2D Rocker Accessories

What are 2D rocker accessories?

2D rocker accessories are the non-slip mats, container clamps, tray organizers, and platform protection sheets that complement a 2D rocking platform for daily use with flat gel boxes, blot containers, and staining dishes. Unlike orbital shaker or tube rotator accessories that must be engineered for centrifugal force retention, 2D rocker accessories primarily address the simpler problem of keeping containers from sliding off a gently tilting platform surface. Non-slip rubber or silicone mats hold containers by friction; container clamps with spring clips grip the sides of blot boxes at higher rocking speeds; and protective mats shield the rocker platform from chemical spills from gel stains or hazardous blotting reagents.

What you will find:

• A stacking platform with flat mat adds 3.5" clearance:  for taller vessels on compatible 2D rockers, provide stable sample placement during rocking.

How to choose 2D rocker accessories

Start with a non-slip mat for all routine blot and gel applications

A non-slip silicone or rubber mat placed on the 2D rocker platform surface prevents gel boxes, blot containers, and staining dishes from sliding during rocking, particularly as the tilt increases. The mat also provides a layer of chemical protection between spilled staining reagents and the rocker platform surface.

Use container clamps for larger or heavier containers at faster speeds

At rocking speeds above approximately 25–30 rpm or with larger, heavier gel staining dishes filled with destaining solution, friction alone may be insufficient to prevent sliding, and platform clamps that grip the container edges provide positive mechanical retention regardless of the speed or tilt angle.

Consider a tray divider or multiple smaller mats for running several containers

When running multiple blot containers simultaneously on a single platform, tray dividers or separate small non-slip mats for each container help organize and stabilize each container independently, preventing them from sliding into each other during rocking and ensuring each container's contents are evenly agitated.

Check platform mat dimensions match your rocker platform area

Non-slip mats are sized to fit specific platform dimensions and should not overhang the platform edges, since an overhanging mat can fold or shift during rocking and cause containers placed on it to tilt unevenly. Confirm the mat dimensions against your rocker platform dimensions before purchase.

Protect the platform surface from gel stains and corrosive reagents

Ethidium bromide, SYBR stains, Coomassie Blue, and some membrane stripping reagents can damage or stain the platform surface if spilled directly on it. A protective platform mat acts as a sacrificial barrier, absorbing spills and protecting the instrument surface, and can be cleaned or replaced when contaminated.

Specifications context

Non-slip platform mats for 2D rockers are typically made from silicone or natural rubber and are chemically resistant to most aqueous biological reagents, ethanol, and common blotting buffers, though concentrated organic solvents, strong acids, or bleach may degrade certain mat materials. As of 2026, silicone non-slip mats cut to standard rocker platform dimensions are the most widely used 2D rocker accessory in molecular biology labs, combining chemical resistance, non-slip surface texture, and ease of cleaning in a low-cost consumable format.

Contact the MBP team today to request a quote and find the right accessories for your 2D rocker.