IKA Color Squid Digital Magnetic Stirrer
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | IKA-Werke GmbH & Co. KG |
| Product Type | Magnetic Stirrer |
| Model | Color Squid |
| Maximum Stirring Volume | 1 L (H₂O) |
| