A vortex mixer is a device used to mix small vials of liquid in a laboratory. It consists of an electric motor with a rubber piece that oscillates rapidly in a circular motion. When a vial is pressed into or touched to the rubber piece, the motion is transferred to the liquid and a vortex is created. A vortex mixer can be used for various purposes, such as suspending cells, mixing reagents, incubating cultures, and homogenizing samples. A vortex mixer can have different speed settings, operation modes, and attachments to suit different applications.