Heathrow Scientific Vortex Mixer - 120209 | 3,200 rpm, 3.7mm Orbit, Touch-Start, US Plug

Mixing tube samples by hand is slow, inconsistent, and ties up a technician's hands during high-throughput workflows. The Heathrow Scientific Vortex Mixer (120209) delivers variable-speed orbital mixing from approximately 1,000 to 3,200 rpm with a 3.7mm orbit — powerful enough to resuspend pellets, mix reagents, and homogenize samples in seconds. The single mixing head with universal cup attachment accommodates the most popular test tube formats used in today's labs, and three operating modes (intermittent, continuous, and touch-start) give operators precise control over how and when mixing occurs.

Built from durable ABS with a robust motor rated for high-frequency use, this vortex mixer is engineered for the demands of shared lab environments. The infinity dial speed control and simple three-position switch require no digital programming — operators set speed and mode and go. CE and UKCA certified, with a heavy base that prevents walking during high-speed operation.

Features and Benefits

• Three Operating Modes — Intermittent, Continuous, and Touch-Start: Intermittent mode runs automatically at set speed; continuous mode keeps the mixer running until switched off; touch-start activates only when a tube is pressed against the cup — giving operators hands-free control and reducing fatigue during repetitive mixing tasks.

• Variable Speed Infinity Dial (1,000–3,200 rpm): The continuously variable rotary dial eliminates fixed speed steps — dial in the exact mixing intensity needed for delicate samples near 1,000 rpm or aggressive resuspension near 3,200 rpm.

• 3.7mm Orbit for Effective Tube Mixing: The 3.7mm eccentric orbit generates the turbulent fluid motion needed to fully resuspend settled particles, mix reagent components, and homogenize viscous samples — in seconds rather than minutes.

• Universal Cup Head — Broad Tube Compatibility: The included universal cup attachment accommodates the most common tube formats — microcentrifuge tubes, 15mL and 50mL conical tubes, culture tubes, and cryovials — without requiring separate adapters for standard use.

• Stable Heavy Base — No Walking During Operation: The weighted base keeps the vortex mixer stationary during high-speed continuous operation — no chasing the instrument across the bench during extended mixing sessions.

• Compact Footprint at 11.12 lb: At 6.7 × 7.5 × 7.8 in and 11.12 lb, this is a robust, full-function vortexer that stays put on the bench without taking up excessive space — the ideal balance between stability and footprint for shared lab environments.

Specifications

Laboratory Applications

• Sample Resuspension in Molecular Biology: Resuspend DNA pellets, RNA precipitates, cell pellets, and bead-based reagents in microcentrifuge and conical tubes — touch-start mode gives precise control over mixing duration to prevent sample damage.

• Reagent Mixing in Clinical & Diagnostic Labs: Mix clinical reagents, calibrators, and controls before use — continuous mode supports batch preparation workflows where multiple tubes need sequential mixing.

• Chemical & Pharmaceutical QC: Mix test solutions, standards, and formulations in culture tubes and 15mL/50mL conicals during quality control testing — consistent orbit and speed ensure mixing reproducibility between technicians.

• Microbiology & Cell Culture: Resuspend bacterial cultures, mix enzyme solutions, and prepare growth media components — the variable speed dial enables gentle mixing for sensitive cell cultures and aggressive mixing for dense bacterial suspensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tube sizes does the Vortex Mixer accommodate?
The universal cup head fits the most common tube formats including 1.5mL and 2.0mL microcentrifuge tubes, 15mL and 50mL conical tubes, standard culture tubes, and cryovials. For specialized tube formats or multi-tube adapters, replacement heads are available separately (120327, 120328).

What is touch-start mode and when should I use it?
In touch-start mode, the vortexer only activates when a tube is pressed down against the cup — it stops immediately when you lift the tube. This gives you one-hand mixing control while the other hand holds other equipment, and prevents accidental continuous operation between samples.

Can I use this vortexer for mixing samples in cryovials?
Yes. The universal cup head accommodates cryovials of standard dimensions. Use touch-start mode at lower speeds to mix cryoprotectant solutions and cell suspensions before freezing — the variable dial allows you to dial back the intensity for fragile samples.

Is the Vortex Mixer 120209 compatible with US power outlets?
Yes — SKU 120209 ships with a 110–120VAC, 50/60Hz US/NA plug, making it plug-and-play for US laboratory environments. No voltage adapter is needed for standard US outlets.

Quality Assurance

Heathrow Scientific instruments are CE and UKCA certified and manufactured under rigorous quality standards. The Vortex Mixer is engineered for high-frequency shared lab use and validated for consistent speed and orbit performance across the full variable speed range.

Academic and Institutional Pricing

LabSupplies.com offers tiered quantity pricing for academic and research institutions. As an authorized dealer, we ship directly from USA inventory.