Shaking & Mixing 8 April 2026 2 min read

Adhesive shaker mat best practices for safe orbital shaker runs

Adhesive mats make orbital shaking more flexible and convenient. They often replace clamps and simplify setup. However, safe use needs consistent routines. Therefore, clear best practices reduce spills and failed runs.

Poly Temp editorial

Laboratory equipment specialists

Table of contents

1Adhesive shaker mat selection by vessel and rpm
2Adhesive shaker mat cleaning for reliable adhesion
3Adhesive shaker mat attachment with press and twist
4Adhesive shaker mat limits for temperature, load, and speed

Adhesive shaker mat selection by vessel and rpm

An adhesive shaker mat performs best when matched to vessel type and rpm. Moreover, it can secure tube racks and flasks. It can also hold multiwell plates and wash basins. Maximum load and speed depend on the mat type. The base to height ratio of labware matters too. In addition, the labware material influences grip at higher speeds. Therefore, choose low or high adhesion deliberately. Then, stability improves during long shaking protocols. Explore solutions in Shaking and Mixing.

Adhesive shaker mat cleaning for reliable adhesion

Cleaning directly affects adhesion and repeatability. Therefore, clean the mat and platform at least weekly. Moreover, remove oil, dust, fingerprints, and dirt completely. Use mild dish soap without skincare additives. Then, rinse with 70% ethanol to remove residues. After that, let both surfaces dry fully. Wet surfaces are slippery and increase risk. Press firmly to attach the mat to the platform. Consequently, adhesion remains stable across repeated runs. For support, see Service and Maintenance.

Adhesive shaker mat attachment with press and twist

Correct attachment uses a simple, repeatable action. Press each vessel firmly onto the mat. Then, apply a gentle clockwise twist. This motion locks the vessel into place. Moreover, ensure the full bottom surface is attached. This reduces detachment during acceleration. To remove, tip the vessel to one side. Then pull to that same side. For applications and accessories, see Shakers and mixers for laboratories.

Adhesive shaker mat limits for temperature, load, and speed

Use the mats between 0°C and 40°C. Higher temperatures prevent proper adhesion. Moreover, mats can be cut to fit any platform. You can also combine multiple mats for large surfaces. However, do not exceed published load and speed limits. Low adhesion is suitable for all vessels up to 200 rpm. High adhesion suits some vessels up to 400 rpm. Additionally, color coding helps quick identification in the lab. A rolling applicator can help press mats onto platforms. For brand pages, visit Thermo Scientific.