LAUDA Varioshake VS 15 O Orbital Shaker

Overview

The LAUDA Varioshake VS 15 O Orbital Shaker is a precision-engineered laboratory shaker designed for consistent, low-vibration orbital motion in life science and bioengineering applications. Utilizing a robust Cuette-type orbital drive mechanism—characterized by smooth, circular motion without vertical displacement—the instrument ensures uniform mixing, suspension stabilization, and homogeneous sample agitation across diverse vessel formats. Its compact footprint and rigid mechanical architecture minimize operational noise and structural resonance, making it suitable for shared lab environments and continuous-duty incubator integration. The shaker operates within an ambient temperature range of 10–50 °C and is rated for sustained use under variable load conditions up to 8 kg, maintaining speed constancy independent of mass distribution—a critical requirement for reproducible microbial cultivation, reagent preparation, and solvent extraction protocols.

Key Features

• Orbital motion platform with 30 mm nominal amplitude (adjustable via firmware calibration), delivering gentle yet effective mixing for sensitive biological cultures and viscous solutions.
• Dual-line LCD display showing both setpoint and real-time oscillation frequency (20–300 rpm) with 1.0 rpm resolution; extended operational range up to 500 rpm available via configuration.
• Microprocessor-controlled timing system with programmable duration from 1 minute to 99 hours 59 minutes—or infinite continuous operation mode.
• Anodized aluminum shaking platform with four integrated polymer retaining pins for secure placement of flasks, tubes, and microplates.
• Electrogalvanized steel housing with durable epoxy-polyester powder coating, resistant to common laboratory solvents and cleaning agents.
• Thermally protected AC motor with dynamic load compensation, ensuring stable rotational velocity regardless of payload asymmetry or viscosity changes.
• Integrated mass-balancing system minimizes mechanical wear and enhances long-term repeatability over thousands of operating cycles.
• Optional RS-232 serial interface enables remote parameter setting, data logging, and integration into centralized lab automation frameworks compliant with ASTM E2500 and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VS 15 O accommodates standard laboratory vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), culture tubes, deep-well plates, and custom trays via interchangeable accessory kits. Its 330 × 330 mm platform supports universal mounting configurations—including adhesive pads (A000041), non-slip tray carriers (A000042), oscillating platforms (A000045), and universal support trays (A000049)—enabling adaptation to microbiological, clinical diagnostics, and synthetic chemistry workflows. The device conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for electrical equipment used in laboratory environments and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Class B limits per EN 61326-1. When operated inside environmental chambers or incubators, it satisfies GLP-compliant temperature stability criteria under USP analytical instrument qualification guidelines.

Software & Data Management

While the VS 15 O operates as a stand-alone unit with embedded firmware, its optional RS-232 port allows bidirectional communication with host PCs running LAUDA’s proprietary LabControl Suite or third-party LIMS-compatible software. This interface supports timestamped event logging (start/stop/timer expiration), frequency deviation alerts, and audit-trail generation aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures. All parameter changes are logged with user ID, timestamp, and pre/post values—facilitating traceability during method validation and routine QC reviews.

Applications

• Bacterial and yeast suspension culture in aerobic bioreactor pre-conditioning and inoculum expansion.
• Homogenization of immunoassay reagents and antibody conjugates prior to ELISA plate dispensing.
• Solvent-based extractions (e.g., phenol-chloroform DNA isolation) requiring phase separation without emulsion formation.
• Prevention of particle sedimentation in nanoparticle suspensions, colloidal dispersions, and cell lysates.
• Pre-analytical sample preparation for HPLC, GC-MS, and flow cytometry workflows.
• Accelerated dissolution testing of pharmaceutical excipients under controlled thermal-shaking conditions when coupled with LAUDA refrigerated circulators.

FAQ

Is the VS 15 O compatible with CO₂ incubators?

Yes—its sealed electronics, low heat dissipation (0.07 kW max), and absence of internal fans allow safe integration into humidified CO₂ incubators operating at 37 °C and 5% CO₂.
Can the amplitude be adjusted beyond the default 30 mm setting?

The mechanical amplitude is fixed at 30 mm; however, effective mixing intensity can be modulated via frequency selection (20–300 rpm) and accessory choice (e.g., high-friction pads or multi-tier clamping systems).
Does the shaker support GLP-compliant electronic record keeping?

When equipped with the RS-232 interface and paired with validated software, it supports full audit trails, electronic signatures, and data export in CSV or XML format per 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

No routine lubrication is needed. Annual verification of motor torque response, display calibration, and timer accuracy is recommended using LAUDA-certified service procedures.
Are replacement trays or custom fixtures available?

Yes—LAUDA offers OEM-manufactured accessories including autoclavable stainless-steel trays, magnetic bead separation holders, and ISO 5 cleanroom-rated vibration-dampened mounts upon request.