Understanding Lab Shakers, Rockers, and Rotators

Comparing Lab Shakers, Rockers, and Rotators

These laboratory devices primarily mix and agitate samples for various applications. They can be found in many industries, including microbiology, molecular biology, environmental analysis, medical, food and beverage, and more.

While a lab shaker, rocker, and rotator aim to achieve similar results, they differ fundamentally in motion, agitation, and more.

What is the Difference Between Lab Shakers, Rockers, and Rotators?

Each instrument has a unique purpose and offers distinct movements. Here is a breakdown of the primary types of shakers, rockers, and rotators and what they do:

Shakers

In laboratory settings, a shaker mixes or agitates samples in various vessels, including Petri dishes, beakers, and tubes. It commonly operates with two-dimensional motion, enabling efficient mixing and agitation. Shakers primarily utilize either an orbital or linear motion mechanism to achieve the desired movement of the samples.

Orbital

An orbital shaker provides uniform shaking in a horizontal, circular (orbital) motion around an axis. This results in a vortex-like movement within the samples to achieve a specific goal, making it ideal for general-purpose applications, including aeration, cell culturing, and more. Orbital shakers may differ in agitation based on the distance a platform travels from the central axis, also known as stroke.

An incubator shaker is optimal for more specialized orbital shakers for mixing and incubation applications. True to its name, this device accommodates various vessels and samples, enabling efficient mixing and incubation processes while maintaining the set temperature.

A thermal mixer is also available for precise heating and shaking applications for small-volume centrifuge tubes. These mixers have small blocks or optional block accessories to accommodate various tube sizes.

Linear and Reciprocating

A linear shaker mixes liquids in a back-and-forth linear motion, creating a wave-like movement in the sample. Due to this produced movement, this shaker tends to be more aggressive than orbital shakers, perfect for extractions or dissolving materials.

On the other hand, a reciprocating shaker incorporates a side-to-side motion but does not move perfectly linearly and may include a slight arc to cause additional agitation. They can come in a platform shaker, where the platform sits at a slight angle, or wrist action shakers that utilize shafts and clamps to hold and aggressively shake the vessels, replicating the motion of the human wrist.

Rockers

Similarly to a shaker, a lab rocker’s primary purpose is to mix and agitate a sample. However, these devices use a two-dimensional or three-dimensional see-saw motion for gentle or moderate mixing.

See-Saw/Platform

A see-saw or platform rocker is considered a low-impact mixing device because of its side-to-side or back-and-forth motion at an angle. These units are perfect for applications that require low speed and minimal agitation, such as staining and washing.

Laboratory platform rockers are typically 2D, but some may be 3D as they include an incline for additional agitation.

Nutating

For a more moderate agitation, a nutating rocker utilizes a 3D "nutating" motion, moving horizontally and vertically in a wave-like motion from a central axis. This motion allows for thorough mixing while maintaining a gentle rocking compared to shakers.

These devices are ideally suited for agitating centrifuge tubes, blood tubes, and other flat containers without generating foam.

Rotators

A laboratory rotator comes in various shapes, sizes, and rotating angles. It is primarily used with centrifuge tubes and can incorporate gentle or aggressive mixing, depending on the user’s preference. Depending on the unit, each is designed to accommodate specific vessels.

Rotisserie

A rotisserie rotator spins tubes, bottles, and other secured vessels to mix and tumble their contents vertically, horizontally, or even at an angle. They can be used for many applications, including mixing, aerating cell cultures, clinical testing, biochemistry, microbial fermentation, and more.

Tube Roller

Designed explicitly for centrifuge tubes and other tubular vessels, tube rollers incorporate rotating and rocking. The individual rollers rotate in a single direction while being mounted off-center, allowing a see-saw motion simultaneously. The combination of rotating and rocking provides a very gentle yet thorough mixing of the sensitive contents or live organic matter within the tubes.

Which Device is Ideal for me?

Choosing between a shaker, rocker, or rotator depends on the user’s preference, application, and vessels. Here are some points to consider before purchasing:

Motion

Does your application require a specific type of motion?

Level of Agitation

Does your application require more vigorous agitation? Or do you only need a gentle stirring?

Clamps, Platforms, and Accessories

Does the device provide clamps and other accessories to secure your vessels? Does the unit provide the best platform or block for the vessel? Is the vessel's capacity compatible with the platform's capabilities?

Power Requirements

Does your outlet produce enough wattage for the device?

Specialized Needs

Does your application require incubating or heating? Would it benefit from additional agitation from a wrist-action shaker or a shaker with an arc?

Choosing the best quality equipment for your application is pivotal. When selecting the best device for your laboratory, consider the application, vessel types, required agitation level, and additional features like heating or incubation to ensure optimal performance and results. If you need any further assistance, contact our expert sales team at 1-800-733-2522, [email protected], or message us via Live Chat, available on our website.

Are you looking for high-quality equipment and supplies without going over budget? SCILOGEX can supply you with their array of shakers, rockers, and rotators.

Sources:

https://www.labmanager.com/a-guide-to-laboratory-rockers-and-shakers-30830