OHAUS e-E51LDMP03 ZH Microplate Shaker

Overview

The OHAUS e-E51LDMP03 ZH Microplate Shaker is an orbital shaker engineered for precision mixing, incubation support, and uniform agitation of microplate-based assays in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled circular orbital motion—generating a consistent 3 mm orbit diameter—to ensure homogeneous suspension of cells, reagents, or immunoassay components without vortexing or splashing. Designed for integration into high-throughput workflows, it supports standardized microplate formats (including 96-well, 384-well, and deep-well plates) as well as microcentrifuge tube racks, enabling flexible use across ELISA, cell culture maintenance, protein binding studies, nucleic acid hybridization, and enzymatic reaction optimization. Its brushless DC motor and triple-eccentric-axis drive system deliver low-vibration, high-reproducibility motion over extended durations—critical for kinetic assays requiring stable thermal and mechanical conditions.

Key Features

• Orbital motion with precisely maintained 3 mm diameter orbit—optimized for gentle yet effective mixing of low-volume samples in microplates.
• Wide speed range (100–1,200 rpm) with high-resolution digital control and real-time backlit LCD display showing both speed and remaining time simultaneously.
• Extended timer functionality: programmable from 1 minute to 99 hours and 59 minutes—suitable for overnight incubations and long-term kinetic experiments.
• Aerospace-grade anodized aluminum tray—chemically resistant, non-porous, and easily decontaminated between runs per GLP-compliant lab protocols.
• Triple-eccentric-axis balanced drive mechanism coupled with brushless DC motor ensures minimal mechanical drift, reduced heat generation, and >10,000-hour operational lifespan.
• IP21-rated enclosure provides protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects ≥12.5 mm—appropriate for general laboratory environments including cold rooms and biosafety cabinets.
• RS232 interface enables bidirectional communication: remote parameter setting, real-time status monitoring, and timestamped event logging for audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when integrated with validated LIMS or ELN systems.
• Soft-start acceleration profile prevents sample splashing during ramp-up—particularly beneficial for viscous buffers, antibody solutions, and fragile cell suspensions.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The e-E51LDMP03 ZH accommodates up to four standard microplates (SBS-format compatible) or two microtube racks (e.g., 0.2 mL or 1.5 mL tubes) on its 280 mm × 197 mm tray. Its compact footprint (420 mm × 262 mm base) allows placement beneath laminar flow hoods or inside temperature-controlled chambers. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and carries TÜV certification for conformity with European safety directives. While not classified as medical device hardware, its design supports ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments where instrument traceability, calibration stability, and operational repeatability are required. Routine verification can be performed using NIST-traceable tachometers and calibrated timers.

Software & Data Management

Through the RS232 serial interface, the shaker supports ASCII-based command protocols for integration into automated lab networks. Compatible software tools—including OHAUS-provided configuration utilities and third-party LabVIEW or Python-based drivers—enable script-driven scheduling, failure-event logging (e.g., timeout, motor stall), and synchronization with environmental sensors. All logged data include UTC timestamps, operator ID fields (when authenticated via external system), and checksum-verified transmission—facilitating compliance with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Audit trail records retain immutable entries for speed changes, timer resets, and power-cycle events, satisfying GxP documentation expectations in regulated biopharma QC labs.

Applications

• ELISA and other immunoassays requiring uniform antigen–antibody binding kinetics.
• Molecular biology workflows: hybridization steps in Southern/Northern blotting, DNA denaturation/renaturation, and probe labeling reactions.
• Cell-based assays: gentle resuspension of adherent or suspension cultures prior to harvesting or staining.
• Protein biochemistry: solubilization of inclusion bodies, ligand-binding equilibrium studies, and enzyme activity profiling under controlled agitation.
• Environmental and food microbiology: bacterial enrichment in microplate formats for rapid pathogen detection.
• Chemical synthesis screening: parallel small-volume reaction mixing in combinatorial chemistry platforms.

FAQ

What microplate formats are supported?
Standard SBS-compliant plates (96-well, 384-well, and deep-well) and ANSI/SLAS-formatted tube racks for 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, and 1.5 mL microtubes.

Is the shaker suitable for use inside CO₂ incubators?
No—its operating temperature range is −10°C to +40°C and it lacks ingress protection beyond IP21; it is not rated for humidified, elevated-CO₂ environments.

Can speed and time be adjusted during operation?
Yes—both parameters are fully adjustable in real time via front-panel controls without interrupting the shaking cycle.

Does the unit support external triggering or synchronization?
Not natively; however, RS232 commands allow external systems to initiate, pause, or modify settings programmatically within defined protocol sequences.

What maintenance is required?
Annual verification of speed accuracy using a certified tachometer and visual inspection of tray mounting integrity; no lubrication or belt replacement is needed due to brushless motor architecture.