Product Description
LIGHT LABS is proud to offer the Benchmark Scientific MiniMixer™ 3D Nutating Shaker (Cat # B3D1020) — a compact, versatile, tri-directional mixing platform providing a true 3D nutating motion that is fundamentally different from the 2D see-saw rocking motion of conventional platform rockers. The MiniMixer™ is the compact format of the BioMixer™ 3D series — providing the full 3D nutating mixing capability of the larger B3D1320 BioMixer™ in a space-saving 10.5" x 7.5" platform footprint that fits easily on any laboratory bench, in any cold room, and inside most incubators.
The key distinction between a nutating mixer (3D) and a conventional platform rocker (2D) is the motion geometry. A 2D platform rocker produces a simple see-saw motion — the platform tilts alternately to the left and right along a single axis. A 3D nutating mixer produces a complex, continuously changing tilting motion where the platform rotates around a central axis while simultaneously tilting — creating a figure-eight or circular wave-like motion across the platform surface. This tri-directional nutating motion ensures that samples at every position on the platform are continuously subjected to three-dimensional agitation — providing more thorough, uniform mixing than 2D rocking alone, particularly in round-bottomed vessels such as blood collection tubes, conical centrifuge tubes, and round culture flasks where the nutating motion drives complete end-to-end fluid circulation.
The autoclavable dimpled rubber mat included with the B3D1020 is specifically designed for optimal tube retention during nutating motion — the dimples provide positive tube seating that prevents tubes from rolling, shifting, or ejecting during the circular nutating motion. The compact 10.5" x 7.5" platform provides 24% more usable work surface than traditional nutating mixers of the same physical footprint — and optional stacking platform accessories are available to multiply working area without increasing bench space. Maintenance-free brushless motor. Cold room and incubator compatible. 2-year warranty. LIGHT LABS is your trusted source for Benchmark Scientific laboratory equipment.
KEY FEATURES
- True 3D nutating motion — tri-directional platform tilting provides more thorough, uniform mixing than 2D rocking; continuously changing tilt direction drives complete fluid circulation in round-bottomed vessels
- Superior for blood tubes and centrifuge tubes — nutating motion drives complete end-to-end fluid circulation in round-bottomed tubes; prevents settling that 2D rockers cannot eliminate
- Foam-free mixing — nutating motion provides vigorous mixing without generating foam; ideal for sensitive biological samples
- Autoclavable dimpled rubber mat — dimples provide positive tube retention during nutating motion; prevents rolling, shifting, or ejection; autoclavable for sterile applications
- Compact 10.5" x 7.5" platform — 24% more usable work surface than traditional nutating mixers of the same footprint
- Fixed 24 RPM — optimized speed for blood and centrifuge tube mixing; one-switch operation
- Fixed ±20° tilt angle — optimized nutating angle for thorough circulation in standard laboratory tubes and vessels
- Maintenance-free brushless motor — longer service life; quieter operation; no brush wear
- Optional stacking platform — doubles usable work surface without increasing bench footprint
- Cold room and incubator compatible — +4°C to +50°C operating temperature range
- 115V or 230V, 50–60 Hz; 50W
- Dimensions: 10.5" x 7.5" x 8" (27 x 19 x 20 cm)
- Weight: 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
- 2-year warranty
- Made by Benchmark Scientific
SPECIFICATIONS
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | B3D1020 |
| Brand | Benchmark Scientific |
| Product Name | MiniMixer™ 3D Nutating Shaker |
| Motion Type | 3D Nutating — tri-directional |
| Speed | Fixed 24 RPM (115V); 20 RPM (230V) |
| Tilt Angle | Fixed ±20° |
| Platform Size | 10.5" x 7.5" (27 x 19 cm) |
| Platform Mat | Autoclavable dimpled rubber mat (included) |
| Load Capacity | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| Motor | Maintenance-free brushless |
| Operating Temperature | +4°C to +50°C |
| Stacking Platform | Optional — available separately |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 10.5" x 7.5" x 8" (27 x 19 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs (2 kg) |
| Electrical | 115V or 230V, 50–60 Hz; 50W |
| Warranty | 2 years |
3D NUTATING vs. 2D ROCKING — KEY DIFFERENCE
| Feature | 3D Nutating (B3D1020) | 2D Rocking (BR1000/BR2000) |
|---|---|---|
| Motion | Tri-directional circular tilt | Single-axis see-saw tilt |
| Platform Movement | Rotates while tilting — figure-eight/circular | Left-right alternating tilt only |
| Fluid Circulation | Complete 3D end-to-end circulation | Side-to-side wave only |
| Best For | Blood tubes; centrifuge tubes; round-bottomed vessels | Gel blotting; flat staining containers |
| Foam Generation | Minimal — foam-free | Low |
| Mat Type | Dimpled (tube retention) | Flat |
APPLICATIONS
- Blood sample mixing — prevents coagulation and cell settling with thorough 3D end-to-end circulation in blood collection tubes
- Centrifuge tube resuspension — complete pellet resuspension without foam or tube ejection
- Cell culture media and reagent mixing in conical tubes
- Immunoprecipitation and bead-based assay incubations in microcentrifuge and conical tubes
- Clinical laboratory sample mixing (serum, plasma, whole blood)
- Antibody-antigen incubations requiring foam-free vigorous mixing
- Gentle culture flask mixing — nutating motion provides CO₂/O₂ exchange without foam
- Any application requiring foam-free, thorough tri-directional mixing in blood tubes, centrifuge tubes, or round-bottomed vessels
ORDERING INFORMATION — BENCHMARK SCIENTIFIC BIOMIXER™ 3D NUTATING SHAKERS
| Cat # | Product | Platform | Speed | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B3D1020 | MiniMixer™ 3D Nutating Shaker | 10.5" x 7.5" | Fixed 24 RPM | Compact; dimpled mat; blood/centrifuge tubes |
| B3D1320 | BioMixer™ 3D Nutating Shaker | 12" x 12" | Fixed 24 RPM | Larger platform; same 3D nutating motion |
