Zuofei ZTM-80 Rotating Platform Mixer

Overview

The Zuofei ZTM-80 Rotating Platform Mixer is an engineered laboratory instrument designed for gentle, uniform, and reproducible mixing of biological and chemical samples in tubes, vials, and microplates. Unlike vortex or orbital shakers, the ZTM-80 employs a rotating platform mechanism—where the sample carrier rotates about a central vertical axis while simultaneously tilting at a user-defined angle—to generate controlled laminar motion. This dual-axis motion induces both radial displacement and axial oscillation, promoting efficient homogenization without inducing shear stress sufficient to compromise cell membrane integrity or denature labile biomolecules. Its design prioritizes long-duration, low-intensity agitation ideal for applications requiring maintenance of viability (e.g., cell suspension culture), structural stability (e.g., antibody-antigen complexes), or phase consistency (e.g., immunoassay reagent preparation). The device operates continuously or within a precisely programmable time window, supporting unattended incubator-based protocols under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.

Key Features

• Gentle, low-shear mixing optimized for sensitive biological matrices—including whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), primary cultures, and enzyme-substrate systems.
• Adjustable tilt angle from 0° (horizontal rotation) to 90° (vertical end-over-end inversion), calibrated with engraved angular scale for repeatable protocol replication.
• Brushless DC motor delivering stable rotational speed across the full 10–80 rpm range, with minimal drift (< ±1 rpm) and no maintenance requirement over extended service life.
• LED digital display showing real-time speed setting and remaining timer duration; audible alert upon program completion; option to disable timer for continuous operation.
• Modular, tool-free tube holder system compatible with standard 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL, 15 mL, and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes; quick-release clamps facilitate rapid cleaning after spills or hazardous sample handling.
• Compact metal housing with reinforced base ensures mechanical stability during prolonged operation and compatibility with placement inside CO₂ incubators, cold rooms, or environmental chambers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZTM-80 supports a broad spectrum of sample formats used in clinical diagnostics, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical QC labs—including EDTA-anticoagulated blood, serum/plasma aliquots, lysates, immunoassay plates, and nucleic acid purification columns. Its gentle agitation profile aligns with common procedural requirements outlined in CLSI GP42-A4 (mixing of hematology specimens) and ISO 15189:2022 (quality requirements for medical laboratories), particularly where preservation of hematocrit integrity or avoidance of hemolysis is critical. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 or UL 61010-1 as a standalone safety-marked device, its construction adheres to general electrical safety principles for Class II laboratory equipment. No regulatory submission data (e.g., FDA 510(k), CE-IVD) is claimed; users are responsible for internal validation per their SOPs and applicable GLP/GMP frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The ZTM-80 operates as a stand-alone hardware unit with no embedded firmware or connectivity interfaces (USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet). All operational parameters—speed, tilt angle, and timer—are set manually via tactile push-button controls. The absence of software dependencies eliminates cybersecurity risks, ensures deterministic behavior, and simplifies audit trail generation in regulated environments. For traceability, users may document settings and run logs manually or integrate usage into LIMS via external timestamped entries. No electronic records are generated internally; therefore, compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 is not applicable—consistent with the regulatory classification of non-data-generating benchtop mixers under current guidance.

Applications

• Homogenization of anticoagulated blood prior to hematocrit determination or flow cytometry staining.
• Equilibration of immunoassay reagents and calibration standards to minimize sedimentation artifacts.
• Re-suspension of pelleted cells post-centrifugation without inducing aggregation or lysis.
• Facilitation of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) kinetics in analytical chemistry workflows.
• Pre-incubation mixing of ELISA plates and lateral flow assay components to enhance binding efficiency.
• Long-term agitation of tissue homogenates during protein extraction or metabolite stabilization protocols.

FAQ

Can the ZTM-80 be operated inside a CO₂ incubator?

Yes—the unit’s metal enclosure and brushless motor design allow safe operation within standard humidified CO₂ incubators (up to 40 °C, ≤95% RH), provided adequate ventilation and clearance from chamber walls are maintained.
Is the tilt angle mechanically locked at set positions?

No—angle adjustment is continuous via a precision knurled knob; the engraved scale provides visual reference but does not restrict positioning.
Does the device support multi-speed ramping or programmable profiles?

No—it maintains a single user-selected constant speed throughout the run; no acceleration/deceleration or multi-step sequencing is available.
What maintenance is required for the motor?

None—the brushless DC motor is sealed and rated for >20,000 hours of continuous operation without lubrication or replacement.
Are custom tube holders available beyond the standard configurations?

Yes—Zuofei offers OEM-compatible adapters for microtiter plates (96-well, 384-well), PCR strips, and cryovials upon request; contact technical support for dimensional specifications and lead time.