Quick Answer: Orbital shaker SK-0180-S DLAB is a DLAB bench shaker whose platform moves in a small horizontal circle, mixing the contents of flasks, trays and tubes placed on it. DLAB writes the code of this laboratory orbital shaker as SK-O180-S, with the letter O for orbital; the listing shows it with a zero.
How an Orbital Shaker Differs from a Stirrer
A magnetic stirrer mixes one vessel from the inside with a spinning bar. An orbital shaker moves the whole platform in a circle without tilting it, so every vessel on it swirls at once and nothing touches the contents. That suits work where a stir bar would get in the way or harm the sample: gels in staining trays, membranes in wash boxes and cultures in flasks, where cells should not be ground against the glass.
In DLAB’s naming, the O in SK-O180 marks orbital motion, as distinct from linear shakers in the same family. Speed is adjustable, and the swirl in each vessel depends on speed, orbit diameter and how full the vessel is; a conical flask filled to about a fifth of its volume swirls far better than one filled halfway.
The SK-O180-S shakes at room temperature and has no heater, so warm shaking needs an incubated shaker. The platform, clamps or mat supplied, the orbit and the speed range are not in the title, and should be matched at enquiry to the flasks and trays you plan to use.
Uses of a Laboratory Orbital Shaker
- Staining and destaining agarose or polyacrylamide gels in trays
- Washing blotting membranes between buffer and antibody steps
- Aerating microbial cultures in conical flasks at room temperature
- Extracting soil or plant samples into water or a solvent by shaking for a set time
- Dissolving solids in several flasks at the same time
Specifications
| Brand and model | DLAB SK-O180-S (listed as SK-0180-S) |
| Motion | Orbital: platform moves in a horizontal circle |
| Speed | Adjustable |
| Temperature | Room temperature; no heating |
| Typical loads | Conical flasks, staining trays, Petri dishes and tube racks |
| Platform, clamps and orbit | Confirm at enquiry |
Loading and Care
- Spread the load evenly over the platform, placing flasks of equal volume opposite each other.
- Hold flasks in clamps or on a non-slip mat, and raise the speed gradually while watching for walking or splashing.
- Cap or cover vessels holding stains or solvents, and wipe spills off the platform at once.
- Stop the shaker before adding or removing vessels.
Why Choose LabEquip
Orbital shakers are ordered by biology, biotechnology and environmental laboratories that run the same shaking step on many vessels. LabEquip lists the SK-O180-S in its General Lab Products range, together with borosilicate conical flasks that suit shaking; send your platform needs through the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between orbital and rocking shakers?
An orbital shaker moves the platform in a flat circle, swirling liquid around each vessel. A rocker tilts the platform up and down, which is gentler and often used for gels and blots in shallow trays.
Can the shaker be used for bacterial cultures?
Yes, at room temperature, for organisms that grow well without warming. For cultures that need 37 °C, an incubated shaker is the right choice.
How full should a flask be on an orbital shaker?
For good mixing and aeration, fill a conical flask to about a fifth of its volume. Fuller flasks swirl poorly and are more likely to splash at higher speed.
Why does the shaker move across the bench?
An uneven load or too high a speed makes it walk. Balance the vessels, reduce the speed and stand the shaker on a firm, level bench.
Is SK-0180-S the same as SK-O180-S?
They refer to the same model. DLAB writes the code with the letter O for orbital, and the zero in this listing appears to be a typing variation.
Can the shaker run overnight?
Long runs such as overnight destaining are a common use for orbital shakers. Before leaving it, secure every vessel, cover liquids and check that the speed setting does not splash.
Last Updated: September 2026
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