware vulnerabilities, unauthorized remote access, or audit trail gaps—making it inherently compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for systems where electronic records are not generated. All operational parameters are immutable by design (fixed 2800 rpm, no programmable intervals), simplifying IQ/OQ documentation and reducing validation burden in regulated laboratories.

Applications

• Routine resuspension of lyophilized reagents, bacterial pellets, and antibody conjugates prior to downstream analysis (e.g., ELISA, Western blotting, PCR setup).
• Homogenization of low-viscosity biological fluids (serum, urine, cell lysates) in pre-analytical sample preparation workflows.
• Accelerated dissolution testing of powdered pharmaceutical excipients during formulation screening.
• Uniform mixing of calibration standards and reference materials in environmental and food safety labs.
• Supporting ASTM D4097 (Standard Test Method for Determining Emulsion Stability) via standardized agitation of oil-in-water emulsions in small vials.

FAQ

Is the lab dancer suitable for use with PCR tubes containing temperature-sensitive enzymes?
Yes—its low-power motor (0.8 W output) and absence of active heating elements prevent significant thermal buildup during short-duration mixing (5 min) in ambient temperatures above 35 °C may elevate tube surface temperature by ~2–3 °C; users should verify thermal stability of specific enzyme formulations.
Can the device be mounted on a shaker platform or integrated into automated liquid handling systems?
No—it lacks mounting holes, external trigger inputs, or communication interfaces. It is strictly a manual, benchtop-only instrument.
Does IKA provide a certificate of conformance or calibration report with the unit?
The lab dancer ships with a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) referencing IEC 61010-1 and EN 61326-1. As a fixed-parameter mechanical device, it does not require factory calibration; users may verify orbital consistency using a strobe tachometer or high-speed video analysis per internal SOP.
What maintenance is required over its service life?
No scheduled maintenance is specified. Wipe exterior surfaces with 70% ethanol; avoid solvents that degrade polycarbonate or ABS components. Inspect rubber feet periodically for compression set; replace if instability occurs during operation.
Is the 12 V DC adapter compatible with battery-powered operation (e.g., via portable power station)?
Yes—provided the external DC source delivers stable 12 V ±0.5 V at ≥1 A and features reverse-polarity protection, the lab dancer will operate reliably. IKA does not endorse or warranty third-party power sources.