Benchtop Reciprocating Shaker

What is the Benchtop Reciprocating Shaker?

A benchtop reciprocating shaker is a compact linear-motion unit for routine washing, extraction and staining. It is chosen for small vessel sets and individual workstations where modest loads are handled several times a day.

Overview

The benchtop reciprocal shaker places a 250 to 400 mm platform on a compact base, with strokes of 10 to 30 mm and speeds of 20 to 250 strokes per minute. It holds trays, racks or a few flasks with clips, and load ratings run 2 to 8 kg. A brushless motor drives a crank and slider, and a linear guide keeps the platform straight. Digital timers and closed-loop speed control are common, and some models offer a soft start. Power is modest, usually 40 to 120 W. The simple platform accepts trays for staining or racks for tubes, and it is often used alongside an incubator when temperature control is needed. It suits small-batch extraction, gel washing and routine staining.

How does it work?

A reciprocal shaker converts rotary motor motion into linear motion with a crank and slider or an eccentric link, so the platform moves back and forth along one axis. Stroke length is set by the crank radius and typically ranges from 10 to 50 mm, while speed is set in strokes per minute from about 20 to 300. The back-and-forth movement creates shear at the liquid surface and along the vessel wall, which helps with washing, extraction and mixing of viscous samples where orbital motion alone is too gentle. A guide rail or linear bearing keeps the platform straight, and a counterweight or dual-opposed platform reduces vibration. Closed-loop control holds speed against load, timers run the cycle, and clamps or trays secure vessels so they do not slide with the motion.

What are the key features?

• Platform of 250 to 400 mm
• Stroke of 10 to 30 mm
• Speed 20 to 250 strokes per minute
• Load rating of 2 to 8 kg
• Crank and slider with linear guide
• Digital timer and closed-loop speed control

What are the technical specifications?

A typical benchtop reciprocating shaker configuration offers platform size of 250×250 to 400×400 mm, stroke length of 10–30 mm, speed range of 20–250 strokes/min, load rating of 2–8 kg, speed accuracy of ±1 stroke/min and timer range of 1 min to 99 h. 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 Benchtop Reciprocating Shaker is used in small-batch extraction, gel washing and staining, routine tube mixing and teaching laboratory work. Across the wider Reciprocal Shakers class, laboratories also deploy it for washing and rinsing of samples, liquid-liquid and solid-liquid extraction and staining and destaining procedures.

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.

Clamp or tray every vessel so it cannot slide with the reciprocating motion, and load the platform symmetrically to reduce vibration. Place the unit on a level, rigid surface with clearance for the moving platform, since reciprocal action can transmit vibration to the bench. Stay within the load rating at the working stroke and speed, and use a soft start or lower speed when vessels are full. Clean spills promptly to protect the rails and clamps. Lubricate or inspect the linear bearings and guides on schedule, check belts and fasteners for wear, and replace worn clamps that no longer hold vessels firmly.

How do I select the right Benchtop Reciprocating Shaker?

Select the benchtop reciprocal shaker for small platforms and light loads where linear shear helps. Heavy or large-format work needs a heavy-duty model. In the RFQ, specify platform size, stroke, speed, load, clamp or tray type and power supply.

How does it compare with other Reciprocal Shakers variants?

Choose a reciprocal shaker when linear shear is wanted rather than swirling, as in washing, extraction, staining and some homogenization steps. Set the stroke length from the vessel and the shear needed, since longer strokes move the liquid more but can splash, and set the speed from the method. Match the platform and clamps to the vessels, and the load rating to the total mass at the chosen speed. Decide between a single and an opposed dual platform, where the second platform balances the first and reduces vibration. Confirm the duty cycle for long runs, and specify the timer, soft start and power supply.