IKA Big Squid White Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA Big Squid White is a compact, high-efficiency magnetic stirrer engineered for precision mixing in academic, industrial, and quality control laboratories. Utilizing contactless magnetic coupling, it drives standard PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars through a rotating magnetic field generated beneath a chemically inert tempered glass plate. Its core design emphasizes operational reliability under routine benchtop conditions—supporting consistent homogenization of aqueous and low-viscosity organic solutions up to 1.5 L. The device operates with a brushless DC motor delivering 2 W of mechanical output power, enabling stable rotation across its full 0–2500 rpm range while maintaining thermal stability and low electromagnetic interference. Unlike gear-driven or induction-based alternatives, the Big Squid White’s direct-drive architecture minimizes mechanical wear and eliminates torque drop at higher speeds—critical for reproducible dissolution testing, buffer preparation, and reagent equilibration.

Key Features

• Digital LED speed display providing real-time feedback of setpoint RPM—enhancing repeatability during method transfer and multi-user workflows.
• Tempered glass work surface (Ø 160 mm) offering superior chemical resistance against common laboratory solvents, acids, and bases; easily cleaned and non-porous to prevent cross-contamination.
• Housing constructed from TPC-ET (thermoplastic copolyester elastomer), a halogen-free, recyclable polymer certified for long-term stability in ISO 14001-aligned manufacturing environments.
• IP54-rated enclosure per DIN EN 60529—protecting internal electronics from dust ingress and water splashes during incidental spills or humid ambient conditions (up to 80 % RH).
• Universal switching power supply (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) ensures compatibility across global laboratory infrastructures without manual voltage selection or external transformers.
• Low-noise operation (<45 dB(A) at 1 m) suitable for shared lab spaces, laminar flow hoods, and near-sensitive instrumentation such as balances or microscopes.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Big Squid White accommodates standard cylindrical and flea-type stir bars up to 30 mm in length, optimized for vessels ranging from 10 mL test tubes to 2 L beakers (with appropriate bar geometry and viscosity considerations). It is validated for use with aqueous buffers, saline solutions, ethanol/water mixtures, and diluted organic solvents—including acetone, methanol, and ethyl acetate—provided vapor concentrations remain below occupational exposure limits. While not intended for viscous media (>500 mPa·s) or abrasive suspensions, its performance aligns with ASTM E2913-20 (Standard Practice for Verification of Magnetic Stirrers) and supports GLP-compliant documentation when integrated into validated SOPs. No regulatory certification (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11) applies to standalone stirrers; however, audit trails may be maintained via external logging systems interfaced through optional analog output modules (sold separately).

Software & Data Management

This stand-alone instrument operates without embedded firmware or network connectivity. All parameter adjustments—including speed setpoint—are executed locally via a calibrated analog rotary encoder. The LED display shows only the nominal RPM value (no timestamp, no memory function, no USB/RS232 interface). For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, integration with LabVantage, STARLIMS, or custom SCADA platforms can be achieved using third-party analog-to-digital signal converters that translate the 0–10 V tachometer output (available on select IKA variants) into structured data streams. Raw operational logs must be manually entered or captured via external video/time-lapse documentation per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7.

Applications

• Preparation of calibration standards and reference solutions in analytical chemistry labs.
• Homogenization of cell culture media and PBS buffers prior to sterile filtration.
• Accelerated dissolution testing of pharmaceutical excipients under USP guidance (when paired with temperature-controlled baths).
• Supporting gravimetric analysis workflows where uniform suspension prevents sedimentation during weighing intervals.
• Teaching laboratories requiring robust, low-maintenance equipment compliant with EN 61010-1 safety standards for student use.

FAQ

Is the Big Squid White compatible with hot plates or heating modules?
No—this model is strictly a non-heating magnetic stirrer. IKA offers separate combined hotplate-stirrer units (e.g., RCT basic series); thermal integration is not supported on the Big Squid platform.
Can it be used in anaerobic gloveboxes?
Yes—its sealed IP54 housing and absence of ventilation fans make it suitable for inert-atmosphere enclosures, provided internal humidity remains within specification limits.
Does it support bidirectional rotation?
No—the motor is configured for clockwise-only rotation, consistent with standard stir bar dynamics and ISO 8573-1 particle dispersion protocols.
What maintenance is required?
None beyond periodic cleaning of the glass plate with isopropanol and inspection of stir bar integrity; no lubrication or calibration is specified by the manufacturer.
Is CE marking applicable?
Yes—the device bears the CE mark under the EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, verified per harmonized standards EN 61326-1 and EN 61010-1.