Orbital shakers are among the most important laboratory tools. They are used for mixing and agitating samples of virtually every imaginable branch of science. The following guide is meant to serve as a brief but clear introduction into orbital shakers, the differences to similar machines, and some key applications of this equipment in the laboratory. Experience with orbital shakers will expedite the lab procedures and develop a more rapid experiment process.
Table of Contents
- What is an Orbital Shaker?
- Orbital Shaker vs. Rotary Shaker: What's the Difference?
- Orbital Shaker vs. Vortex Mixer: Key Differences
- Applications of Orbital Shakers in the Lab
- Choosing the Right Orbital Shaker for Your Lab
- IBI Scientific: Our Orbital Shakers
What is an Orbital Shaker?
An orbital shaker belongs to the general category of laboratory equipment intended for the agitation of samples in circular orbital motion. Such kind of agitation is ideal for homogeneous mixing of solutions, suspensions, and cell cultures performed using flasks, tubes, or plates. This very soft but effective type of mix is incomparable to any type of application because it manages to show the same and reproducible results, while orbital shakers stand indispensable in many laboratory settings.
Orbital Shaker vs. Rotary Shaker: What's the Difference?
One of the differences between the orbital and rotary is their mode of shaking.
Orbital Shakers: Orbital shakers work in a circular motion by using an orbital shaking motion. For this reason, these are appropriate for applications that involve gentle or uniform mixing without affecting the sample structure; hence they find wide application in orbital shaker labs.
Rotary Shakers: This typically does a rolling or rotational motion and can be highly vigorous. This is often used where liquids in bottles or tubes require high agitation during mixing.
In general, orbital shakers would deal with more culture cells and other delicate sample solutions, while the rotary shaker handles intensive mixing tasks in the laboratory.
Orbital Shaker vs. Vortex Mixer: Key Differences
An orbital shaker and a vortex mixer serve different purposes in the laboratory:
Orbital Shaker: Provides continuous circular movement. In such design, it finds its perfect application in long mixing, maintaining homogeneity in larger volumes, or several samples at once. Most commonly found in orbital shaker labs.
Vortex Mixer: It is a high-speed vortex-like action and is designed to rapidly mix small samples, typically the size of test tubes or microplates. It is related to the sample volume function and the extent to which mix intensity is required in the laboratory.
Applications of Orbital Shakers in the Lab
Orbital shakers find applications in general for a wide variety of purposes within the laboratory.
Cell culture: The equal distribution of the food and gases gives them appropriate growing conditions and hence is indispensable in most Orbital Shaker Lab.
Solubility Studies: It usually deals with the determination of a certain compound's solubility in a range of various solvents, ensuring homogeneity of the mixture.
Protein Expression: Growing microbial cells to express proteins by specified growth manner.
Sample Preparation: Processes step that enables homogenization of the sample and/or mixing of reagents before consequent processing or analysis.
Orbital shakers are one of those instruments that exist in literally every setting involving a laboratory.
Choosing the Right Orbital Shaker for Your Lab
When it comes to selecting an orbital shaker for your lab, consider these:
Capacity and size: Make sure the shaker accommodates your volume and the number of samples you expect to process in a day.
Range of Speed: Choose a model with significant applications based on the required range of speed.
Temperature Control: Consider one with built-in temperature control just in case incubation may be needed.
Durability: Go for a durable material shaker that can withstand intensive use and harsh lab conditions.
When it comes to investment, the right kind of orbital shaker provides all the difference in efficiency and accuracy. One of the most standard workhorses used in labs worldwide, from both the basic to the more advanced levels, is an orbital shaker. Compared to the rotary shakers, an orbital shaker can be applied to certain areas more effectively because of different properties of each instrument. The knowledge and choice of a suitable model for personal use could greatly enhance labor efficiency and reliability in the research findings.
IBI Scientific: Our Orbital Shakers
Here at IBI, we take pride in making quality products. That is why we have two premier orbital shakers: The Belly Button and The Belly Dancer. Our orbital shakers are made to be powerful, durable and they get the job done for your lab. Don't wait to make your lab testing and experimenting faster, click here to receive 25% off a shaker!
