IKA MS3 Basic Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA MS3 Basic Orbital Shaker is a compact, benchtop laboratory shaker engineered for precision and reliability in life science and bioengineering applications. It operates on the principle of orbital motion—generating consistent circular agitation with a fixed 4.5 mm orbit diameter—to ensure uniform mixing, suspension, and resuspension of biological samples across microtiter plates, small-volume tubes (e.g., Eppendorf tubes), and shallow-well containers. Designed for routine use in molecular biology labs, cell culture facilities, and quality control environments, the MS3 Basic delivers stable rotational performance without integrated temperature control or programmable timing, making it ideal for users requiring robust, low-maintenance mechanical agitation under ambient or externally regulated thermal conditions (5–40 °C). Its all-metal zinc alloy housing provides structural rigidity and long-term dimensional stability, minimizing vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation while supporting continuous 100% duty-cycle operation.

Key Features

• Orbital motion with precisely engineered 4.5 mm orbit diameter for reproducible sample homogenization and minimal shear stress on sensitive biologicals
• Wide speed range from 200 rpm (minimum adjustable) to 3000 rpm, enabling optimization for diverse protocols—from gentle cell resuspension to vigorous reagent mixing
• Dual operational modes: Mode A (safety mode) automatically detects standard IKA-compatible platforms and limits speed to 1300 rpm when non-standard fixtures are used; Mode B bypasses platform detection for full-speed operation (up to 3000 rpm) with any compatible adapter
• Instantaneous “pulse” (point-action) function for rapid, transient agitation without interrupting workflow—ideal for brief mixing steps prior to centrifugation or assay readout
• Zinc alloy chassis ensures mechanical durability, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and resistance to incidental chemical exposure common in wet-lab environments
• Compact footprint (148 × 63 × 205 mm) and lightweight design (2.9 kg) facilitate flexible placement on biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or shared benchtops without compromising stability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MS3 Basic accommodates standard 96-well microplates (including deep-well and PCR plates), 0.2–50 mL conical tubes, and custom fixtures via interchangeable platform inserts. Its 0.5 kg maximum load capacity (including fixture mass) supports single-plate configurations under dynamic equilibrium conditions. The device complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP21 ingress protection), ensuring resistance to vertically falling drips and limited operator-accessible hazardous parts. While not certified for GMP or GLP environments out-of-the-box, its consistent mechanical performance, absence of software-based control logic, and traceable manufacturing origin (Germany) support integration into validated workflows where hardware-level repeatability is prioritized over digital audit trails. It meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (2014/30/EU) and low-voltage safety (2014/35/EU).

Software & Data Management

The IKA MS3 Basic is a standalone electromechanical instrument with no embedded microprocessor, firmware, or digital interface. It features no RS232 port, analog output, or USB connectivity—eliminating dependencies on host software, driver installation, or cybersecurity configuration. Speed selection is performed manually via calibrated dial, with mechanical feedback ensuring tactile confirmation of setpoint. This architecture inherently satisfies regulatory expectations for instruments operating outside FDA 21 CFR Part 11 scope, as no electronic records, user authentication, or audit trail functionality is implemented. For laboratories requiring documentation, manual logbook entries—including date, operator ID, speed setting, duration, and plate configuration—are recommended per internal SOPs.

Applications

• Re-suspension of bacterial pellets and yeast cultures prior to lysis or plating
• Homogenization of immunoassay reagents and ELISA plate coatings
• Equilibration of enzyme-substrate mixtures in kinetic assays
• Agitation of staining and washing buffers during histology and immunohistochemistry workflows
• Pre-centrifugation mixing of blood-derived samples in clinical diagnostics support labs
• Supporting incubation steps in ambient-temperature hybridization protocols (e.g., DNA probe binding)

FAQ

Does the MS3 Basic include a timer or countdown function?
No—the MS3 Basic model lacks timing electronics. For timed operation, external laboratory timers or manual supervision is required.
Can the shaker be used inside a refrigerated chamber or incubator?
Yes, provided ambient conditions remain within the specified operating range (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH) and adequate airflow prevents condensation on electrical components.
What is the difference between Mode A and Mode B?
Mode A enforces platform detection and applies speed restrictions for safety; Mode B disables detection and permits full 3000 rpm operation regardless of fixture type—intended for experienced users deploying validated adapters.
Is the unit suitable for sterile applications?
While the zinc alloy surface is cleanable with 70% ethanol or isopropanol, the device is not autoclavable or ISO 5-certified; sterilization of plates/tubes must occur separately.
Does the shaker generate significant acoustic noise or vibration?
At 3000 rpm, sound pressure level is ≤52 dB(A) at 1 m distance; isolation pads are recommended when placed adjacent to sensitive optical or weighing instruments.