Description:

The VWR 3500 Standard orbital shaker brings microprocessor speed control to general lab mixing tasks in a footprint smaller than a file tray. A ¾-inch (19 mm) orbit coupled to a 25–500 rpm range covers gentle staining through vigorous aeration, and the brushless DC drive quietly accelerates to set-point without splashing. Speed is dialed in on an analog knob while an illuminated rocker selects continuous or timed operation; the integral timer counts down from 1 to 120 minutes and then stops motion automatically. The 13 × 11 in (33 × 28 cm) aluminum tray accepts clamps, racks or the supplied nonskid mat and carries up to 35 lb of glassware at 75 rpm. Internally, the platform rides on twin opposed eccentrics to cancel vibration, protecting nearby balances. Powder-coated steel panels and a sealed rocker switch stand up to bleach, and the entire 16.25 × 14 × 5.75 in unit weighs under 50 lb, sliding easily into incubators. A universal 230 V, 75 W power module keeps current draw below 0.4 A, freeing outlets for other instruments.

Economic Advantage:

By using a simple analog control in place of costly digital displays, the 3500 delivers the same mixing precision (±1 % above 100 rpm) as motor-drive shakers priced hundreds of dollars more, while its 35 lb capacity lets one platform replace two smaller units—cutting per-flask cost nearly in half for teaching labs.