Adjustable-Stroke Reciprocating Shaker

What is the Adjustable-Stroke Reciprocating Shaker?

An adjustable-stroke reciprocating shaker lets the operator change stroke length as well as speed for different methods. It is chosen when one unit must cover both gentle and vigorous linear agitation methods.

Overview

This shaker allows the stroke length to be changed, either continuously or in steps, by adjusting the crank radius or the link point. Stroke settings of about 10 to 50 mm let one unit cover gentle washing, where a short stroke avoids splashing, and vigorous extraction, where a long stroke moves the liquid strongly. Speed remains independently adjustable from 20 to 300 strokes per minute, and closed-loop control holds it under load. Platforms of 300 to 600 mm carry 5 to 20 kg, and clamps or trays secure vessels. A digital controller stores settings and time. It suits multi-method laboratories that would otherwise need several shakers, and method development where stroke and speed are compared.

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?

• Adjustable stroke from about 10 to 50 mm
• Independent speed from 20 to 300 strokes per minute
• Closed-loop speed control under load
• Platform of 300 to 600 mm, load 5 to 20 kg
• Stored settings and timer
• Clamps or trays to secure vessels

What are the technical specifications?

A typical adjustable-stroke reciprocating shaker configuration offers platform size of 300×300 to 600×600 mm, stroke length of 10–50 mm, adjustable, speed range of 20–300 strokes/min, load rating of 5–20 kg, stroke adjustment of Continuous or stepped and speed accuracy of ±1 stroke/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 Adjustable-Stroke Reciprocating Shaker is used in method development comparing stroke and speed, mixed washing and extraction workloads, staining with variable agitation and multi-method general laboratories. 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 Adjustable-Stroke Reciprocating Shaker?

Select the adjustable-stroke shaker when one unit must cover both gentle and vigorous methods, or during method development where stroke is a variable. Fixed-stroke models are simpler and cheaper for a single method. In the RFQ, specify stroke range, speed range, platform size and load.

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.