See-Saw Rocking Shaker

What is the See-Saw Rocking Shaker?

A see-saw rocking shaker uses a simple central pivot to tilt a platform evenly at a fixed angle. It is chosen for routine gel staining, blotting and washing where a steady, gentle motion is enough.

Overview

The see-saw rocker pivots a flat platform about a center axis at a fixed tilt, usually 5 to 10 degrees, driven by a cam and motor. The motion is slow, typically 5 to 60 tilts per minute, and symmetrical, so liquid flows evenly across membranes and gels with very low shear. A rubber mat keeps items from sliding, and the platform size, 200 to 300 mm, accepts gel frames, small trays and blotting boxes. Load rating is 1 to 3 kg, and a simple timer or continuous running is common. Construction is a coated steel or plastic base with a stainless platform. It suits routine staining and washing where a fixed, gentle angle works and no adjustment is needed.

How does it work?

A rocking shaker pivots the platform about a central axis, so one end rises while the other falls, and the motion reverses each cycle. The drive is a motor turning a cam or crank that lifts the platform on alternating sides, and the tilt angle, usually 3 to 15 degrees, sets how far liquid flows each way. Because the movement is slow and symmetrical, shear is low and liquid spreads evenly over membranes, gels and slides without foaming or splashing. Speed is set in tilts per minute, from about 5 to 80, and rubber mats or dimpled platforms keep items from sliding. The gentle action suits fragile membranes and antibody incubations, and the open platform allows trays, gel frames and boxes to be placed directly. Timers and, on some models, programmable tilt and speed improve reproducibility.

What are the key features?

• Fixed tilt of 5 to 10 degrees
• Speed of 5 to 60 tilts per minute
• Platform of 200 to 300 mm
• Load rating of 1 to 3 kg
• Rubber mat to prevent sliding
• Simple timer or continuous run

What are the technical specifications?

A typical see-saw rocking shaker configuration offers platform size of 200×200 to 300×300 mm, tilt angle of 5–10 degrees, fixed, speed range of 5–60 tilts/min, load rating of 1–3 kg, drive type of Motor with cam and mat of Rubber, non-slip. 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 See-Saw Rocking Shaker is used in routine gel staining, membrane washing, blotting incubation and small tray mixing. Across the wider Rocking Shakers class, laboratories also deploy it for gel staining and destaining, western and Southern blotting and antibody and probe 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 unit on a level, stable surface with clearance for the tilting platform, and use the rubber mat or clips so membranes, gels and boxes do not slide. Load items evenly around the axis so the drive is not strained, and stay within the load rating. For blotting and antibody work, use enough solution to keep the membrane wet but not so much that it floats off. Clean spills promptly and rinse trays to prevent residue that could contaminate later experiments. Check the pivot, cam and belt for wear on schedule, and confirm that the materials suit the solutions and temperatures used, especially in cold rooms.

How do I select the right See-Saw Rocking Shaker?

Select the see-saw rocker for routine staining and washing where a fixed gentle angle suffices. Adjustable or digital models suit varied methods and reproducible protocols. In the RFQ, specify platform size, tilt, speed, load and timer needs.

How does it compare with other Rocking Shakers variants?

Choose a rocking shaker when gentle, low-shear movement is needed, as for gel staining, membrane washing, blotting and antibody incubation, where orbital or reciprocal motion could damage the substrate or cause foaming. Set the tilt angle from the task, using 3 to 8 degrees for membranes and slides and 8 to 15 degrees for mixing larger volumes. Match the platform size and mat to the trays, frames or boxes you will place on it, and confirm the load rating. Decide whether a fixed or adjustable tilt is needed, and whether a timer, digital control or dual platform improves your workflow. Confirm that the unit suits the temperature, such as a cold room, where it will be used.