Lab Mixing(Shaker,Vortex & Mixer)

Choosing the right laboratory liquid mixing product can be a challenge with so many options available. To help you make an informed decision, please view this table, for more information, please visit page: A Comprehensive Study of Laboratory Liquid Mixing Technologies, Equipment, and Applications.

Table One: Overview and Core Parameter Comparison of Major Laboratory Mixing Equipment

Equipment Type Working Principle Typical Applications Applicable Viscosity Range (cP) Applicable Volume Range Shear Force Generated Key Advantages Key Limitations
Magnetic Stirrer (Link)

 

 A rotating magnetic field drives a stir bar within the container, creating a vorte Low-viscosity liquid mixing, dissolving, titration, chemical reaction < 1,000 mL – ~4 L Low Simple operation, can be used in closed systems, low cost, can be heate Limited to low-viscosity liquids, low torque, uneven mixing in large volumes
Overhead Stirrer (Link) A motor directly drives the liquid via a stirring impeller, providing high torque High-viscosity liquids, large volume solutions, pastes, polymer mixin < 100,000+ ~1 L – 100+ L Adjustable (Low to High) High torque, can handle high viscosity, good scalability More complex setup, open system, higher cost
Orbital Shaker (Link) The platform moves in a horizontal circular motion, creating a gentle vortex Cell culture, gel staining, membrane washing, gentle mixin Low to Medium Microplates – several liter flasks Low Gentle mixing, good gas exchange, high throughput (multiple containers) Limited mixing intensity, not suitable for high-viscosity liquids
Reciprocating/Linear Shakers (Link) The platform moves back and forth or side to side in a linear motion. This motion produces a wave-like “sloshing” effect, and the mixing action is usually more vigorous than that of orbital shakers. Solvent extraction, chemical reactions, and scenarios requiring stronger mixing dynamics. Low to Medium (based on the more vigorous mixing compared to orbital shakers, it can handle slightly higher viscosity than low, but still not high viscosity). Microplates – several liter flasks (similar to orbital shakers, suitable for various container sizes). Medium (more vigorous than orbital/rockers, but less than homogenizers). More vigorous mixing than orbital shakers, good for promoting dissolution and reactions. Can cause foaming in sensitive samples, not ideal for very fragile cells.
Rockers (Link) The platform of a rocker performs a gentle tilting motion. The most common is the 2D rocker, whose motion trajectory is like a seesaw. The 3D rocker (or nutating rocker) adds a horizontal rotational component to the 2D tilt, creating a wave-like, more three-dimensional mixing pattern. Washing membranes in Western Blots, staining and destaining gels, and other scenarios that require preventing sample foaming or cell damage. They are very suitable for applications that are extremely sensitive to shear forces. Low Microplates – several liter flasks (similar to shakers, accommodating various lab containers). Very Low (the gentlest mixing action). Provides the gentlest mixing action of all mechanical mixing equipment, ideal for shear-sensitive samples, prevents foaming. Limited mixing intensity, not suitable for applications requiring vigorous mixing.
Tube Rotators/Rotary Mixer/End-over-end Mixer (Link) Test tubes rotate in a circular motion around a central point, while also undergoing an end-over-end inversion. This results in a 360-degree tumbling and inversion of the liquid for thorough mixing. Suitable for mixing biological samples that need to be kept in uniform suspension, prevent sedimentation, and are sensitive to shear forces. Low to Medium (gentle but thorough mixing). mL – tens of mL (typically designed for standard test tubes/conical tubes). Low Gentle mixing, ideal for preventing cell damage and blood clotting, ensures uniform suspension. Limited to specific tube sizes, lower throughput compared to shakers for plate-based applications.
Tube Roller/Roller Mixer (Classic)
(Link)		 Test tubes are placed directly on parallel rollers. The rollers rotate, causing the test tubes themselves to roll. This motion is a purer form of rolling, primarily aimed at preventing sample sedimentation. Particularly well-suited for blood samples as it simulates natural blood flow, preventing red blood cell damage. Provides a more uniform and gentle mixing intensity. Low to Medium mL – tens of mL (designed for standard test tubes). Very Low Extremely gentle mixing, prevents cell lysis (e.g., hemolysis in blood samples), silent operation Primarily designed for rolling motion, may not be suitable for samples requiring significant agitation or vortexing
Mixer/3D Shaker
(Link)		 Test tubes roll or rock around their own axis or a fixed pivot. The liquid mixing primarily occurs through a rolling motion along the test tube’s longitudinal axis, creating a “wave-like” movement. Suitable for applications requiring more thorough yet still gentle mixing, such as cell culture, gel staining/destaining, etc. The mixing intensity might be slightly higher than a pure Tube Roller, offering more complex mixing patterns, such as generating a wave effect. Low to Medium mL – several liters (can accommodate various containers depending on design) Low More versatile than pure rollers with more complex mixing patterns, good for gentle yet thorough mixing May not achieve the vigorous mixing of linear shakers or vortexers, limited by the types of vessels that can be secured
Vortex Mixer
(Link)
 A high-speed oscillating rubber cup creates a strong vortex in a test tube Rapid resuspension of cell/DNA pellets, small-volume sample mixin Low < 50 mL High Extremely fast, easy to use, small footprint Limited to small volumes, manual operation, low throughput
Rotor-Stator Homogenizer(Link)
 The gap between a high-speed rotor and a stator generates high shear and cavitation Tissue homogenization, cell disruption, emulsion preparation, dispersio Low to High mL – L Very High High efficiency, fast, can process tough tissues, scalable Heat generation, tedious probe cleaning, risk of cross-contamination
Bead Mill Homogenizer (Link)
 High-speed vibration drives grinding beads to collide with and grind the sample Lysis of microbes, spores, tough plant and animal tissue Sample is a suspension µL – mL Very High High throughput, processes tough samples, no cross-contamination Small processing volume, difficult to scale up, potential bead wear contamination
Ultrasonic Homogenizer
(Link)
 High-frequency sound waves create acoustic cavitation, and bubble implosion releases immense energy Cell lysis, DNA shearing, nanoparticle dispersion, emulsification, degassin Low to Medium µL – L Very High Non-contact (some), high energy intensity, can prepare nanomaterials Severe heat generation, probe corrosion may contaminate samples, noisy

For more information, please visit page: A Comprehensive Study of Laboratory Liquid Mixing Technologies, Equipment, and Applications.

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