IKA Mini MR standard Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA Mini MR standard is a compact, benchtop magnetic stirrer engineered for precision, reliability, and space-efficient operation in academic teaching labs, quality control environments, and small-scale R&D workflows. Based on the proven Couette flow principle, it employs a rotating magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet rotor beneath a chemically resistant polyester-coated steel plate to drive magnetic stir bars within vessels—enabling homogeneous mixing without mechanical shaft penetration or seal wear. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the device complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and integrates passive thermal management to ensure stable performance during extended operation. Its minimalist architecture eliminates integrated heating, making it ideal for applications requiring strict thermal neutrality—such as pH-sensitive titrations, enzymatic assays, or solvent-based dissolution studies where exothermic heating would compromise reaction integrity.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (115 × 37 × 129 mm) optimized for crowded fume hoods and modular lab benches
• Smooth analog speed control via precision potentiometer—0–2500 rpm range with high-resolution low-speed stability (±10 rpm at 100 rpm)
• White polymer-coated stirring plate enhances visual contrast for monitoring colored solutions or precipitate formation
• IP42-rated enclosure provides protection against solid objects >1 mm and vertically falling water droplets—suitable for general wet-lab use
• Universal power input (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) with internal switching-mode power supply ensures global compatibility without voltage converters
• Low-power consumption (3 W nominal input; 2 W motor output) supports energy-conscious facility policies and reduces standby heat load
• Stir bar compatibility with lengths from 20 to 40 mm accommodates vessels from 10 mL vials to 1 L beakers (tested with aqueous media)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Mini MR standard is validated for use with standard borosilicate glass, polypropylene, and PTFE-lined containers up to 1 L capacity when filled with low-viscosity aqueous or organic media (e.g., ethanol, acetone, buffer solutions). It is not rated for viscous fluids (>500 mPa·s), abrasive slurries, or pressurized/vacuum-sealed systems. The device meets DIN EN 60529 (IP42), IEC 61010-1:2010 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), and RoHS 2011/65/EU directives. While it lacks built-in temperature regulation, its thermal neutrality supports GLP-aligned protocols where external temperature control (e.g., water baths or climate chambers) is applied independently.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone analog instrument, the Mini MR standard does not incorporate digital interfaces, firmware, or data logging capabilities. This design prioritizes operational simplicity, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and long-term serviceability—eliminating potential failure modes associated with microcontrollers or display modules. No software installation, driver configuration, or cybersecurity updates are required. All operating parameters are manually set and observed, supporting audit-ready documentation under ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7 (Control of Equipment) and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance frameworks where manual entry into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) is permitted and traceable.

Applications

• Preliminary homogenization of calibration standards and reference materials prior to spectrophotometric or chromatographic analysis
• Continuous agitation during potentiometric titrations, redox reactions, and ligand-binding assays requiring uniform mass transfer
• Supporting dissolution testing per USP when paired with jacketed vessels and external temperature control
• Cell culture media preparation in non-sterile pre-processing steps (used outside biosafety cabinets)
• Small-batch reagent synthesis, catalyst suspension, and buffer equilibration in chemistry and materials science teaching labs
• Field-deployable mixing in mobile analytical units where weight (<0.22 kg), power efficiency, and mechanical robustness are critical

FAQ

Is the Mini MR standard compatible with stainless steel or PTFE-coated stir bars?
Yes—standard 20–40 mm magnetic stir bars with PTFE, glass, or chemically inert coatings operate reliably across the full speed range.
Can it be used inside a CO₂ incubator or cold room?
Operation is permitted within the specified ambient range of 5–40 °C and ≤80 % RH; however, condensation risk in cold rooms requires placement on insulated platforms and verification of local humidity control.
Does it support clockwise-only rotation?
Yes—the motor is configured for right-hand (clockwise) rotation only, consistent with ISO 8502-2 conventions for standardized mixing geometry.
What maintenance is required?
No scheduled maintenance is specified; periodic cleaning of the plate surface with isopropanol and inspection for stir bar demagnetization are recommended.
Is third-party calibration available?
While no factory calibration certificate is supplied, rotational speed can be verified using an optical tachometer traceable to NIST standards per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures.