WIGGENS WS-50D Standard Orbital Shaker

Overview

The WIGGENS WS-50D Standard Orbital Shaker is an entry-level yet rigorously engineered laboratory shaker designed for routine cell culture, microbial growth, solubility testing, and general mixing applications requiring precise orbital motion. It operates on the principle of eccentric drive-induced circular motion—generating uniform, low-shear agitation ideal for suspension cultures, enzyme assays, and reagent homogenization. Unlike reciprocating shakers, the WS-50D’s orbital motion minimizes splashing and foaming while ensuring consistent oxygen transfer across culture vessels placed on its aluminum platform. Its air-bath design provides ambient temperature operation only (no integrated heating or cooling), making it suitable for use inside incubators, cold rooms, or laminar flow hoods where external thermal control is already in place. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and is built to meet GLP-aligned operational traceability requirements when paired with validated software protocols.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor ensures maintenance-free operation, low acoustic noise (<50 dB(A) at 1 m), and exceptional mechanical stability—even at maximum speed (300 rpm).
• Digital PID-controlled speed regulation delivers ±2 rpm accuracy at 100 rpm, enabling reproducible kinetic studies and scalable process development.
• High-contrast backlit LCD display shows real-time speed, elapsed time, and remaining timer duration; all parameters adjustable via intuitive membrane keypad.
• Programmable timer supports intervals from 1 minute to 99 hours and 59 minutes, with auto-stop functionality and memory retention after power interruption.
• 30 mm standard orbital diameter optimized for compatibility with common Erlenmeyer flasks (50–1000 mL), test tubes, and multi-well plates when used with appropriate clamps or adapters.
• Robust stainless-steel housing and anodized aluminum platform resist corrosion and facilitate cleaning—critical for shared-core lab environments subject to frequent decontamination cycles.
• Configurable direction control allows forward rotation, reverse rotation, or pause-and-resume sequences—supporting advanced protocols such as alternating-phase mixing or sediment resuspension.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The WS-50D accommodates a wide range of vessel formats via optional accessories—including universal spring clamps, universal rubber mats, and pre-mounted clamp plates—enabling secure fixation of conical flasks (up to 2 L), volumetric flasks, separatory funnels, and PCR tube racks. Its 320 × 260 mm platform supports up to 7.5 kg total load under dynamic conditions. While the shaker itself does not include active temperature regulation, its low-heat-emission motor and thermally isolated electronics ensure minimal thermal drift during extended runs—a key consideration for experiments conducted within climate-controlled enclosures. The device conforms to CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2014/35/EU LVD) and carries RoHS-compliant certification. For regulated environments, users may implement manual logbook entries or integrate third-party data acquisition systems compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic record integrity.

Software & Data Management

The WS-50D operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded connectivity (e.g., USB, Ethernet, or Bluetooth). However, its digital interface supports full parameter logging via external USB data loggers or analog signal output modules (available as optional accessories). When deployed in GxP-regulated workflows, laboratories routinely pair the shaker with validated environmental monitoring systems that capture timestamped speed, runtime, and operator ID via barcode-scanned work instructions. Firmware updates are not applicable; calibration verification is performed annually using NIST-traceable tachometers per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines. All user-accessible settings are password-protected to prevent unauthorized modification—a foundational requirement for audit readiness.

Applications

• Microbial cultivation (E. coli, yeast, Bacillus spp.) in liquid media under aerobic conditions.
• Protein expression optimization through controlled induction timing and agitation rate modulation.
• Solubility and dissolution profiling of pharmaceutical compounds in buffer matrices.
• Antibody-antigen binding kinetics in microplate-based ELISA preparation steps.
• Cell detachment and passaging support prior to trypsinization or enzymatic digestion.
• Environmental microbiology sample homogenization prior to serial dilution and plating.
• Chemical synthesis reaction mixing where gentle yet continuous agitation improves yield consistency.

FAQ

Does the WS-50D include heating or cooling capability?
No—the WS-50D is an ambient-temperature-only orbital shaker. It lacks integrated Peltier elements or water-jacketed chambers. For temperature-controlled applications, it must be placed inside externally regulated environments such as CO₂ incubators or refrigerated chambers.
Can the WS-50D be used inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes, but only if the incubator maintains stable internal conditions and the shaker’s ambient +5°C minimum operating threshold is satisfied. For dedicated intra-incubator use, WIGGENS recommends the SRC-series electromagnetic-drive shakers, which feature sealed coil assemblies and remote controllers to minimize heat leakage and humidity exposure.
What is the maximum flask size supported on the standard platform?
With appropriate spring clamps, the platform securely holds up to four 1-L Erlenmeyer flasks or sixteen 125-mL flasks simultaneously. Load distribution must remain symmetrical to maintain rotational balance and avoid excessive bearing wear.
Is the timer function battery-backed?
No—the timer resets upon power loss. Users requiring uninterrupted timing should connect the unit to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or rely on external programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for mission-critical long-duration protocols.
Are calibration certificates available for purchase?
Yes—WIGGENS offers factory-issued calibration reports (traceable to DAkkS-accredited labs) for speed and timer accuracy, valid for 12 months post-issue. These documents include uncertainty budgets and are required for ISO 13485 or GLP audits.