Maplelab MTR-2D 6-Axis Digital Rotational Mixer
| Brand | Maplelab |
|---|---|
| Model | MTR-2D |
| Instrument Type | Rotational Mixer (Roller Mixer) |
| Timing Range | 1–540 min |
| Rotational Speed | 5–120 rpm |
| Oscillation Amplitude | 13 mm |
| Number of Roller Shafts | 6 |
| Load Capacity | 10 kg |
| Roller Dimensions | 340 × 30 mm (L × D) |
| Unit Dimensions (W × D × H) | 286 × 556 × 98 mm |
| Net Weight | 7 kg |
| Power Supply | DC 12 V, 5 A |
| Direction Control | Bidirectional (CW/CCW) with Programmable Alternating Mode |
| Timer for Direction Switching | 5–120 min |
| Operating Temperature | Ambient |
Overview
The Maplelab MTR-2D is a precision-engineered 6-axis digital rotational mixer designed for consistent, low-shear homogenization of biological and biochemical samples in research, clinical, and quality control laboratories. Unlike orbital shakers or vortex mixers, the MTR-2D employs coaxial rotational motion—where sample tubes or bottles rotate synchronously with independently driven rollers—ensuring gentle yet thorough mixing without foaming, phase separation, or particle sedimentation. Its dual-mode operation supports both pure rolling (zero angular oscillation) for powder dispersion and angled-axis rotation (±2° offset) to introduce controlled vertical displacement, enhancing suspension stability for viscous fluids, cryopreserved specimens, and heterogeneous suspensions such as whole blood, cell pellets, agarose gels, and solid-liquid composites. The device operates exclusively at ambient temperature, making it ideal for temperature-sensitive applications where thermal drift must be avoided—including post-thaw resuspension, antibody conjugation, ELISA plate preparation, and reagent reconstitution.
Key Features
- Six independently aligned roller shafts (340 mm length × 30 mm diameter) engineered for uniform torque distribution and mechanical stability under full 10 kg load.
- Digital speed control across a calibrated range of 5–120 rpm, with ±1 rpm repeatability verified per ISO 8573-1 calibration protocols.
- Bidirectional programmable rotation: users select continuous clockwise (CW), counterclockwise (CCW), or alternating direction mode with user-defined interval timing (5–120 minutes).
- Integrated microprocessor-based timer supporting up to 540 minutes (9 hours) of uninterrupted operation, with auto-shutdown and memory retention for last-used settings.
- Modular roller spacing design allows manual adjustment to accommodate tubes up to 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes or multi-well plates—no adapters required.
- Low-noise brushless DC motor (12 V, 5 A) ensures electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliance and long-term operational reliability in shared lab environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MTR-2D accommodates standard laboratory vessels including 0.5–50 mL round-bottom and conical tubes, glass vials, PCR strips, and shallow-format microplates. Its non-contact, gravity-driven mixing mechanism eliminates risk of cross-contamination and preserves sterility when used inside biosafety cabinets or cold rooms. The instrument meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and conforms to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restriction. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments, its repeatable timing and directional control support GLP-aligned documentation workflows. When paired with validated SOPs, the MTR-2D satisfies method suitability criteria outlined in USP “Performance Verification of Laboratory Equipment” for mixing devices used in analytical sample preparation.
Software & Data Management
The MTR-2D operates via embedded firmware with no external software dependency. All parameters—including speed, duration, direction sequence, and alternation intervals—are configured directly through the front-panel keypad and LCD display. The system logs runtime data (start time, total elapsed time, direction switches) in volatile memory, accessible via diagnostic mode for internal QA review. Though not FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant out-of-the-box, audit trail functionality can be integrated into broader LIMS or ELN systems via optional RS-232 or TTL serial interface (available upon request). Firmware updates are performed offline using USB-to-serial dongles, ensuring traceability and version control in regulated environments.
Applications
- Resuspension of thawed cryopreserved cell cultures and tissue homogenates without mechanical shear damage.
- Uniform dispersion of lyophilized reagents, antibodies, and enzyme conjugates in low-volume buffers.
- Pre-analytical processing of whole blood samples prior to serum separation or flow cytometry staining.
- Homogenization of high-viscosity formulations including hydrogels, polymer solutions, and nanoparticle suspensions.
- Accelerated dissolution testing of solid dosage forms during pharmaceutical development.
- Long-duration incubation-mixing protocols for immunoassay development and antigen-antibody binding kinetics studies.
FAQ
What tube sizes are compatible with the MTR-2D without adapters?
Standard configurations support 0.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes up to 50 mL conical tubes; roller spacing is manually adjustable to optimize contact pressure.
Can the MTR-2D operate continuously beyond 9 hours?
Yes—the 540-minute timer is a safety limit; after expiration, the unit halts but may be manually restarted for extended runs.
Is the 13 mm oscillation amplitude adjustable?
No—the 13 mm value reflects peak vertical displacement under angled-axis mode; pure rolling mode produces zero vertical displacement.
Does the MTR-2D include overload or stall protection?
Yes—the motor driver incorporates current-limiting circuitry that automatically reduces output torque if resistance exceeds 10 kg equivalent load.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual inspection of roller shaft alignment and belt tension (if equipped); no lubrication is required due to sealed bearing construction.
