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VWR Symphony 50001 Tabletop Incubating Orbital Shaker
The VWR Symphony 50001 Tabletop Incubating Orbital Shaker combines controlled heating with high-performance orbital agitation for microbial culture, protein expression, solubility studies, extraction procedures, media preparation, and other laboratory applications requiring simultaneous temperature control and shaking. With a broad 15–500 rpm speed range, 1-inch orbital motion, and temperature control from ambient +5°C to 65°C, the Symphony 50001 provides substantial shaking capability in a convenient tabletop configuration.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, this VWR Symphony 50001 is inspected, cleaned, and tested prior to shipment. The unit includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Key Features
Tabletop incubating orbital shaker
15–500 rpm shaking speed range
1-inch / 25.4 mm orbital motion
Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 65°C
50 lb maximum rated platform load
Opti-Flow forced-air ventilation system
Accu-Drive shaking system with triple-eccentric drive
Brushless DC motor and permanently lubricated bearings
PID temperature control
Independent LED displays for temperature, speed, and time
User-activated load sensing for unbalanced or excessive loads
Temperature and speed calibration modes
RS-232 interface for compatible data logging and control
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included
Overview
The VWR Symphony 50001 is designed for laboratories that need the functionality of an incubator and orbital shaker within a single benchtop system. Its enclosed chamber maintains controlled elevated temperatures while the orbital drive provides continuous or timed agitation for culture flasks and other appropriate laboratory vessels.
VWR's Opti-Flow forced-air system uses twin fans and air deflectors to distribute heated air throughout the chamber. This circulation is designed to promote uniform temperature conditions around samples during extended incubation procedures.
The Accu-Drive shaking system incorporates a triple-eccentric drive mechanism for controlled orbital motion. A brushless DC motor and permanently lubricated bearings help reduce routine drive-system maintenance while supporting continuous-duty operation.
The control panel provides separate digital displays for temperature, speed, and time, allowing researchers to monitor important operating parameters simultaneously.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
VWR
Product Line
Symphony
Model
50001
Catalog Number
97009-890
Equipment Type
Tabletop incubating orbital shaker
Speed Range
15–500 rpm
Speed Accuracy
±1% of setpoint
Orbit
1 in. / 25.4 mm
Temperature Range
Ambient +5°C to 65°C
Temperature Control
PID
Air Circulation
Opti-Flow forced air
Drive System
Accu-Drive triple-eccentric
Motor
Brushless DC
Maximum Rated Platform Load
50 lb
Exterior Dimensions
Approx. 32.1"L × 26.6"W × 23.5"H
Interior Dimensions
Approx. 20.6"L × 24.8"W × 17"H
Data Interface
RS-232
Condition
Used / Refurbished
Warranty
90 days from American Instrument Exchange
The 50 lb specification represents the shaker's rated platform load and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed vessel capacity. Actual usable capacity depends on the installed platform, clamps, racks, vessel dimensions, working volumes, load distribution, and other accessories supplied with the individual shaker.
Common Applications
The VWR Symphony 50001 can support bacterial and yeast culture, recombinant protein expression, microbial growth studies, plasmid preparation, media optimization, extraction procedures, solubility studies, hybridization, staining and washing procedures, and other laboratory workflows requiring controlled heating and orbital agitation.
Its combination of a 1-inch orbit and speeds up to 500 rpm makes it particularly useful for shake-flask culture and other applications where effective liquid movement and aeration are important.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The VWR Symphony 50001 is well suited for biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories, microbiology facilities, molecular biology groups, protein-expression laboratories, fermentation and process-development groups, academic research facilities, university laboratories, food and beverage research operations, and industrial research or quality-control laboratories.
Its tabletop design can be especially useful for laboratories that need substantial incubated shaking capacity but prefer a benchtop instrument rather than a larger floor-standing system.
Temperature Control & Orbital Shaking Performance
The Symphony 50001 operates from 15 to 500 rpm with a 1-inch / 25.4 mm orbital motion. The variable-speed microprocessor control system maintains the selected shaking speed, while the Accu-Drive triple-eccentric mechanism provides consistent orbital movement across the platform.
Temperature is controlled from approximately 5°C above ambient to 65°C using a PID control system. VWR's Opti-Flow system circulates chamber air using twin fans and strategically positioned air deflectors to promote even temperature distribution throughout the chamber.
Both temperature and shaking speed can be calibrated using external reference devices. This allows laboratories to check instrument performance against their own measurement standards and make applicable calibration adjustments.
The shaker also incorporates load-sensing capability. When enabled, the system can detect improper loading or excessive platform load, reduce operation to a safer speed, and alert the operator to the condition.
As with other orbital shakers, actual mixing and culture performance depend on more than rpm alone. Orbit diameter, vessel geometry, flask baffling, working volume, platform configuration, medium characteristics, and load distribution can all influence agitation and oxygen transfer.
Platform, Flask & Vessel Compatibility
The Symphony 50001 is rated for a maximum platform load of 50 lb, providing substantial capacity for appropriately configured laboratory vessels.
