TAITEC E-36 Microplate and Tube Shaker

Overview

The TAITEC E-36 Microplate and Tube Shaker is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible horizontal eccentric oscillation in life science laboratories. Designed specifically for high-throughput sample preparation workflows, it delivers controlled mechanical agitation to standard 96-well microplates, deep-well plates, and microcentrifuge tubes (0.5 mL and 1.5 mL formats). Its dual-range speed architecture—300–1000 rpm (low) and 1200–2500 rpm (high)—enables stable, low-shear mixing for delicate assays (e.g., ELISA wash steps) as well as vigorous dissolution of recalcitrant samples (e.g., enzymatic digestion of mouse tail tissue or crystalline compound dispersion). The shaker operates on a rigid aluminum chassis with precision-machined eccentric drive mechanics, ensuring minimal vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation and consistent amplitude across the entire platform surface. Unlike orbital or reciprocating shakers, the E-36’s horizontal eccentric motion generates uniform shear distribution across all wells—critical for applications requiring inter-well homogeneity, such as nucleic acid extraction and phage panning.

Key Features

• Dual-speed oscillation control: Independent low- and high-range modes (300–1000 rpm / 1200–2500 rpm) enable optimized agitation for diverse sample viscosities and container types.
• One-touch platform engagement: Quick-release mechanism allows rapid installation and removal of microplates or accessory platforms without tools—reducing handling time during multi-step protocols.
• Modular accessory compatibility: Supports TAITEC-certified accessories including EM-0836 (0.5 mL tube holder), EM-1036/EM-1040 (1.5 mL tube arrays), and WP-9602 (deep-well plate stabilization platform), ensuring secure retention under high-speed operation.
• Programmable 60-minute timer: Offers both continuous operation and timed runs (5–60 min increments), supporting unattended execution of standardized incubation-wash cycles in regulated environments.
• Compact benchtop footprint (300 × 205 × 115 mm) and lightweight design (~5 kg) facilitate integration into biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or automated workstations.
• Universal power input (AC 100–220 V) ensures global deployment without voltage conversion hardware.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The E-36 accommodates standard ANSI/SBS-compliant 96-well microplates (flat-bottom, U/V-bottom, PCR plates) and deep-well plates up to 2 mL capacity when used with the WP-9602 platform. For tube-based workflows, it supports 0.5 mL and 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes arranged in 36- or 40-position configurations via dedicated aluminum holders. All accessories are manufactured from anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance and ease of decontamination. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries CE marking for use in EU-based GLP and GMP laboratories. While not inherently temperature-controlled, its mechanical stability permits integration with external environmental chambers where ambient temperature management is required per protocol (e.g., cold-stage ELISA processing).

Software & Data Management

The E-36 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware or digital interface; all parameter selection—including speed range toggling and timer activation—is executed via tactile push-button controls. This analog architecture eliminates software validation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and simplifies qualification in ISO 17025-accredited testing labs. For audit-trail documentation, users may log operational parameters (start time, duration, speed mode) manually or integrate the shaker into LIMS via external timer logs or PLC-triggered event stamps. Optional TAITEC MaxMixer series controllers (e.g., EVR-032, EVR-034) provide enhanced tube/plate-specific motion profiles but are not required for core E-36 functionality.

Applications

• Nucleic acid isolation: Efficient lysis and binding buffer mixing in silica-membrane spin-column and magnetic bead-based DNA/RNA extraction kits.
• Immunoassay processing: Consistent washing of ELISA plates to minimize background and improve signal-to-noise ratios.
• Phage display library screening: High-stringency elution and recovery steps requiring uniform agitation across 96-well formats.
• Tissue digestion optimization: Controlled enzymatic dissociation of fibrous samples (e.g., mouse tail, plant callus) without foaming or aerosol generation.
• Material science pre-processing: Homogenization of piezoelectric crystal suspensions prior to coating or deposition—used in semiconductor R&D cleanrooms.
• QC/QA sample re-suspension: Reproducible redispersion of lyophilized standards or reference materials in clinical diagnostics labs.

FAQ

Can the E-36 accommodate deep-well plates without additional accessories?
No. Deep-well plates require the WP-9602 platform for secure fixation and optimal energy transfer at high speeds.
Is the E-36 compatible with non-TAITEC microplate brands?
Yes—provided they conform to ANSI/SBS dimensional standards (127.76 × 85.48 mm footprint); however, fitment verification is recommended for plates with non-standard skirt heights or rim geometries.
Does the shaker generate audible noise above regulatory limits in shared lab spaces?
At maximum speed (2500 rpm), sound pressure level is ≤58 dB(A) at 1 m distance—within typical ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom ambient noise specifications.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual inspection of eccentric drive coupling and platform mounting screws is advised; no lubrication or calibration is necessary under normal usage conditions.
Can the timer be disabled for continuous operation?
Yes—the timer switch has a “CONT” position that bypasses timing logic and sustains oscillation until manually stopped.