High-Speed Microplate Shaker

What is the High-Speed Microplate Shaker?

A high-speed microplate shaker reaches 1500 rpm or more for vigorous mixing and rapid resuspension. It is chosen when pellets, precipitates or viscous reagents must be mixed quickly in small well volumes.

Overview

The high-speed microplate shaker extends the speed range to about 1500 to 2500 rpm with a small orbit of 1.5 to 2 mm, producing strong agitation in small volumes without splashing. It is used to resuspend cell pellets, dissolve reagents and break up precipitates in plate wells, where moderate speeds are too slow. A brushless motor and balanced platform handle the higher forces, and secure clips or a vacuum or magnetic plate holder keep plates in place. Closed-loop control holds speed under load, and pulse mode allows short bursts. Noise and vibration are higher than on standard models, so the unit should be firmly sited. It suits molecular, cell and immunoassay laboratories where rapid mixing saves time.

How does it work?

A microplate shaker moves a small platform at high frequency with a short orbit, typically 1.5 to 3 mm, so each well is agitated without splashing liquid out of the small volume. A brushless motor turns an eccentric bearing, and the platform is held by plate clips or a rubber mat so plates and deep-well blocks stay in place. Speed is set from about 100 to 1500 rpm and held by closed-loop control, and timers or short-run buttons provide the pulses used in assay protocols. The small orbit and high frequency create vigorous mixing at low amplitude, which is effective for resuspending pellets and mixing reagents in wells. Some models accept two or four plates at once, and platforms may be interchangeable for tubes or microtubes.

What are the key features?

• Speed range 1500 to 2500 rpm
• Small orbit of 1.5 to 2 mm
• Brushless motor with balanced platform
• Secure clips or vacuum plate holder
• Pulse mode for short bursts
• Closed-loop speed control under load

What are the technical specifications?

A typical high-speed microplate shaker configuration offers plate capacity of 1–2 plates, speed range of 1500–2500 rpm, orbit diameter of 1.5–2 mm, speed accuracy of ±10 rpm, timer range of 1 s to 99 min and pulse mode of Standard. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The High-Speed Microplate Shaker is used in cell pellet resuspension, reagent dissolution in wells, precipitate breakup, viscous sample mixing and rapid assay preparation. Across the wider Microplate Shakers class, laboratories also deploy it for ELISA plate mixing and washing, cell-based assay mixing and immunoassay incubation.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-051 and ISO 9001. Certification candidates for this model are CE, ISO 9001 manufacturing and RoHS; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Place the shaker on a level surface close to the reader or washer so plates are not carried far, and ensure plates are fully seated in the clips before starting. Do not exceed the speed rating for the plates in use, since very high speeds can splash contents or loosen seals on covered plates. Balance the platform when more than one plate is loaded. Clean spills and spills of reagents promptly, since salts and proteins corrode the platform and clips. Check clips, mats and bearings on schedule, and keep covers or seals in good condition to prevent cross-contamination between wells.

How do I select the right High-Speed Microplate Shaker?

Select the high-speed shaker when moderate speeds cannot resuspend or dissolve the contents quickly. Standard models are gentler and quieter for routine mixing. In the RFQ, specify top speed, orbit, plate holding method, timer and noise limits.

How does it compare with other Microplate Shakers variants?

Choose a microplate shaker when plates, deep-well blocks or strip wells must be mixed quickly in small volumes, as in ELISA, immunoassays and cell assays. Set the speed range from the task, using moderate speeds for gentle mixing and higher speeds for resuspension. Match the platform to the plate type and count, checking that clips or mats hold plates securely at high speed. Decide between single-plate and multi-plate platforms, and whether a timer, pulse mode or program storage is needed. Confirm the orbit suits the well volume, since too large an orbit splashes small volumes, and check noise, footprint and power supply before ordering.