IKA MTS 2/4 Digital Microtiter Plate Shaker

Overview

The IKA MTS 2/4 Digital Microtiter Plate Shaker is a precision-engineered orbital shaker designed specifically for high-throughput microplate handling in life science laboratories. Operating on the principle of controlled circular oscillation with a fixed 3 mm orbit diameter, it delivers consistent and reproducible mixing across standard 96-well and 384-well microtiter plates. Unlike generic platform shakers, the MTS 2/4 integrates dedicated plate retention geometry and dynamic load-balancing mechanics to minimize cross-well variation and ensure uniform suspension of cells, reagents, or immunoassay components. Its compact footprint and low thermal output make it suitable for placement inside refrigerated rooms, biosafety cabinets, or adjacent to automated liquid handlers without compromising ambient stability.

Key Features

• Dual-mode capacity: Configurable for simultaneous agitation of either two or four standard microtiter plates—enabling flexible throughput scaling without hardware modification.
• Digital speed control with real-time LED display: Offers precise adjustment from 50 to 1100 rpm in 1-rpm increments, ensuring optimal mixing conditions for sensitive biological assays including ELISA, cell-based assays, and enzymatic reactions.
• Programmable timer with audible end-of-cycle alert: Supports timed operation from 1 to 99 minutes; automatically halts motion and triggers an acoustic signal upon completion—critical for unattended incubation-integrated workflows.
• Robust brushless DC motor architecture: Delivers 13.2 W mechanical output at peak efficiency, enabling stable operation under full 1 kg load (including clamps and plates) with minimal vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation.
• Full-duty-cycle rated design: Certified for continuous 100 % operational duty, supporting extended kinetic assays, overnight hybridization steps, or multi-hour binding protocols without thermal derating or performance drift.
• Compliance-ready electrical architecture: Dual-voltage input (100–120 V / 220–240 V), 50/60 Hz auto-sensing circuitry, and IP21-rated enclosure meet international laboratory infrastructure requirements and support global deployment under ISO/IEC 17025-aligned facility standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MTS 2/4 accommodates all ANSI/SBS-compliant microtiter plates—including flat-bottom, U-bottom, V-bottom, and PCR-compatible formats—without adapter kits. Its rigid aluminum platform and integrated silicone-grip clamping system prevent lateral slippage during high-speed operation while maintaining compatibility with chilled or pre-warmed plates (within ambient operating limits of 5–40 °C). The device conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP21) for protection against vertically falling droplets and solid objects >12.5 mm, and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1 for use in regulated environments. While not intrinsically certified for GMP cleanrooms, its non-shedding surface finish, absence of lubricants, and validated repeatability support GLP documentation practices and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned electronic record integrity when paired with compliant LIMS integration.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone benchtop instrument, the MTS 2/4 does not include embedded software or network connectivity. However, its deterministic analog control loop and calibrated LED display provide traceable, operator-auditable parameter settings—fully compatible with paper-based or electronic batch record systems. All speed and time values are directly readable and manually verifiable, satisfying ALCOA+ data integrity principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) for QC/QA documentation. For laboratories implementing digital workflow orchestration, optional third-party serial interface modules (e.g., RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters) may be used to log setpoints and runtime events into centralized audit trails, provided validation protocols are executed per organizational SOPs.

Applications

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plate washing and conjugate incubation steps requiring gentle yet homogeneous mixing.
• Cell culture maintenance during transient transfection or co-culture experiments where shear-sensitive suspension must be preserved.
• High-throughput screening (HTS) workflows involving compound dilution series, receptor binding assays, or reporter gene readouts.
• Molecular diagnostics sample preparation—including nucleic acid hybridization, probe labeling, and antigen-antibody equilibration prior to detection.
• Quality control testing of diagnostic reagents, reference standards, and calibration materials under standardized agitation conditions per ISO 15197 or CLSI EP05-A3 guidelines.

FAQ

Can the MTS 2/4 accommodate deep-well plates or custom plate formats?

Yes—provided the plate footprint remains within ANSI/SBS dimensions (127.76 × 85.48 mm) and total height does not exceed mechanical clearance limits. Deep-well plates up to 45 mm tall have been validated in-house under 300 rpm conditions.
Is the timer resolution adjustable below 1 minute?

No—the minimum timer increment is 1 minute. For sub-minute agitation needs, manual intervention or external programmable relay control is recommended.
Does the unit include microtiter plate clamps for both 2-plate and 4-plate configurations?

Yes—factory-supplied clamping assemblies are included for both modes; no additional accessories are required for standard operation.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

No scheduled lubrication or consumable replacement is specified. Routine cleaning with 70 % ethanol and visual inspection of clamp integrity every 6 months is advised per IKA’s preventive maintenance guidance.
Is the MTS 2/4 compatible with cold room environments at 4 °C?

Operation below 5 °C ambient is outside the certified specification. Prolonged use below this threshold may affect motor response time and LED display functionality; consult IKA Technical Support before deployment in sub-ambient enclosures.