Actual flask or vessel capacity, however, depends on the platform and accessories installed on the individual shaker. Flask clamps, racks, custom fixtures, vessel dimensions, working volumes, and spacing requirements can substantially change the practical capacity of a used unit.
For this reason, platform load should not be converted into a theoretical flask count, and manufacturer capacity figures for a particular accessory configuration should not automatically be assumed to apply to this AIE unit.
American Instrument Exchange can confirm the platform, clamps, racks, and other accessories supplied with the specific Symphony 50001. Customers planning to use particular Erlenmeyer flasks, Fernbach flasks, bottles, tubes, or other vessels should verify compatibility before purchase.
Refurbishment & Testing
Used VWR Symphony 50001 incubating orbital shakers from American Instrument Exchange are inspected and tested prior to shipment. AIE operates the shaking mechanism for extended periods to verify continuous operation and proper response at applicable speed setpoints.
Because the Symphony 50001 is temperature controlled, AIE also evaluates its incubator performance using external temperature-measurement equipment. Temperature-controlled laboratory equipment is checked with independent probes and data-logging equipment as appropriate to verify chamber performance.
Testing includes evaluation of the orbital drive, speed controls, PID temperature system, timer, digital displays, load-sensing functions, and other applicable mechanical and electrical components. The shaker is also cleaned and cosmetically prepared as appropriate before shipment.
Customers with specific testing requirements are encouraged to discuss them with American Instrument Exchange before shipment so that typical intended operating conditions can be simulated when practical.
Shipping & Installation
The VWR Symphony 50001 measures approximately 32.1 inches long by 26.6 inches wide by 23.5 inches high. Although designed for tabletop use, its size and potential operating load require a sturdy laboratory bench or other stable support.
The installation surface should be level and capable of supporting the shaker itself as well as the platform, accessories, vessels, and samples. Adequate clearance should be provided for chamber access, ventilation, electrical connections, and platform operation.
Loads should be distributed as evenly as practical across the platform. Proper balance becomes increasingly important as shaking speed and sample weight increase.
Electrical requirements should be verified for the specific AIE unit before installation.
Related Equipment
Laboratories using the VWR Symphony 50001 may also require incubators, CO2 incubators, centrifuges, laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, ultra-low freezers, water baths, and other laboratory shakers. American Instrument Exchange supplies used and refurbished laboratory equipment for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, clinical, and industrial research laboratories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of shaker is the VWR Symphony 50001?
The Symphony 50001 is a tabletop incubating orbital shaker that combines controlled heating with variable-speed orbital agitation.
What is the speed range?
The VWR Symphony 50001 operates from 15 to 500 rpm.
What is the orbit diameter?
The shaker uses a 1-inch / 25.4 mm orbital motion.
What is the temperature range?
The Symphony 50001 operates from approximately 5°C above ambient to 65°C.
Is the VWR Symphony 50001 refrigerated?
No. This model is a heated incubating shaker and does not provide active refrigeration below ambient temperature.
What is the Opti-Flow system?
VWR's Opti-Flow system uses forced-air circulation with twin fans and air deflectors to distribute conditioned air throughout the chamber and promote temperature uniformity around samples.
What is the Accu-Drive shaking system?
The Accu-Drive system uses a triple-eccentric drive mechanism to produce consistent orbital movement. The system is powered by a brushless DC motor and uses permanently lubricated bearings for reduced maintenance.
What is the maximum platform load?
The Symphony 50001 is rated for a maximum platform load of 50 lb. This load rating should not be interpreted as a guaranteed capacity for a particular number or size of flasks.
How many flasks can the Symphony 50001 hold?
Actual flask capacity depends on the installed platform, clamps or racks, flask dimensions, working volume, spacing, and load distribution. Customers should confirm the configuration of the specific AIE unit rather than relying on a theoretical manufacturer flask count.
Does the Symphony 50001 detect an unbalanced load?
The shaker includes a user-activated load-sensing function designed to detect improper load positioning or excessive loading. When triggered, the system can reduce shaking to a safer speed and alert the operator.
Can the speed and temperature be calibrated?
Yes. The Symphony system provides calibration functions that allow temperature and shaking speed to be checked and adjusted using appropriate external reference devices.
Does the shaker have a data connection?
Yes. The Symphony 50001 includes an RS-232 interface for compatible two-way communication, including data logging and unit-control applications.
Can the Symphony 50001 be used for microbial culture?
Yes. Its controlled heating, 15–500 rpm speed range, and 1-inch orbital motion make it suitable for many bacterial, yeast, recombinant protein, and other microbial culture applications.
How does American Instrument Exchange test this shaker?
AIE operates the shaking mechanism for extended periods to verify continuous operation and applicable speed setpoints. Temperature performance is independently checked using external temperature-measurement equipment, and applicable controls and safety functions are also evaluated.
Does this VWR Symphony 50001 include a warranty?
Yes. This used and refurbished VWR Symphony 50001 includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Click Hereto see the VWR Symphony Incubating Orbital Shaker on the American Instrument Exchange YouTube channel.
