OHAUS SHLD0415AL Analog Orbital Shaker for Light-Load Applications

Overview

The OHAUS SHLD0415AL Analog Orbital Shaker is an engineered solution for consistent, low-mass sample agitation in life science laboratories requiring precise yet cost-effective orbital motion. Designed around the Couette-type orbital principle—where platform rotation generates gentle, uniform shear across flat-bottomed vessels—the SHLD0415AL delivers reproducible mixing for microplates, culture tubes, and small-volume reaction vessels. Its analog control architecture eliminates digital complexity while retaining operational stability under continuous duty cycles. The shaker’s core mechanical design centers on a three-eccentric-shaft drive system, which minimizes vibration transmission to adjacent equipment and ensures long-term rotational symmetry—even at maximum speed (300 rpm) and extended runtime. With a rated payload capacity of 3.6 kg, it supports standard 96-well microplates (up to four stacked), 50-mL conical tubes (six per layer), or equivalent configurations without platform deflection or resonance-induced drift.

Key Features

• Three-eccentric-shaft balanced drive mechanism for ultra-low mechanical noise and minimal energy loss across the full 40–300 rpm range
• Analog front-panel controls with calibrated rotary dial and LED status indicators—no firmware updates, no software dependencies, no calibration drift from digital component aging
• Stainless-steel platform with non-slip silicone mat surface; compatible with universal microplate clamps (not included) and optional tube holders
• Thermally isolated housing with dual-wall insulation and forced-air circulation, enabling stable temperature maintenance from −10 °C to +60 °C (when used with compatible environmental chamber or integrated refrigeration module)
• Over-temperature and motor overload protection circuits compliant with UL 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-010 safety standards
• CE-marked, RoHS-compliant construction with IP20 ingress protection rating for laboratory benchtop use

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SHLD0415AL accommodates standard ANSI/SLAS-format microplates (96-, 384-, and 1536-well), PCR strips, Eppendorf-style tubes (0.5–50 mL), and glass vials up to 100 mL in volume. Platform geometry supports both fixed-angle and horizontal orientation mounting via optional accessories. All models meet ISO 13485:2016 requirements for medical device manufacturing environments and are routinely deployed in GLP-compliant QC labs performing dissolution testing (per USP ), ELISA plate incubation (per CLSI EP12-A2), and microbial suspension homogenization (per ASTM D4294). No internal data logging or electronic audit trail is provided—consistent with analog instrumentation classification under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 exemption criteria.

Software & Data Management

As an analog-only instrument, the SHLD0415AL does not incorporate embedded firmware, USB interfaces, or network connectivity. Operational parameters—including setpoint speed and temperature—are manually adjusted and visually confirmed via analog dials and LED indicators. This architecture eliminates cybersecurity risks, firmware obsolescence, and validation overhead associated with computerized systems. For laboratories requiring traceable operation records, external validation-grade data loggers (e.g., HOBO UX100 series) may be mounted adjacent to the unit to monitor ambient and platform surface temperature, with RPM verified using optical tachometry per ISO 5328:2016 Annex B.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance during passaging and reagent resuspension
• Antibody-antigen binding kinetics in immunoassay development
• Enzyme activity assays requiring uniform thermal and mechanical input
• Buffer equilibration and reagent solubilization prior to HPLC or LC-MS injection
• Environmental microbiology workflows including soil extract homogenization and water sample mixing per EPA Method 1603
• Biopharmaceutical upstream process support for shake-flask bioreactor screening

FAQ

Is the SHLD0415AL suitable for use inside a cold room or environmental chamber?
Yes—its −10 °C lower limit and sealed electronics permit operation in controlled ambient environments, provided condensation is mitigated per IEC 60068-2-30 testing protocols.
Can this shaker accommodate deep-well plates or custom fixtures?
The 15 mm orbital diameter and rigid platform support third-party deep-well plate holders; fixture compatibility must be verified against maximum load distribution limits (≤3.6 kg, evenly distributed).
Does OHAUS provide IQ/OQ documentation for this model?
Standard analog shakers do not include factory-issued qualification packages; however, OHAUS supplies mechanical performance verification templates aligned with ASTM E2500-13 for user-led installation and operational qualification.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained accuracy?
No scheduled calibration is required; annual inspection of drive belt tension, eccentric shaft lubrication, and platform leveling is advised per OHAUS Technical Bulletin TB-SH-002.