Stackable Orbital Shaker

What is the Stackable Orbital Shaker?

A stackable orbital shaker is designed to be stacked two or three high to multiply mixing capacity in a small footprint. It is chosen in busy laboratories where bench and floor space is scarce.

Overview

The stackable orbital shaker is built with a reinforced frame, matched footprint and a stacking kit so two or three units can sit one above another. Each has its own drive and controller, so platforms run independently and a fault in one does not stop the others. Platforms of 400 to 600 mm carry 5 to 20 kg at 20 to 300 rpm with orbits of 19 to 25 mm, and front access allows loading without disturbing other units. Casters or a stacking frame simplify installation and service. Higher stacking raises the center of gravity, so the assembly must be level and stable. It suits culture rooms and high-throughput laboratories that need more mixing capacity without more floor area.

How does it work?

An orbital shaker turns an eccentric bearing with a motor, converting rotation into a circular motion of the platform. The offset between the motor axis and the platform center sets the orbit diameter, usually 10 to 50 mm, and the speed is set by the controller. A brushless motor drives through a belt or directly, and sealed bearings support the load so the unit can run for long periods. Closed-loop speed control measures rpm with a tachometer or Hall sensor and corrects against load changes. Platforms bolt to the drive and accept flask clamps, tube racks, trays or bottle holders. A timer or programmable controller runs the cycle, and some models add a soft start, which brings the platform up to speed gradually to avoid spilling liquid from flasks.

What are the key features?

• Reinforced frame for two or three units
• Matched footprint and stacking kit
• Independent drive and controller per unit
• Front access without disturbing others
• Platform of 400 to 600 mm, load 5 to 20 kg
• Casters or frame for service access

What are the technical specifications?

A typical stackable orbital shaker configuration offers platform size of 400×400 to 600×600 mm, stacking capacity of 2–3 units, speed range of 20–300 rpm, orbit diameter of 19–25 mm, load rating of 5–20 kg and drive type of Brushless motor, belt or magnetic. 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 Stackable Orbital Shaker is used in busy culture rooms, high-throughput mixing, parallel extraction experiments and laboratories short of bench space. Across the wider Orbital Shakers class, laboratories also deploy it for bacterial and yeast culture, liquid-liquid extraction and staining and destaining of gels.

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.

Balance the platform by loading symmetrically, since an uneven load causes vibration, noise and rapid bearing wear, and can move the unit across the bench. Stay within the load rating at the chosen speed and start with a soft or low-speed ramp when flasks are filled. Site the shaker on a level, stable surface with clearance for ventilation and moving parts, and never operate it with the platform unsecured. Clean spills promptly, because media and reagents corrode clamps and platforms. Inspect belts, bearings and clamps on schedule, and check feet and fasteners for loosening that would worsen vibration.

How do I select the right Stackable Orbital Shaker?

Select a stackable shaker when capacity must grow without more bench or floor area, or when several independent platforms are needed together. Confirm stack kit, floor loading and ventilation between units. In the RFQ, specify units, platform size, load, speed and orbit.

How does it compare with other Orbital Shakers variants?

Choose an orbital shaker for smooth, gentle mixing that suits culture and extraction, and pick the orbit diameter for the application: 10 to 19 mm for gentle work, 19 to 25 mm for most culture and mixing, and 25 to 50 mm for large volumes needing strong agitation. Match the load rating to the heaviest flask set at the working speed, since ratings fall as speed rises. Decide the platform size and clamp types, then the drive and control features, such as closed-loop speed, soft start, timer and duty cycle. For continuous operation, specify a unit rated for it. Confirm power, footprint and whether stacking or a larger platform is needed.