Vertical Support Plate

Quick Answer: The Vertical Support Plate is a rotator accessory that carries a row of tubes standing upright on a flat plate; mounted between a drive and its end support, the plate turns about a horizontal axis so each tube tumbles end over end.

How the Plate Holds Tubes

The photo shows the plate mounted on a blue rotator drive of the same style as the Rotary mixer STR4, with capped tubes standing in a line across its face. As the plate turns, the tubes pass from upright to inverted and back, giving the same gentle end-over-end mixing as a drum, but with the tubes arranged side by side where they are easy to see and reach.

Vertical describes how the tubes sit relative to the plate: standing perpendicular to it in a single row. That layout suits a small number of larger tubes that would not fit on a disc, and it makes loading quick because every tube is in plain view. Tube diameter and the number of positions are not given in the title.

Because the plate mounts between drive and end support, it has to match the drive’s fittings. Buyers who already own a drive of this style should give its model when ordering, so the plate’s mounting can be matched.

Where the Plate Is Useful

• Rotating a short row of larger tubes during extraction or resuspension
• Mixing labelled tubes that need to stay in a fixed order during a timed incubation
• Teaching demonstrations in which students watch each tube invert

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Tighten the plate fixings before switching on and turn the plate once by hand.
• Load tubes symmetrically from the centre outwards so the plate stays balanced.
• Clean the plate with mild detergent and dry it before storing it off the drive.

Why Choose LabEquip

Labs with a rotator drive add the Vertical Support Plate when a job calls for a few larger tubes in a visible row rather than a crowded disc. It is listed with other drive accessories in General Lab Products, and drive compatibility can be checked through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does vertical mean for this plate?

It describes how tubes sit: standing perpendicular to the plate in a row. As the plate turns about a horizontal axis, those tubes are carried end over end.

Which rotator drive does it fit?

The photo shows it on a drive of the STR4 style, with bars and an end support. Mountings differ between makes, so name your drive when ordering and the fit can be confirmed.

How is it different from a drum?

A drum holds tubes lengthwise around a cylinder, while this plate stands tubes in a single visible row. The plate is quicker to load and inspect; a drum usually carries more tubes.

How should the tubes be secured?

Seat each tube fully in its position and close caps firmly. Check that no tube moves when the plate is turned slowly by hand before switching on.

Can the plate carry tubes of different sizes?

Only if its positions are made for them. Positions are normally sized for one diameter, so mixing sizes may leave some tubes loose.

How is the plate cleaned?

Remove it from the drive, wash it with a mild detergent or wipe it with a suitable disinfectant, rinse and dry it fully before refitting.

Last Updated: September 2026