Shakers

Laboratory shakers are essential tools in scientific research, widely used for mixing, blending, and agitating various substances contained in flasks, tubes, and microplates. These devices enhance the uniformity of samples, ensuring that components are well-mixed for accurate experimental results. Laboratory shakers operate by utilizing a motor-driven platform that provides controlled motion, which can be either orbital or linear. This capability is crucial in applications such as cell culture, solubility testing, and extraction procedures, where consistent agitation is necessary to achieve homogeneity. The versatility of shakers allows them to be employed across multiple fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science.

Types of Laboratory Shakers

• Magnetic Stirrer: This type of shaker uses a rotating magnetic field to agitate a stir bar placed inside a liquid. Magnetic stirrers are particularly effective for small volumes and are commonly used in chemical reactions due to their simplicity and ease of use. However, they may not be suitable for viscous liquids or larger sample volumes.
• Microplate Shakers: Designed specifically for microplates, these shakers provide precise mixing for high-throughput applications. They typically feature adjustable speed settings and temperature control to maintain optimal conditions for assays. Microplate shakers are essential in laboratories conducting ELISA tests or other biochemical assays.
• Orbital Shakers: Orbital shakers move samples in a circular motion at controlled speeds, generally ranging from 25 to 500 rpm. They are ideal for culturing microbes and performing general mixing tasks without generating excessive heat or vibrations. Their design allows for the placement of various vessel types, making them versatile tools in many laboratory settings.
• Thermo Shakers: Combining shaking with temperature control, thermo shakers allow researchers to mix samples while maintaining specific thermal conditions. These devices are crucial for experiments involving biological cultures that require precise temperature regulation during agitation.
• Vortexers: Vortexers are compact devices designed to create a vortex in small volumes of liquid contained in vials or tubes. They operate at high speeds (up to 3,400 rpm) and are particularly useful for rapidly mixing low-volume samples or suspensions.

The diverse range of laboratory shakers—including magnetic stirrers, microplate shakers, orbital shakers, thermo shakers, and vortexers—plays a vital role in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of scientific research. Each type is tailored to meet specific experimental needs, allowing researchers to select the appropriate equipment based on their unique requirements and applications.