IKA big squid white Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA big squid white is a compact, high-performance magnetic stirrer engineered for precision mixing in academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial laboratory environments. It operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction: an internal rotating permanent magnet or motor-driven magnetic field couples with a ferromagnetic or PTFE-coated stir bar placed within the sample vessel, generating controlled rotational motion without mechanical contact. This non-invasive mixing mechanism ensures contamination-free operation, consistent shear profile, and reliable reproducibility—critical for sensitive applications such as buffer preparation, reagent dissolution, and pre-analytical sample homogenization. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the device reflects IKA’s long-standing commitment to robust engineering, chemical resistance, and compliance with international safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards.

Key Features

• Digitally controlled speed regulation with LED display providing real-time feedback of setpoint (0–2500 rpm), enabling precise method replication across users and shifts.
• High-efficiency 2 W brushless DC motor delivering stable torque output even at low speeds (≤100 rpm) and maintaining performance under load variations up to 1.5 L aqueous volume.
• Chemically inert tempered glass plate surface, fabricated from TPC-ET polymer-reinforced composite material, offering exceptional resistance to acids, bases, solvents, and thermal shock.
• IP54-rated enclosure per DIN EN 60529, ensuring protection against dust ingress and water splashes from any direction—suitable for use in shared lab benches and fume hood peripheries.
• Ergonomic compact footprint (185 × 45 × 205 mm) and lightweight design (0.889 kg) facilitate portability between workstations while maintaining structural stability during extended operation.
• Universal power input (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) with integrated switching-mode power supply enables seamless deployment across global laboratory infrastructures without voltage adaptation hardware.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The big squid white accommodates standard cylindrical and conical glassware (e.g., beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks) up to 1.5 L capacity when used with appropriately sized stir bars (max. 30 mm length). Its glass plate surface remains dimensionally stable and non-reactive across common laboratory solvents including ethanol, acetone, 1 M HCl, and 1 M NaOH. The instrument conforms to IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets EMC Directive 2014/30/EU requirements. While not equipped with integrated temperature control, its ambient operating range (5–40 °C) and thermal management design support compatibility with external heating plates or water baths in hybrid setups. No regulatory certification for GLP/GMP environments is claimed; however, its consistent speed accuracy (±50 rpm tolerance) and traceable manufacturing origin support documentation in quality-controlled workflows.

Software & Data Management

The big squid white is a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded microprocessor, firmware, or data logging capability. Speed is adjusted via calibrated rotary potentiometer, and the LED display serves solely as a visual setpoint indicator—not a measurement sensor. Consequently, it does not generate electronic records, lacks audit trail functionality, and is not compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic signatures or data integrity. This architecture prioritizes operational simplicity, electromagnetic noise immunity, and long-term reliability over connectivity features—making it suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs where manual parameter recording and procedural SOPs govern usage validation.

Applications

• Routine dissolution of powders and crystalline reagents in analytical chemistry workflows.
• Homogenization of cell culture media and dilution buffers prior to pH adjustment or filtration.
• Preparation of calibration standards and QC reference solutions requiring uniform dispersion without foaming or vortexing artifacts.
• Supporting gravimetric analysis by ensuring complete solute integration before aliquoting.
• Use in teaching laboratories for demonstrating fluid dynamics principles, viscosity estimation via comparative stir-bar drag, and safe handling of magnetic coupling systems.

FAQ

Does the big squid white include a heating function?
No. It is a non-heating magnetic stirrer only. External hotplates or temperature-controlled chambers must be used for combined stirring and heating applications.
Is the glass plate resistant to hydrofluoric acid (HF)?
No. While highly resistant to most common laboratory chemicals, tempered glass is not compatible with HF or concentrated phosphoric acid. Consult IKA’s chemical resistance guide before exposure.
Can the device operate continuously for 24 hours?
Yes. Designed for unattended operation within its specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH) and load limits (≤1.5 L H₂O-equivalent viscosity), provided adequate ventilation is maintained.
What stir bar sizes are recommended?
For optimal coupling and vortex formation, use stir bars 20–30 mm in length with PTFE or PTFE/glass coating. Avoid oversized bars that may cause eccentric wobble or motor strain.
Is calibration required or supported?
No formal calibration procedure is defined by IKA. Speed accuracy is factory-set to ±50 rpm across the 0–2500 rpm range; users may verify performance using an external tachometer if needed for method validation.