IKA Vortex 3 Shaker with Touch Function, 500 to 2,500 rpm, Stroke 4 mm, 0003340000

Press down briefly on a tube, mix a microtitre plate in continuous operation, secure a 250-ml Erlenmeyer flask with a clamping strap: The IKA Vortex 3 (0003340000) can be adapted to the task at hand using various attachments and inserts. The device agitates in a circular motion with a 4 mm stroke; the speed is continuously adjustable from 500 to 2,500 rpm. It operates in continuous mode or, by pressing the attachment, in short-cycle mode with a touch function.

One unit, multiple attachments

The attachments are secured to the unit in any position with a simple click. IKA lists three attachments and seven inserts that can be combined for use with tubes, microtitre plates and 250 ml Erlenmeyer flasks. The VG 3.36, with its tension strap, is designed for handling round-bottom and Erlenmeyer flasks. The VG 3.1 standard attachment is included in the Scope of delivery; additional parts are ordered to suit the specific application. The permissible shaking weight, including the attachment, is 0.4 kg; a microtitre plate is held by the VG 3.37 microtitre plate holder on the VG 3.3 universal attachment.

Drive and housing

The eccentric shaft is mounted on ball bearings. The motor’s self-ventilation keeps heat build-up to a minimum during continuous operation; the permissible duty cycle is 100 per cent. Special silicone-based feet dampen vibrations and ensure stability at high speeds. The housing is made of die-cast zinc and measures 127 x 136 x 149 mm, weighing 4.5 kg. The unit does not have a speed display; the speed is adjusted continuously. Motor power: 58 W input, 10 W output.

Typical applications

IKA cites tubes, microtitre plates and 250 ml Erlenmeyer flasks as examples:

• Mixing tubes in short-duration operation via touch function
• Mixing a microtitre plate
• Shaking 250-ml Erlenmeyer flasks using the VG 3.36 clamping strap
• Continuous operation at 100 per cent duty cycle
• Varying tasks by swapping out the inserts

Vortex 3 compared with other IKA small shakers

The MS 3 control has a timer and an LCD display and reaches 3,000 rpm. The lab dancer runs at a fixed speed of 2,800 rpm in touch mode only. The VXR basic has a load capacity of 2 kg and features a scale as its display.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1 x IKA Vortex 3 shaker
• 1 x VG 3.1 standard attachment

Additional attachments and inserts, such as the VG 3.2 one-hand attachment, VG 3.3 universal attachment, VG 3.36 Erlenmeyer flask holder and VG 3.37 microtitre plate holder, are available separately.

Warranty and disposal

IKA manufacturer’s warranty: 2 years; extended to 3 years upon registration at ika.com/register within 90 days of purchase. The warranty applies to the unit itself, not to attachments or accessories. As an electrical appliance, the Vortex 3 must be disposed of via the separate collection scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment at the end of its service life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start short-term operation? By pressing the shaking attachment. Alternatively, the device runs in continuous operation.

How long is the warranty valid for? IKA manufacturer’s warranty: 2 years, extended to 3 years if registered at ika.com/register within 90 days of purchase.

Which attachments are included in the scope of delivery? The VG 3.1 standard attachment is included. Additional attachments and inserts must be ordered separately.

Does the Vortex 3 have a speed display? No, the unit does not have a speed display. The MS 3 control features an LCD display and a timer.

Individual requirements and procurement service

LT Laborhandel sources suitable attachments and inserts, as well as factory calibration certificates and IQ/OQ documents for the Vortex 3. We will confirm which combination is suitable for your vessels before placing the order. Enquiries should be made via the procurement service.