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Equipment
Ensure Accuracy, Safety, and Dependable Performance Across Applications
At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished laboratory equipment undergoes a rigorous, multi-point testing protocol to ensure optimal performance, operational safety, and long-term reliability. Whether the equipment is destined for research, diagnostics, quality control, or production environments, our thorough inspection and testing process is designed to meet the highest standards of laboratory excellence.
Why Testing Used Lab Equipment Is Essential
Before any refurbished laboratory equipment is returned to service, it must be carefully tested to verify:
• Functional integrity and operational performance
• Setpoint accuracy and repeatability (where applicable)
• User interface responsiveness and control features
Proper testing reduces the risk of equipment failure, measurement inaccuracies, or user hazards—helping to ensure consistent results in clinical, academic, biotech, and industrial labs.
Our standardized lab equipment testing procedures are tailored to each equipment type, ensuring every unit meets manufacturer specifications and industry benchmarks.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Equipment
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Examine equipment housing for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check ports, power cords, and exterior components for tampering or deterioration
• Verify that internal and external parts (racks, shelves, connectors, accessories) are present and undamaged
2. Functional Startup and Operational Testing
• Power on the equipment and verify startup diagnostics
• Confirm functionality of displays, buttons, switches, and control panels
• Run basic functions to confirm proper response and behavior under standard operating conditions
3. Testing and Performance Verification
• Test internal sensors or control systems using industry-standard tools
• Perform operational tests to validate accuracy and consistency
• Verify key performance specifications such as temperature control, timing, speed, or measurement outputs, depending on equipment type
4. Mechanical and Electrical System Testing
• Evaluate motors, pumps, fans, or other moving parts for smooth operation
• Inspect and test wiring, relays, fuses, and circuit boards for safety and reliability
• Test power delivery and grounding compliance
5. Safety and Compliance Checks
• Ensure equipment is grounded and insulated to meet laboratory safety standards
• Test alarms, interlocks, emergency stops, or safety shutdown systems if applicable
6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation
• Perform extended runtime testing
• Document operational logs, testing results, and any repairs or adjustments made
• Complete a final inspection, thorough cleaning, and packaging for delivery
Trusted Quality from American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years of experience in laboratory equipment refurbishment, American Instrument Exchange is committed to delivering certified, lab-ready instruments backed by expert testing. Our testing protocols ensure that each piece of equipment—regardless of type—is safe, accurate, and dependable from day one.
Whether you're equipping a startup lab or expanding a high-throughput facility, you can count on our refurbished laboratory equipment to perform with precision and reliability.
Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Equipment from American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every piece of used laboratory equipment we offer undergoes a multi-step refurbishment process. Whether it's an analytical balance, centrifuge, freezer, oven, or any other essential lab instrument, our goal is to restore each unit to peak performance—ensuring accuracy, safety, and long-term reliability in scientific, clinical, industrial, and academic environments.
Why Choose Refurbished Lab Equipment from American Instrument Exchange?
• Thoroughly tested for performance, precision, and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by expert technicians with decades of laboratory equipment experience
Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol
Every instrument and system refurbished at American Instrument Exchange follows a detailed, industry-aligned process:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Complete visual and structural inspection for cosmetic damage, wear, or corrosion
• Mechanical assessment of hinges, seals, fasteners, motors, and moving parts
• Missing components and damaged items are documented for repair or replacement
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Full internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive, lab-safe solutions
• Removal of biological, chemical, or particulate contamination
• Disassembly and cleaning of removable parts such as trays, shelves, and filters
3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Replacement or repair of worn or broken mechanical parts
• Evaluation and servicing of control panels, sensors, switches, and displays
• Testing and repair of electrical wiring, fuses, circuit boards, and power supplies
4. Functional System Testing
• Assessment of all major functions specific to the equipment type (e.g., speed, temperature, force, weight, timing)
• Operation of control interfaces, programming menus, and digital displays
• Verification of stabilization time, responsiveness, and user input reliability
5. Testing and Performance Verification
• Testing of internal sensors, controllers, and measurement systems using certified tools
• Multi-point testing to ensure repeatability, accuracy, and performance consistency
• Confirmation of user-defined setpoints, timing sequences, or programmable cycles
6. Safety and Compliance Checks
• Testing of safety interlocks, alarms, and over-limit protection systems (as applicable)
• Electrical safety inspections, including grounding and insulation verification
7. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation
• Full operational testing under simulated lab conditions
• Completion of performance benchmarks, testing results, and repair logs
• Final cleaning and visual inspection
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years of experience in the laboratory equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted leader in high-quality refurbished lab instruments. Our refurbishment protocols ensure that every piece of equipment we sell is lab-ready—offering the precision, performance, and durability your team can count on.
Whether you’re outfitting a new lab or expanding an existing operation, choose American Instrument Exchange for tested, warrantied, and cost-effective laboratory equipment.
Warranty Information
All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,
Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”
Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.
Return & Cancellation Policy
American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.
Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.
Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.
Ongoing and Extended Support Options
American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.
For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.
For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty. Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
How do you test and recondition the equipment?
Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality. We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?
We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.
Return and order cancellation policy
American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.
Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?
Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.
How does your price matching policy work?
We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.
Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.
1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.
Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?
Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.
