IKA Vortex 1, test tube shaker, orbital, 4.5 mm stroke, 0004047700

Kinematics of hydrodynamic vortex generation

The complete resuspension of centrifuged cell pellets or the homogeneous mixing of highly viscous reagents in asymmetrical micro-reaction vessels (Eppendorf tubes) requires the application of high-frequency orbital motion. The IKA Vortex 1 operates as a dedicated test tube shaker, generating a precisely defined orbital amplitude (stroke) of 4.5 mm. Driven by a shaded-pole motor, the system achieves speeds of up to 2,850 revolutions per minute. This powerful centrifugal acceleration is transferred to the liquid phase in fractions of a second, generating an extremely deep hydrodynamic flow vortex. The centrifugal forces press the fluid upwards against the vessel walls, thereby maximising internal interfacial friction and forcing a quantitative mass transfer without the need to introduce macroscopic stirring tools into the medium.

Tribological system activation and touch kinetics

In high-throughput molecular biology assays, the manual workflow for mixing samples must be minimised in terms of both energy consumption and time. The Vortex 1 features a purely tribologically initiated start mechanism (touch function). The motor remains in an electromechanical standby state until the user presses the reaction vessel against the elastic silicone attachment with minimal axial pressure. This mechanical Z-axis displacement closes the circuit and instantly induces the motor’s maximum torque. As soon as the manual pressure is removed, the system stops the rotation without delay. The rotational frequency is adjusted metrologically and continuously via an analogue rotary potentiometer from 1,000 to 2,850 rpm, in order to adapt the kinetics to different viscosities or vessel geometries (up to a maximum diameter of 30 mm).

System dynamics and mechanical vibration damping

The continuous application of 2,850 orbital direction changes per minute with a stroke of 4.5 mm induces massive asymmetrical radial forces on the chassis. Insufficient system stability would immediately result in a catastrophic resonance event due to these forces (the device shifting on the laboratory bench). The Vortex 1 compensates for these macromechanical vibrations through a housing made of solid die-cast zinc. This extremely high specific weight (1.2 kg with highly compact dimensions), combined with adhesive elastomer feet, completely absorbs the kinetic reaction forces. The system remains absolutely stationary on the work surface, even at maximum frequency reduction and under asymmetrical loading.

Technical details

Kinematics & Fluid Mechanics

• Shaking motion: Orbital
• Shaking stroke (amplitude): 4.5 mm
• Maximum shaker load (including attachment): 0.1 kg
• Max. vessel diameter: 30 mm (compatible with tubes and Falcon tubes)
• Speed range: 1,000 – 2,850 rpm
• Speed display: Scale (0–6)

Metrology & System Control

• Operating mode: Touch operation only (pressure activation)
• Speed control: Stepless analogue rotary potentiometer
• Motor principle: Shaded-pole motor
• Motor power input / output: 21 W / 1.2 W

System infrastructure & dimensions

• System dimensions (W x H x D): 95 x 70 x 110 mm
• Machine weight: 1.2 kg
• Housing material: Solid die-cast zinc (powder-coated)
• Attachment material: Elastic polymer/silicone

Safety & Environmental Conditions

• Permissible ambient temperature range: 5 – 40 °C
• Permissible relative humidity: max. 80 %
• Protection class (to DIN EN 60529): IP 40

Electrical & Connectivity

• Voltage: 100 – 240 V
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Power consumption: max. 21 W

Contents of delivery

• 1 x IKA Vortex 1 test tube shaker
• 1 x standard attachment (permanently integrated) for vessels up to Ø 30 mm
• 1 x mains power supply (including adapter)

Important note: The Vortex 1 operates exclusively in touch mode for single-vessel homogenisation. Continuous operation (without manual pressure) or the use of flat microtitre plate attachments is not possible with this compact hardware architecture. For stationary continuous operation, you must purchase the IKA Vortex 3.

Individual requirements & accessories

The Vortex 1 is designed as a ‘point-of-use’ instrument and is supplied as a self-contained system without interchangeable peripherals. If, in addition to individual Falcon tubes, your laboratory workflow frequently requires the simultaneous agitation of complete 96-well microtitre plates or several Erlenmeyer flasks, the flow capacity of the Vortex 1 will be insufficient. For these complex multiplex assays, we recommend switching to the fully equipped IKA Vortex 3 or the MS 3 basic, for which our procurement service offers metrologically compatible foam inserts at any time.