If you work in a science lab, you might use either a shaker or a mixer to help mix and blend your samples. But what's the difference between these two lab tools? Let's take a closer look!
What is a Lab Shaker?
A lab shaker is a machine that moves samples back and forth or in a circular motion. This helps mix the samples and keep them evenly blended. Shakers come in different sizes and can hold anywhere from a few small test tubes up to large flasks or bottles.
The back-and-forth or circular motion of a shaker helps keep solids suspended in liquids. This is important for many scientific experiments and processes, like:
- Dissolving solids in liquids
- Growing cell cultures
- Extracting compounds from samples
- Forming emulsions
Lab shakers use an electric motor to create the shaking motion. You can usually adjust the speed and intensity of the shaking to get the perfect mixing for your samples. Some shakers also have accessories like clamps and holders to securely keep your sample containers in place during mixing.
What is a Lab Mixer?
A lab mixer is a machine that uses blades or paddles to stir and blend samples. Just like a blender you might have at home, a lab mixer uses the spinning motion of the blades to thoroughly mix liquids, solids, and even gases.
Lab mixers come in benchtop versions for smaller samples, as well as larger floor models that can handle bigger containers. Some mixers even have multiple mixing stations so you can blend several samples at once.
The main uses of a lab mixer include:
- Mixing solutions
- Emulsifying liquids
- Dispersing powders in liquids
- Blending heterogeneous samples
- Homogenizing samples
Laboratory Shaker & Mixer devices use an electric motor to spin the mixing blades at the desired speed, offering precise control over the mixing action. Many mixers also come with variable speed control, enabling you to adjust the blade speed based on your sample's specific needs.
Differences between Shakers and Mixers
Now that you know what each machine does, let's look at the key differences between lab shakers and lab mixers:
1. Motion:
The main difference is the type of motion used to mix the samples. Shakers create a back-and-forth or circular motion, while mixers use spinning blades to stir the samples.
2. Sample Handling:
Shakers are better for keeping solids suspended in liquids and maintaining an even mixture. Mixers excel at thoroughly blending and homogenizing different components, including liquids, solids, and gases.
3. Speed Control:
Both machines allow you to adjust the speed, but shakers generally have a wider range of speeds compared to mixers. This gives shakers more flexibility to optimize the mixing action for different sample types and volumes.
4. Sample Capacity:
Shakers come in a wider variety of sizes, from small units for test tubes up to large floor models for big flasks and bottles. Mixers have a more limited size range; with most being benchtop units that can handle smaller sample volumes.
5. Applications:
Shakers are better for applications like cell culture, dissolution, and extractions where you need to keep solids evenly suspended. Mixers work well for blending solutions, making emulsions, and dispersing powders in liquids.
When to Use a Shaker vs. a Mixer
So when should you use a lab shaker versus a lab mixer? Here are some general guidelines:
Use a Lab Shaker When:
- You need to keep solids suspended in a liquid
- You are growing cell cultures
- You are extracting compounds from a sample
- You have a wide range of sample sizes to mix
- Your samples are sensitive to shear forces
Use a Lab Mixer When:
- You need to thoroughly blend liquids, solids, and gases
- You are making an emulsion or dispersing powders
- You have smaller sample volumes to mix
- You don't need as wide a range of speed control
- Your samples can withstand higher shear forces
Of course, there may be times when you need to use both a shaker and a mixer for your lab work. The key understands the strengths and limitations of each machine so you can choose the right tool for the job.
For example, you might use a shaker to initially dissolve a solid in a liquid, and then switch to a mixer to thoroughly homogenize the solution. Or you could use a shaker to maintain an even cell suspension, and then use a mixer to break up cell clumps.
Ultimately, lab shakers and mixers are both important tools for any well-equipped science lab. Knowing when to use each one will help you get the best results for your experimental needs.
Hopefully this explanation helps you understand the difference between lab shakers and lab mixers! Let me know if you have any other questions. For more information on lab equipment like hotplate magnetic ceramic stirrer, then check our website.
