Digital Microplate Shaker

What is the Digital Microplate Shaker?

A digital microplate shaker sets and holds speed and time precisely with a microprocessor controller. It is chosen when assay mixing must be reproducible and documented consistently between runs and between operators.

Overview

The digital microplate shaker replaces analog controls with a microprocessor that sets speed to 10 rpm and time precisely, holding speed by closed-loop control. The display shows speed and remaining time, and some models store several programs with different speed, time and pulse steps. Soft start reduces splashing when the plate begins to move, and an alarm can signal the end of a step. Speeds run 100 to 1500 rpm with a 2 mm orbit and a single or dual plate platform. It suits regulated assay laboratories that need consistent mixing and a record of settings, and method transfer between sites where the same plate mixing must be reproduced exactly.

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?

• Microprocessor control with 10 rpm resolution
• Closed-loop speed and time setting
• Program storage with pulse steps
• Soft start to reduce splashing
• Step-end alarm
• Single or dual plate platform

What are the technical specifications?

A typical digital microplate shaker configuration offers plate capacity of 1–2 plates, speed range of 100–1500 rpm, orbit diameter of 2 mm, speed resolution of 10 rpm, speed accuracy of ±5 rpm and timer range of 1 s to 999 min. 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 Digital Microplate Shaker is used in regulated ELISA protocols, method transfer between laboratories, timed immunoassay steps and automated multi-step mixing. 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 Digital Microplate Shaker?

Select the digital microplate shaker when reproducible speed and timing matter for assay results, or when protocols must be transferred. Analog units are cheaper for rough mixing. In the RFQ, specify speed range and resolution, programs, soft start, plate capacity and timer range.

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.