IKA VXR basic Vibrax® Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA VXR basic Vibrax® Orbital Shaker is a compact, robust, and precision-engineered benchtop shaker designed for routine mixing, suspension, and homogenization tasks in life science laboratories, microbiology workflows, and quality control environments. Based on the proven Vibrax® platform, it employs a true circular orbital motion with a fixed 4 mm orbit diameter—optimized to generate uniform, low-shear agitation across microtiter plates, test tubes, Eppendorf tubes, and small flasks. Unlike reciprocating or vortex-based systems, this orbital design ensures stable, laminar fluid movement ideal for cell culture maintenance, reagent resuspension, enzyme assays, and sample preparation prior to downstream analysis (e.g., ELISA, PCR setup, or spectrophotometric quantification). Its brushless DC motor delivers high torque at low speeds and smooth acceleration across the full 100–2200 rpm range, enabling reproducible operation from gentle mixing of sensitive biological samples to vigorous suspension of particulates. Engineered for continuous duty (100% duty cycle), the unit operates without thermal throttling under standard ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH), making it suitable for unattended overnight protocols.

Key Features

• True orbital motion with precise 4 mm orbit diameter—ensures consistent mixing energy distribution and minimal sample splashing.
• Wide speed range (100–2200 rpm) with analog dial control and mechanical speed indication—no digital interface required, reducing complexity and increasing reliability.
• Brushless DC motor delivering 13.2 W output power and 35 W input—designed for long-term stability, low noise (<55 dB(A)), and zero maintenance over extended service life.
• Compact footprint (157 × 130 × 247 mm) and lightweight construction (6.1 kg)—ideal for crowded fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, or shared lab benches.
• IP21-rated enclosure per DIN EN 60529—provides protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm, supporting safe use in general laboratory environments.
• Universal voltage compatibility (100–120 V / 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz)—enables seamless deployment across global research facilities without transformer dependency.
• Tool-free, snap-in clamp system—supports rapid interchange of universal platforms (e.g., microplate holders, tube racks, conical flask adapters) without calibration or recalibration.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VXR basic accommodates common laboratory vessels up to 2 kg total load—including 96-well microplates (with optional plate clamp), 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, 100 mL Erlenmeyer flasks, and standard test tubes (13–18 mm diameter). Its mechanical speed regulation and rigid aluminum housing ensure minimal vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation. While not a GLP/GMP-certified device, its consistent performance supports compliance with method requirements referenced in ISO 8573-1 (compressed air purity), ASTM E2500 (verification of laboratory equipment), and USP (analytical instrument qualification) when integrated into validated workflows. The absence of electronic timers or data logging aligns with applications where manual protocol execution and operator-defined duration are standard practice.

Software & Data Management

The VXR basic operates as a stand-alone electromechanical instrument with no embedded software, firmware, or connectivity interfaces (e.g., USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth). Speed selection is performed via a calibrated analog dial; no digital display, memory recall, or audit trail functionality is provided. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity concerns, software validation burdens, and firmware update dependencies—making it particularly suitable for regulated environments where instrument qualification focuses on mechanical performance verification (e.g., speed accuracy ±5%, orbit consistency, load stability) rather than electronic data integrity. Users may document operational parameters manually or integrate the shaker into broader LIMS or ELN systems via external timing devices or environmental monitoring logs.

Applications

• Resuspension of lyophilized reagents, bacterial pellets, and protein precipitates.
• Mixing of immunoassay reagents and ELISA coating solutions.
• Homogenization of tissue lysates and cell suspensions prior to centrifugation.
• Incubatory shaking for low-speed aerobic cultures (e.g., E. coli in LB broth).
• Pre-analytical sample preparation for HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry workflows.
• Quality control checks requiring standardized agitation in pharmaceutical raw material testing.

FAQ

Does the VXR basic support programmable timing or interval operation?
No. It is a continuously operating analog shaker with no built-in timer or delay function.
Is the speed setting digitally displayed or calibrated?
Speed is indicated via a printed mechanical scale on the front panel; calibration is factory-set and traceable to internal motor feedback.
Can it be used inside a CO₂ incubator or cold room?
No. Its specified operating temperature range is 5–40 °C, and IP21 rating does not permit humid or pressurized chamber use.
What clamps or platforms are compatible with the VXR basic?
IKA offers dedicated accessories including the VXR-PT (microplate holder), VXR-TT (universal tube tray), and VXR-FS (flask support)—all mechanically interlocked without tools.
Is electrical safety certification available for regional markets?
Yes. The unit carries CE marking (EU), UKCA (UK), and complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment safety.