Truelab OS-20 / OS-30 Orbital Shaker

Overview

The Truelab OS-20 and OS-30 orbital shakers are compact, microprocessor-controlled laboratory instruments engineered for consistent, low-shear mixing of liquid samples in biological, microbiological, and clinical applications. Utilizing a true orbital motion principle—where the platform rotates in a horizontal circular path without vertical displacement—these shakers generate gentle yet effective agitation ideal for cell culture maintenance, bacterial suspension, enzyme assays, and reagent homogenization. Unlike reciprocating or vortex shakers, orbital motion minimizes foaming and shear stress on sensitive biological entities such as mammalian cells or protein complexes. The devices feature a robust aluminum alloy chassis with an integrated heat-dissipating design, enabling stable operation across ambient and refrigerated environments—including placement inside cold rooms (4 °C) or environmental chambers (up to 45 °C). Both models employ brushless DC motors, eliminating carbon brush wear and ensuring long-term speed stability, low electromagnetic interference, and silent operation (<45 dB(A) at 200 rpm).

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based digital control system with LED display showing real-time speed (rpm) and remaining timer duration
• Precise speed regulation via closed-loop feedback, maintaining ±1 rpm accuracy across the full range (OS-20: 50–300 rpm; OS-30: 50–250 rpm)
• Programmable timer with 1-minute resolution, supporting durations from 1 minute to 99 hours and 59 minutes; auto-shutdown with audible alert upon completion
• Low-profile, space-saving footprint (285 × 265 × 90 mm) suitable for biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, and stacked benchtop configurations
• Interchangeable platform accessories—including adjustable flask clamps (OS-B), conical flask holders (OS-A, OS-C), and flat plate trays (OS-D)—supporting vessels from 15 mL tubes to 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks
• IP20-rated enclosure with overheat protection and motor stall detection for unattended overnight operation under GLP-compliant workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The OS-20/OS-30 accommodates standard laboratory glassware and plastic containers used in life science workflows, including centrifuge tubes, multi-well plates (with optional tray), culture flasks, and serum bottles. Its 20 mm (OS-20) and 30 mm (OS-30) orbit diameters provide optimized mixing efficiency for volumes ranging from 5 mL to 250 mL per vessel. The shakers comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meet EMC requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. While not certified for ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, the firmware architecture supports audit-trail-capable data logging when integrated with validated third-party LIMS or ELN systems—a common configuration in GMP-aligned QC labs performing microbial enumeration (e.g., ISO 4833-1) or media preparation (USP ).

Software & Data Management

These shakers operate as standalone instruments with no embedded connectivity (USB/Ethernet). However, analog output signals (0–5 V DC proportional to actual rpm) are available via optional rear-panel terminals for integration into SCADA or PLC-based monitoring networks. For traceability, users may document operational parameters—including setpoint rpm, timer value, start/stop timestamps, and ambient temperature—manually or via external barcode-scanned logbooks compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. Firmware version and calibration status can be verified through a factory-accessible service menu, supporting periodic verification per internal SOPs.

Applications

• Maintenance of aerobic bacterial cultures (e.g., E. coli, Bacillus subtilis) in LB or TB media
• Preparation of uniform suspensions for colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration per ISO 6887-1
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing using broth microdilution formats
• Antigen-antibody incubation steps in ELISA workflow optimization
• Cell detachment support during passaging of adherent lines (e.g., HEK293, HeLa) prior to trypsinization
• Buffer equilibration and reagent solubilization in molecular biology workflows (e.g., lysis buffer prep, restriction digest setup)

FAQ

Can the OS-20/OS-30 be operated inside a 4 °C cold room?

Yes—the unit is rated for continuous operation between 4 °C and 45 °C ambient temperature, with condensation-resistant PCB layout and non-hygroscopic housing materials.
Is speed calibration traceable to national standards?

Factory calibration uses a NIST-traceable optical tachometer; end-users may perform field verification with handheld laser tachometers meeting ISO 5328:2016 Class 1 specifications.
What is the maximum flask size supported on the OS-C clamp?

The OS-C conical flask holder accommodates up to six 250 mL Erlenmeyer flasks (standard 24/40 neck) with secure rubber-grip retention.
Does the shaker support password-protected parameter locking?

No—parameter access is unrestricted by default; institutional IT policies recommend physical access control or procedural SOPs to prevent unauthorized setting changes.
Are stainless steel platforms available as an option?

Yes—custom-order stainless steel platforms (AISI 304) are available upon request for enhanced corrosion resistance in high-humidity or saline solution applications.