Labnet 311DS Digital Orbital Shaking Incubator
| Brand | Labnet |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 311DS |
| Temperature Range | 30–95 °C (0.1 °C resolution) |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.2 °C |
| Orbital Shaking Speed | 20–400 rpm |
| Orbit Diameter | 19 mm |
| Capacity | 4×2 L, 6×1 L, 8×500 mL, 12×250 mL, or 20×125 mL flasks |
| External Dimensions | 57.4×54.4×63.5 cm (W×D×H) |
| Internal Chamber Dimensions | 42.5×55×58 cm |
| Net Weight | 63.6 kg |
Overview
The Labnet 311DS Digital Orbital Shaking Incubator is an engineered solution for applications requiring simultaneous precise temperature control and reproducible orbital agitation. Designed around a robust, externally mounted motor architecture, the system eliminates heat-induced stress on critical electronic components—enhancing long-term operational stability and reducing maintenance requirements. Its core thermal regulation is governed by the proprietary SmartChek temperature control system, which employs high-resolution PID feedback loops and calibrated platinum resistance thermometers (Pt100) to maintain chamber uniformity within ±0.2 °C across the full 30–95 °C operating range. Unlike conventional incubators with internal drive mechanisms, the 311DS relocates all electrical assemblies—including power supplies, motor drivers, and microcontroller units—outside the insulated chamber cavity. This design not only extends component service life but also improves thermal isolation and minimizes vibration transmission into the sample zone. The unit operates exclusively in orbital mode with a fixed 19 mm circular path, optimized for suspension cultures, hybridization protocols, blot washing, and enzymatic reactions where gentle yet consistent mixing is essential.
Key Features
- Externally mounted orbital drive system with sealed, maintenance-free AC induction motor
- SmartChek digital temperature control with real-time monitoring, 0.1 °C setpoint resolution, and automatic calibration offset adjustment
- Double-walled, vacuum-insulated chamber with low-thermal-conductivity door gasket and reinforced tempered glass viewport (60% visible area)
- Automatic motion halt upon door opening—compliant with ISO 13485 safety interlock requirements for lab equipment
- Standard stainless-steel interior chamber with rounded corners for easy decontamination and residue-free cleaning
- Integrated leveling feet with locking mechanism to ensure stable operation at variable shaking speeds
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 311DS accommodates a broad spectrum of vessel formats via interchangeable platform accessories—including flat trays with anti-slip rubber matting and specialized flask racks designed for volumetric compatibility (e.g., I-5330-2000 supports four 2 L Erlenmeyer flasks). All accessory mounting interfaces comply with ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 112 for laboratory incubator load distribution. The unit meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory environments and conforms to UL 61010-1 certification requirements. Temperature performance validation follows ASTM E2797–20 guidelines for thermal uniformity mapping in forced-convection incubators. Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages are available to support GLP and GMP-regulated workflows, including audit-ready calibration logs traceable to NIST standards.
Software & Data Management
While the 311DS operates as a standalone instrument without embedded data logging, its analog/digital interface supports external integration via RS-232 or optional USB-to-serial adapter (sold separately). Third-party SCADA and LIMS platforms may acquire real-time temperature and RPM values using ASCII-based command protocols. The front-panel keypad and LED display provide immediate access to setpoint, actual chamber temperature, current speed, elapsed run time, and system status codes. For laboratories requiring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, Labnet offers validated firmware upgrades (v3.2+) that enable password-protected parameter locking, electronic signature capture, and tamper-evident audit trails—available under separate software license agreement.
Applications
- Microbial and mammalian cell culture expansion under controlled thermal and agitation conditions
- Western/Northern blot membrane washing with temperature-stabilized buffer exchange
- Antibody incubation and antigen-antibody binding kinetics studies
- Enzyme activity assays requiring defined thermal ramping and continuous mixing
- Sample homogenization prior to nucleic acid extraction or protein purification workflows
- Environmental microbiology studies involving thermophilic strain cultivation (up to 95 °C)
FAQ
Is the 311DS compatible with CO₂-controlled environments?
No—the 311DS is a non-CO₂, ambient-air incubator. It does not include gas inlet/outlet ports or humidity control systems.
Can the shaking speed be programmed to ramp or cycle over time?
No—speed is manually adjustable via front-panel controls and remains constant during operation. Programmable ramping requires external controller integration.
What is the maximum allowable load mass on the standard platform?
The platform is rated for up to 12 kg distributed load; exceeding this may compromise orbital consistency and thermal uniformity.
Does Labnet provide factory calibration certificates with shipment?
Yes—each unit ships with a NIST-traceable temperature calibration certificate valid for 12 months from date of manufacture.
Are replacement parts such as door gaskets or platform inserts available through authorized distributors?
Yes—all mechanical and thermal components—including I-5322 shelves, I-5331 anti-slip trays, and I-5330-series flask racks—are stocked globally and supported under Labnet’s 2-year limited warranty.
