How Long Do Incubating Shakers Last?

Incubating shakers have long life spans, ranging from 10 to 20. How long your incubating shaker lasts depends on a number of influences, from material quality to maintenance practices. Learn about the life span of an incubating shaker to ensure you get the most out of your equipment. 

Factors Influencing the Life Span of an Incubating Shaker

The life span of an incubating shaker can vary depending on several factors, such as:

Material Quality 

Incubating shakers built with high-quality, durable materials can contribute to a longer life span by reducing wear and tear and ensuring components function smoothly over time.

Frequency and Intensity of Usage

The longevity of an incubating shaker can be influenced by how often and how vigorously it is used. Frequent and intense usage can lead to quicker wear and potential breakdowns, which shortens the overall life span of your equipment. 

Environmental Conditions in the Lab

Environmental conditions in your lab, such as temperature and cleanliness, can impact how long your incubating shaker lasts. For example, placing your equipment where it gets direct sunlight exposure can affect its performance. Keeping it clean is also essential for preventing contamination. 

Common Incubating Shaker Malfunctions and Wear

Here are a few typical malfunctions and their impact on the performance of your incubator:

  • Unbalanced load: An uneven load can cause excessive vibrations and strain the shaker's components. The irregular shaking can potentially lead to premature wear.
  • Temperature fluctuations: Temperature fluctuations can lead to inconsistent incubation conditions, which affects the reliability of the outcomes. They also point to serious issues with the equipment, such as mechanical failure or a broken door seal. 
  • Abnormal noise: Excessive noise and vibrations can indicate misaligned parts, worn components or unbalanced loads. These issues can impact the shaker's performance and potentially compromise the integrity of the samples.

Maximizing the Life Span of an Incubating Shaker

Proper incubating shaker maintenance is paramount to maximizing the life span of your equipment. Implement shaker best practices, like regular cleaning and calibration. Appropriate placement and careful handling are also crucial to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. 

Repair vs. Replacement

When faced with repair or replacement decisions, conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine if investing in repairs is more economical than purchasing a new shaker. Take into account long-term maintenance costs and the potential benefits of upgraded features in a new model.

Look for signs to decommission an incubating shaker, including persistent malfunctions, excessive noise or safety risks. If its replacement is the best option, ensure proper disposal or resale of the equipment. 

Purchase Used Incubating Shakers at New Life Scientific

Is your incubating shaker nearly at the end of its life span? Keep your operations running smoothly with a replacement from New Life Scientific. We offer high-quality used incubating shakers, allowing you to save on costs for your replacement without compromising quality. We invite you to browse our selection and contact us to learn more.