Large-Platform Orbital Shaker

What is the Large-Platform Orbital Shaker?

A large-platform orbital shaker provides a wide working area for many flasks or large trays at once. It is chosen when the vessel footprint, not the weight, is the reason a smaller shaker will not do.

Overview

The large-platform shaker emphasizes working area, with platforms of 700 to 1200 mm that hold many flasks, large trays or several carboys. Load ratings of 20 to 60 kg and speeds of 20 to 250 rpm with orbits of 25 to 50 mm suit bulky, moderate-weight loads. The drive uses strong bearings and, often, a magnetic coupling or heavy belt to move the wide platform without flexing. Closed-loop control, soft start and a timer are standard, and some models allow a second tier. Because the platform is wide, the base must be rigid and level to keep the outer edges moving evenly. It suits extraction trays, large-format staining, bulk sample mixing and scale-up culture where area is the limiting factor.

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?

• Wide platform of 700 to 1200 mm
• Load rating of 20 to 60 kg
• Speed 20 to 250 rpm with 25 to 50 mm orbit
• Magnetic or heavy belt drive with strong bearings
• Rigid, level base for even edge motion
• Optional second tier for more area

What are the technical specifications?

A typical large-platform orbital shaker configuration offers platform size of 700×700 to 1200×1200 mm, speed range of 20–250 rpm, orbit diameter of 25–50 mm, load rating of 20–60 kg, drive type of Magnetic or heavy belt and duty cycle of Continuous. 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 Large-Platform Orbital Shaker is used in tray-based extraction, large-format staining and blotting, bulk sample mixing and scale-up culture with many flasks. 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 Large-Platform Orbital Shaker?

Select the large-platform shaker when the working area is the constraint, such as trays, large gels or many flasks spread out. Heavy small loads are better served by a heavy-duty model. In the RFQ, specify platform size, load mass, speed and orbit, and whether a second tier is needed.

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.