Bibby Scientific is launching the latest shaking incubator from Stuart at Analytica 2010, which runs until 26 March in Munich, Germany.
The SI505 incubator is specially designed for use with microtitre plates to meet the needs of life-science laboratories.
Offering a shaking action for mixing very small volumes in well plates or micro tubes, the SI505 also reduces sample evaporation and features the microprocessor detection, setting and control of temperature.
The SI505 complements Stuart's SI500 shaking incubator, which incorporates the same digital display, retractable stainless-steel platform facilitating sample access and USB connectivity for the long-term monitoring of the incubator temperature on a PC.
Up to four microtitre plates fit on the non-slip mat and a range of accessory racks for different tube sizes is also available for the SI505.
The integrated timer can be set for any period from one second to nine days.
Speed and temperature are independently controlled.
A digital light-emitting-diode control panel enables temperature to be set between ambient temperature +7C and 60C, while air distribution is controlled to ensure uniformity throughout the sample chamber.
Robert Skehens, Bibby Scientific's marketing director, said: 'With an orbit of just 1.5mm and high maximum speed of 1,250rev/min, the shaking action is optimised for microtitre plates.
'By contrast, conventional shakers with a larger orbit of around 16mm and very much slower speeds cannot provide effective mixing for small sample volumes in well plates and micro tubes.
'Another key feature is the strategic placing of stainless-steel water trays within the SI505.
'These maintain a humidity of up to 80 per cent in order to minimise sample evaporation - a key issue when incubating microtitre plates,' he added.
In common with other Stuart bench-top equipment, the new shaking incubator benefits from Biocote antimicrobial protection as standard.
This silver-based technology reduces the risk of cross contamination and infection within the laboratory by eliminating surface-level bacteria, mould and fungi.
Bibby Scientific is on Stand B2.217 at Analytica.
