IKA KMO 3 basic Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA KMO 3 basic magnetic stirrer is an entry-level yet rigorously engineered benchtop instrument designed for precise, reproducible mixing of low-to-medium viscosity liquids in academic, industrial, and quality control laboratories. Operating on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath the glass plate induces synchronous rotation of a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample—the KMO 3 basic delivers stable rotational motion without mechanical shaft penetration, eliminating contamination risk and enabling sealed-vessel operation. Unlike heated stirrers, this model is intentionally configured for non-thermal applications, making it ideal for temperature-sensitive protocols including enzymatic assays, buffer equilibration, reagent dissolution, and pH adjustment where thermal drift must be avoided. Its compact footprint (153 × 227 mm base), lightweight construction (1.2 kg), and universal power input (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) ensure seamless integration into multi-instrument workstations and international lab environments.

Key Features

• Capacitive touch-key interface with intuitive layout and haptic feedback—enabling reliable operation even with gloves or in high-humidity conditions.
• Bidirectional rotation capability (clockwise/counter-clockwise), programmable via front-panel controls or remote Labworldsoft software—critical for preventing vortex-induced splashing or optimizing particle suspension in heterogeneous mixtures.
• High-brightness white LED display (up to 15,000 lx) with adjustable intensity—ensuring legibility under varied ambient lighting, including laminar flow hoods or darkroom settings.
• Flat, chemically resistant tempered glass work surface (140 × 120 mm)—facilitating easy cleaning, compatibility with solvent-based protocols, and uniform torque transmission across the entire active area.
• Integrated USB 2.0 port compliant with USB Device Class CDC—supporting firmware updates, real-time speed logging, and remote parameter configuration via IKA’s Labworldsoft platform (v4.0+).
• IP42-rated enclosure—providing protection against solid objects ≥1 mm and vertically falling water droplets, meeting standard safety requirements for general laboratory use per IEC 61010-1.
• Low standby power consumption (0.8 W)—aligned with ISO 50001 energy management principles and reducing long-term operational overhead in continuously deployed setups.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KMO 3 basic accommodates standard magnetic stir bars ranging from 20 mm to 80 mm in length, supporting volumetric mixing of aqueous solutions, organic solvents, buffers, and dilute suspensions up to 5 L in appropriately sized vessels (e.g., beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, or jacketed reactors). It is validated for use with borosilicate glass, polypropylene, and PTFE-lined containers. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 (Edition 3.1) for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and conforms to DIN EN 60529 for ingress protection. While not certified for GLP/GMP-regulated workflows requiring full audit trails, its deterministic speed control (±2% deviation at 1500 rpm, no-load, 25°C) and traceable firmware versioning via USB enable documented method consistency in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs.

Software & Data Management

Control and monitoring are extended beyond the front panel through IKA’s Labworldsoft software suite—a Windows-based application supporting USB-connected instruments. Users can configure speed ramps, store up to 10 preset methods, log time-stamped speed data (sample rate: 1 Hz), and export CSV-formatted reports for internal review or regulatory submission. Firmware updates preserve calibration integrity and introduce minor functional enhancements—each release carries a SHA-256 checksum for verification. No cloud connectivity or proprietary drivers are required; the device enumerates as a standard CDC ACM class device, ensuring compatibility with virtualized lab environments and air-gapped networks.

Applications

• Precise reagent homogenization prior to HPLC or spectrophotometric analysis.
• Buffer preparation and titration standardization in analytical chemistry workflows.
• Cell culture media conditioning without thermal stress (e.g., serum-containing formulations).
• Supporting gravimetric dilution series in ISO 17034 reference material production.
• Integration into automated liquid handling systems via TTL-triggered start/stop signals (optional accessory module required).
• Teaching laboratories—demonstrating fluid dynamics principles, viscosity estimation via stir bar drag, and human factors in instrument interface design.

FAQ

Does the KMO 3 basic support external temperature probes or feedback loops?

No. This model lacks integrated temperature sensing or heating elements and does not accept external probe inputs.
Can it drive large-diameter stir bars (>80 mm) or high-viscosity samples (>1000 mPa·s)?

Performance degrades above 80 mm stir bar length or with viscosities exceeding 500 mPa·s; for such applications, consider the IKA RCT basic or C-MAG HS models.
Is Labworldsoft compatible with macOS or Linux?

Officially, only Windows 10/11 (64-bit) is supported; however, the USB CDC interface allows third-party serial terminal tools on other OS platforms to read speed values.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?

Rated for >20,000 hours of cumulative runtime when operated within specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH) and maintained per IKA’s recommended cleaning protocol.
Does the USB port supply power to connected peripherals?

No—it is host-only (device mode); no VBUS power is provided to downstream devices.