Surge Scientific · MI0103002 · Orbital & Linear Shaker
Orbital & Linear Shaker — 20–500 RPM · 7.5 kg · Universal Platform with 4 Bars Included
Orbital Shaking · Linear Reciprocating · Bacterial Culture · Western Blotting · Gel Staining · Incubator Compatible
Most benchtop shakers lock you into one motion type — and one motion type rarely covers the full range of protocols in an active lab. The MI0103002 switches between orbital and linear shaking without a tool change, runs from 20 to 500 RPM on a 10 mm orbit, carries 7.5 kg with the platform fitted, and ships complete with the universal 4-bar attachment that secures Erlenmeyer flasks, conical tubes, and flat vessels in a single setup.
Why Two Motions in One Instrument Changes Your Protocol Flexibility
Orbital-only shakers are optimised for flask culture — the circular motion aerates efficiently and keeps cells in suspension. But the same circular motion is a poor fit for blotting and staining workflows, where the back-and-forth of linear reciprocation moves reagents evenly across the membrane surface and prevents localised over-staining. Labs that run both types of protocol typically maintain two instruments, absorbing the cost, bench footprint, and calibration overhead of each.
The MI0103002 eliminates that compromise. The motion mode is switchable at the instrument — orbital for Erlenmeyer cultures, bacterial growth, and standard mixing; linear for washing blots, staining gels, and any protocol where unidirectional reciprocation is the specified method. The OLED display under tempered glass shows real-time speed and timer status simultaneously, the brushless DC motor holds speed against load changes without operator intervention, and the entire instrument fits inside a standard laboratory incubator for temperature-controlled shaking without a dedicated incubated shaker.
Two Shaking Modes — One Instrument
Orbital Mode — 10 mm Circular Orbit
Circular orbital motion ideal for Erlenmeyer flask culture, baffled shaker flasks, bacterial and yeast growth (E. coli, S. cerevisiae), protein expression, and any application where aeration and suspension in round-bottomed vessels is the objective. Factory default motion — ready to run from unboxing.
Linear Mode — Reciprocating Stroke
Back-and-forth linear reciprocation for Western blot washing and blocking, gel staining and destaining, ELISA plate mixing, and general reagent agitation in flat-bottomed dishes and trays. Mode change is performed at the instrument — no disassembly, no separate linear platform required.
20–500 RPM — Full Protocol Speed Range
Speed range from 20 to 500 RPM covers slow gentle rocking for antibody incubations all the way to vigorous culture aeration at maximum speed. Microcomputer control and digital speed regulation prevent sample splashing by maintaining smooth, stable motion at any setpoint — no speed hunting, no surge at startup.
7.5 kg Load Capacity — Full Bench Load
Maximum load of 7.5 kg with the platform fitted (16.5 lb) supports a full rack of Erlenmeyer flasks, a stack of gel trays, or multiple microplates simultaneously. Overload and overspeed protection monitors the motor state continuously — the instrument stops safely rather than straining through an overloaded run.
OLED Display Under Tempered Glass — Real-Time Readout
The bright OLED display shows actual running speed and timer simultaneously — not just setpoint — confirming that the instrument is at the correct speed in real time. The display is protected by tempered glass, making it resistant to reagent splashes and condensation that would destroy a standard LCD in an incubator environment.
Incubator Compatible — Temperature-Controlled Shaking
Compact dimensions and universal voltage allow the MI0103002 to operate inside a standard laboratory incubator or cold room, converting any temperature-controlled environment into a shaking incubator. No dedicated shaking incubator required — pair with any incubator you already own to add shaking capability without a capital equipment purchase.
Universal platform with 4 adjustable bars — included, not sold separately. The 4-bar universal attachment ships in the box. Bars adjust laterally with thumbscrews to trap flask necks in position across a wide range of vessel sizes from 25 mL to 500 mL. Bars are removable entirely for flat-bottom vessels, gel trays, and microplates placed directly on the non-slip platform surface.
Key Features
- Speed range: 20–500 RPM — continuous adjustment
- Orbit diameter: 10 mm (orbital mode)
- Motion modes: orbital and linear — switchable at instrument
- Maximum load capacity: 7.5 kg (with platform)
- Timer range: 0–99 hours 59 minutes / continuous
- Automatic alarm at timer completion
- OLED display under tempered glass — speed and time simultaneous
- Real-time running speed displayed — not just setpoint
- Dual dial controls — speed and timer, familiar interface
- Microcomputer digital speed control — stable, splash-free running
- Brushless DC motor — maintenance-free, long service life
- Overload detection and protection — automatic shutdown
- Overspeed detection and protection
- Universal attachment with 4 adjustable bars — included
- Bars adjustable with thumbscrews — no tools needed
- Bars fully removable for flat vessel and plate use
- Non-slip platform surface — sample stability at all speeds
- Incubator compatible — standard laboratory incubator and cold room
- Compatible with dedicated flask holders: 25 / 50 / 100 / 250 / 500 mL
- Universal voltage: AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
- 2-year all-inclusive manufacturer's warranty
Ideal Applications
Bacterial & Yeast Culture
Orbital mode aerates Erlenmeyer and baffled shaker flasks efficiently for E. coli, yeast, and recombinant protein expression. The 10 mm orbit and 500 RPM ceiling cover standard growth protocols from low-density pre-cultures to high-density induction runs.
Western Blotting & Gel Work
Linear mode provides even back-and-forth motion for blocking, antibody incubation, and washing steps in Western blotting. Gel staining and destaining in flat trays, ELISA plate mixing, and hybridization reactions all benefit from the reciprocating stroke pattern.
Cell Culture & General Mixing
Orbital mode supports adherent and suspension cell culture in T-flasks and tissue culture plates. Incubator compatibility enables temperature-controlled shaking for mammalian cell work, protein binding assays, and any application requiring simultaneous temperature and agitation control.
What's in the Box
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | MI0103002 |
| Shaking Modes | Orbital · Linear (switchable at instrument) |
| Speed Range | 20–500 RPM |
| Orbit Diameter | 10 mm (orbital mode) |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 7.5 kg (16.5 lb) with platform |
| Timer Range | 0–99 hours 59 minutes / Continuous |
| Timer Alarm | Automatic alarm at run completion |
| Display | OLED under tempered glass — simultaneous speed and time readout |
| Speed Control | Digital microcomputer control — real-time speed display |
| Motor Type | Brushless DC — maintenance-free |
| Safety Devices | Overload detection · Overspeed detection · Automatic shutdown |
| Platform Attachment | Universal platform with 4 adjustable bars (included) |
| Compatible Accessories | Dedicated flask holders: 25 / 50 / 100 / 250 / 500 mL (optional) |
| Incubator Compatible | Yes — standard laboratory incubator and cold room |
| Input Power | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Certifications | CE |
| Warranty | 2-year all-inclusive manufacturer's warranty |
Surge Scientific Warranty & Support
This instrument is sold through Surge Scientific, your trusted laboratory equipment partner. Our product specialists are available Monday–Friday for assistance. MI0103002 is backed by a 2-year all-inclusive manufacturer's warranty. Contact us at info@surgescientific.com or reach out directly to our support team at 855.943.3344 for pre-sales questions, quotes, and technical assistance.