IKA Vortex 2 Orbital Shaker, 500 to 2500 rpm, Continuous Operation, 0025000258

Briefly tapping a tube or shaking a whole series of Erlenmeyer flasks for hours: the IKA Vortex 2 covers both with the same drive. As with a classic vortex mixer, the touch function responds to pressing down, and a switch additionally activates continuous operation, in which the unit keeps running without hand contact. The speed can be set continuously between 500 and 2,500 revolutions per minute using a scale from 0 to 6, and the set value is shown directly on the scale. With 39 watts power consumption, the Vortex 2 is considerably above the smaller lab dancer (1.2 watts) and is designed accordingly for higher load changes, for example when a heavier attachment together with a filled Erlenmeyer flask is moved over a longer period.

Touch or continuous operation depending on the task

For the quick individual operation, the Vortex 2 works like an ordinary test tube shaker: press the vessel down, the circular motion with a 4 mm shaking stroke starts, and releasing it stops the motion again. If continuous operation is activated instead, the unit keeps running continuously at the set speed, for example while an incubation time elapses or several flasks are loaded one after another. The permissible duty cycle of 100 percent allows this continuous operation without breaks. Which mode is active is decided solely by the switch on the unit, so changing between the two operating modes costs no conversion time and no separate speed setting.

Attachments for tubes, plates and flasks

The VG 3.1 standard attachment for test tubes and similar tubes is included in the scope of delivery. In addition, LT Laborhandel carries for the Vortex 2 the VG 3.2 single-hand attachment, the VG 3.21 studded attachment and the VG 3.3 universal attachment with matching test tube holders (VG 3.30, VG 3.31 to VG 3.35). Using the VG 3.36 Erlenmeyer flask holder for the universal attachment, Erlenmeyer flasks of up to 250 ml can also be fixed on the Vortex 2 and shaken in continuous operation. This variety of attachments is the essential difference from the smaller lab dancer, which is built exclusively for individual small vessels. For microtitre plates, the VG 3.21 studded attachment is also available, which holds the plate in position during shaking without it slipping. Which attachment is suitable for a particular vessel size depends primarily on how the respective vessel can be fixed securely without tipping over during shaking.

Typical applications

With touch and continuous operation as well as several attachment options, the Vortex 2 covers a broader range than a pure short-term shaker. Switching between short individual operations and multi-hour continuous operation on the same unit saves reaching for a second shaker in practice:

• Brief mixing of individual tubes and test tubes via the touch function
• Continuous shaking of Erlenmeyer flasks of up to 250 ml in continuous operation
• Mixing samples in microtitre plates with the matching attachment
• Homogenising during longer incubation or reaction times
• Routine use in laboratories with changing vessel sizes at the same workstation

Brief differentiation within the shaker family

Anyone who only wants to briefly mix individual small tubes without changing attachments is often better served by the more compact lab dancer and its fixed speed of 2,800 rpm, especially where space is very limited. For gentle wobbling of larger, sensitive vessels such as culture flasks or gel chambers, the ROCKER 3D digital is the more suitable choice, as the wobbling motion is considerably gentler than the circular vortex motion.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1 x IKA Vortex 2
• 1 x VG 3.1 standard attachment

Differences from the neighbouring series

For even higher throughputs or additional features, LT Laborhandel also carries the Vortex 3 within the Vortex series as the next expansion stage. Anyone who only occasionally mixes a single tube and can do without attachments will find a simpler variant in the Vortex 1 with the same shaking stroke as the lab dancer. Both models differ from this product in motor power and scope of features, and it is worth taking a look at the exact data sheet before choosing. All orbital, wobble and rocking shakers from IKA can be found in the category Mixers, stirrers and shakers .

Application, installation and maintenance

The Vortex 2 is designed for 5 to 40 °C and a relative humidity of up to 80 percent, and protection class IP 21 offers basic protection against contact and coarse dust but no splash protection. At 3.9 kg and a footprint of 120 x 140 mm, the unit needs a fixed place on a stable laboratory bench, especially in continuous operation with heavier attachments such as the universal attachment together with an Erlenmeyer flask. The permissible shaking load of 0.4 kg including attachment should not be exceeded, otherwise the smoothness of the drive suffers. Between different samples, the attachments should be changed or cleaned to avoid cross-contamination. Changing an attachment itself requires no tools, so the unit can be converted without difficulty during a working day between tubes, microtitre plate and Erlenmeyer flask. At the end of its service life, the Vortex 2 as electrical equipment belongs in the separate collection of waste electrical equipment, not in household waste.

Individual requirements & procurement service

In addition to the standard attachments, LT Laborhandel carries further test tube inserts for the Vortex 2, the universal attachment including Erlenmeyer flask holder, as well as factory calibration certificates and IQ/OQ documents. Do you need a specific attachment for your vessel size, a spare part for an existing Vortex 2 or support in choosing between the Vortex 2 and the other IKA shakers? Through our procurement service , LT Laborhandel supports you with procurement and configuration.

Frequently asked questions

Is an attachment included in the scope of delivery?
Yes, the VG 3.1 standard attachment for test tubes is included, and it holds common tubes and microtubes directly. Further attachments for plates or flasks are available separately.

Can the Vortex 2 run continuously without anyone holding the vessel?
Yes, in continuous operation mode the unit keeps running independently at the set speed, and the permissible duty cycle is 100 percent.

How precisely can the speed be set?
Continuously via a scale from 0 to 6 in the range of 500 to 2,500 rpm, and there is no digital display.

Do Erlenmeyer flasks fit on the Vortex 2?
With the separately available VG 3.3 universal attachment and the VG 3.36 Erlenmeyer flask holder, flasks of up to 250 ml can be accommodated.

What distinguishes the Vortex 2 from the lab dancer?
The Vortex 2 offers an adjustable speed of 500 to 2,500 rpm, genuine continuous operation and several attachment options, whereas the lab dancer runs at a fixed speed exclusively in touch operation for individual small vessels.

Which mains voltages does the unit support?
The standard version runs on 220 to 240 V at 50/60 Hz, and further voltage variants with 115 V or 100 V are available.

Does an attachment have to be changed between touch and continuous operation?
No, both operating modes run with the same mounted attachment, and switching is done solely via the operating mode switch on the unit.