Product Description
LIGHT LABS is proud to offer the Benchmark Scientific RotoBot™ Mini Programmable Rotator (Cat # R4040) — the most advanced, feature-rich, and highly programmable tube rotator available from Benchmark Scientific, featuring more than 10 distinct operating modes and two fully customizable C1/C2 "Custom Mode" sequences that can combine any of the available actions in user-defined succession — providing a level of programming flexibility and mixing versatility that far surpasses any conventional laboratory rotator. The RotoBot™ Mini is the R4040 — the compact format of the RotoBot™ series (R4045 is the full-size model with larger capacity) — providing the full RotoBot™ programming capability in a footprint of only 11.4" x 5.4" x 7.8".
The defining innovation of the RotoBot™ is its unprecedented operating mode flexibility. While conventional rotators offer only simple continuous rotation — and even advanced models like the Roto-Therm™ Plus offer only 4 modes — the RotoBot™ provides more than 10 distinct programmable actions including full 360° rotation at any speed from 1 to 80 RPM, rotation with pausing intervals, rotation with oscillating/mixing intervals (increased agitation), reversing rotation, vibrating action, platform rocking (with optional rubber mat), and more. Most powerfully, the C1 and C2 Custom Modes allow users to program sequential combinations of any of these actions — creating multi-step automated mixing protocols that run continuously and unattended for up to 99 hours and 59 minutes. This programmability transforms the RotoBot™ from a simple rotator into a true mixing robot capable of executing complex, multi-step protocol mixing sequences autonomously.
The R4040 includes a tube holder starter set: 2 packs of 6 x 1.5 mL holders, 2 packs of 1 x 15 mL holders, and 2 packs of 1 x 50 mL holders — covering the most common tube sizes with a combined maximum capacity of 60 x 1.5 mL, 10 x 15 mL, or 6 x 50 mL. Horizontal holders for Western blotting and hybridization are available separately. Compatible with an optional rocking platform (rubber mat) for Rock mode applications. Universal voltage (100–240V). 2-year warranty. LIGHT LABS is your trusted source for Benchmark Scientific laboratory equipment.
KEY FEATURES
- 10+ programmable operating modes — the most advanced programmable rotator in the Benchmark Scientific lineup; modes include full 360° rotation, pause intervals, oscillating/mixing intervals, reversing, vibrating, rocking, and more
- C1 and C2 Custom Modes — program sequential combinations of any available modes in user-defined succession; nearly infinite programming flexibility for complex multi-step automated mixing protocols
- Variable speed: 1–80 RPM — widest speed range of any Benchmark Scientific rotator; precisely match speed to protocol requirements from ultra-gentle 1 RPM to vigorous 80 RPM
- Programmable timer: 1 second to 99 hours 59 minutes / Continuous — true walk-away unattended operation for short bursts through multi-day mixing protocols
- Cold room and incubator safe — +2°C to +70°C operating temperature range; broadest thermal range of any Benchmark Scientific rotator
- Tube holder starter set included — 12 x 1.5 mL (2 packs of 6), 2 x 15 mL (2 packs of 1), 2 x 50 mL (2 packs of 1)
- Maximum capacity: 60 x 1.5 mL, 10 x 15 mL, or 6 x 50 mL (with full holder complement)
- Horizontal holders available (sold separately) — for Western blotting, hybridization, and horizontal rolling applications
- Optional rocking platform with rubber mat — converts to platform rocker in Rock/PP mode
- Sliding attachment system — quick and easy tube holder changes without tools
- Digital LED display — clear speed, mode, and timer readout
- Compact Mini footprint: 11.4" x 5.4" x 7.8"
- Universal voltage: 100–240V, 50–60 Hz; 3A
- Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg)
- 2-year warranty
- Made by Benchmark Scientific
SPECIFICATIONS
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | R4040 |
| Brand | Benchmark Scientific |
| Product Name | RotoBot™ Mini Programmable Rotator |
| Speed Range | Variable 1–80 RPM |
| Operating Modes | 10+ modes including Rotate, Pause, Mix/Oscillate, Reverse, Vibrate, Rock; C1 & C2 Custom Mode sequences |
| Timer | 1 second to 99 hr 59 min / Continuous |
| Max Capacity | 60 x 1.5 mL; 10 x 15 mL; 6 x 50 mL |
| Included Tube Holders | 12 x 1.5 mL (2 packs of 6); 2 x 15 mL (2 packs of 1); 2 x 50 mL (2 packs of 1) |
| Horizontal Holders | Available separately — Western blotting, hybridization |
| Optional Rocking Platform | Yes — rubber mat (sold separately) for Rock/PP mode |
| Operating Temperature | +2°C to +70°C |
| Display | Digital LED |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 11.4" x 5.4" x 7.8" (29 x 13.7 x 19.9 cm) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| Electrical | Universal voltage 100–240V, 50–60 Hz; 3A |
| Warranty | 2 years |
ROTOBOT™ OPERATING MODES — OVERVIEW
| Mode | Action | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full 360° Rotation | Continuous end-over-end rotation at set speed | Standard rotation mixing; bead assays; resuspension |
| Pause Mode | Rotation with programmable intermittent stops | Sedimentation-based binding; partial settling protocols |
| Mix/Oscillate Mode | Rotation combined with oscillating intervals | High-viscosity samples; vigorous mixing needs |
| Reverse Mode | Alternating forward/reverse rotation | Prevents tube contents from settling at one end |
| Vibrate Mode | High-frequency vibrating action | Rapid resuspension; vigorous agitation |
| Rock/PP Mode | Platform rocking (see-saw) with optional mat | Gentle rocking; Western blot incubations |
| C1 Custom Mode | User-programmed sequence of actions | Multi-step automated mixing protocols |
| C2 Custom Mode | Second user-programmed sequence | Second custom protocol; near-infinite flexibility |
R4040 ROTOBOT™ MINI vs. R4045 ROTOBOT™ — KEY DIFFERENCE
| Feature | RotoBot™ Mini R4040 | RotoBot™ R4045 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Size | Mini — compact | Standard — larger |
| Max Capacity | 60 x 1.5 mL; 10 x 15 mL; 6 x 50 mL | 84 x 1.5 mL; 22 x 15 mL; 12 x 50 mL |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 5.4" x 7.8" | 16.1" x 5.4" x 7.8" |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) | 5 lbs (2.27 kg) |
| Programming | Identical — 10+ modes + C1/C2 | Identical — 10+ modes + C1/C2 |
| Best For | Smaller labs; moderate throughput | Higher throughput; larger batch sizes |
APPLICATIONS
- Advanced bead-based assay incubations requiring programmed rotation + pause + mix cycles
- Nucleic acid purification with custom multi-step rotation/mixing programs
- Protein binding assays requiring precisely controlled rotation speed and intermittent mixing
- Western blotting incubations — horizontal holders for membrane-in-tube rotation
- Hybridization incubations with custom temperature and mode programs (use with incubator)
- Cell resuspension with reverse mode to prevent settling at tube ends
- Multi-step overnight automated mixing protocols using C1/C2 Custom Modes
- Any laboratory application requiring the most advanced programmable tube rotation with the broadest range of mixing modes available
ORDERING INFORMATION — BENCHMARK SCIENTIFIC ROTOBOT™ PROGRAMMABLE ROTATORS
| Cat # | Product | Max Capacity | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R4040 | RotoBot™ Mini Programmable Rotator | 60 x 1.5 mL; 10 x 15 mL; 6 x 50 mL | 11.4" x 5.4" x 7.8" | 4 lbs |
| R4045 | RotoBot™ Programmable Rotator | 84 x 1.5 mL; 22 x 15 mL; 12 x 50 mL | 16.1" x 5.4" x 7.8" | 5 lbs |
