IKA VXR Basic Photoelectric-Controlled Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA VXR Basic Photoelectric-Controlled Orbital Shaker is a compact, benchtop laboratory shaker engineered for precision and reliability in routine cell culture, solubility studies, staining protocols, and general mixing applications. It operates on the principle of orbital motion—generating a consistent 4 mm circular orbit—to ensure uniform suspension and gentle yet effective agitation of liquid samples in tubes, flasks, and bottles. Unlike reciprocating or vortex shakers, the VXR’s orbital drive delivers low-shear mixing ideal for sensitive biological suspensions, including bacterial cultures, yeast fermentations, and antibody incubations. Its brushless DC motor provides high torque at low speeds and stable performance across the full 0–2200 rpm range, with fine-tuned control down to 100 rpm—enabling reproducible low-speed agitation critical for sedimentation-sensitive assays or slow-growth microbial studies. Designed for continuous operation under standard laboratory ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH), the unit complies with DIN EN 60529 for ingress protection (IP21), ensuring operational safety against vertically falling solid objects and limited dust exposure.

Key Features

• Photoelectric speed sensing system for accurate, drift-free rotational feedback and long-term speed stability
• Robust brushless DC motor delivering consistent torque from 100 rpm up to 2200 rpm, with no carbon brush wear or maintenance intervals
• Compact footprint (157 × 130 × 247 mm) optimized for crowded biosafety cabinets and shared incubator shelves
• Single-platform design with universal clamp mounting—compatible with tube racks (13–50 mL), conical flasks (up to 250 mL), and custom adapter plates
• Mechanically balanced orbital drive ensures smooth, vibration-dampened operation even at sub-150 rpm speeds—critical for avoiding sample splashing or foam formation
• Analog speed scale with tactile rotary knob enables intuitive, glove-friendly adjustment without digital interface complexity
• 100 % continuous duty rating supports unattended overnight incubation protocols without thermal derating or duty-cycle interruption

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VXR Basic accommodates standard labware up to 2 kg total load—including Erlenmeyer flasks, centrifuge tubes, and media bottles—when mounted using IKA-recommended clamps (sold separately). It is not designed for microplate handling; users requiring 96-well or 384-well compatibility should consider IKA’s MTS series. The shaker meets essential electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements per CE marking directives. Its IP21 enclosure rating aligns with ISO 13485-aligned lab equipment housing standards for non-sterile, dry-environment use. While not certified for GMP or GLP environments out-of-the-box, its analog control architecture and absence of software-based configuration reduce validation burden for regulated QC labs performing ASTM D2487-compliant soil suspension tests or USP <797>-aligned media preparation checks.

Software & Data Management

This model features a fully analog control interface with no embedded firmware, RS-232 port, or digital data logging capability. Speed and timer settings are manually adjusted via mechanical dials, eliminating cybersecurity concerns, software updates, or audit trail dependencies. This architecture supports laboratories operating under strict IT governance policies—such as those adhering to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 principles—where instrument qualification relies solely on mechanical calibration and physical logbook entries. For users requiring electronic recordkeeping, IKA offers optional external data acquisition modules (e.g., IKA Labworld Connect adapters) that interface via analog voltage output (not available on VXR Basic).

Applications

• Cell culture flask agitation during exponential growth phase (E. coli, CHO, HEK293)
• Antibody-antigen binding incubations in ELISA and Western blot workflows
• Solubility screening of small-molecule compounds in DMSO/buffer systems
• Precipitation and co-precipitation studies in inorganic synthesis and nanomaterial dispersion
• Reagent homogenization prior to HPLC or mass spectrometry injection
• Environmental microbiology: soil extract suspension for MPN enumeration (ASTM D5799)
• Educational labs: kinetic reaction monitoring, enzyme activity assays, and fermentation kinetics

FAQ

Is the VXR Basic suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—the unit is rated for ambient operation only (5–40 °C, non-humidified) and lacks the corrosion-resistant housing or sealed electronics required for humidified, 5 % CO₂ environments. For incubator-compatible shaking, refer to IKA’s incubator-rated models (e.g., IKA KS 4000 i Control).

Can I mount a 500 mL flask on this shaker?
The maximum recommended load is 2 kg, inclusive of clamps and vessel weight. A standard 500 mL glass Erlenmeyer flask filled with aqueous medium exceeds both weight and center-of-gravity stability limits; we recommend ≤250 mL vessels for optimal orbital balance and motor longevity.

Does it support programmable multi-step protocols?
No—this is a single-parameter analog shaker with fixed timer (10–100 min) and manual speed control. Multi-step ramping requires external controllers or upgraded IKA models with digital interfaces (e.g., VXR digital or RS series).

What calibration documentation is provided?
IKA supplies a factory-verified performance certificate indicating speed accuracy (±3 % of setpoint, 100–2200 rpm) and timer tolerance (±2 %), traceable to national metrology standards. On-site verification can be performed using a handheld tachometer and stopwatch.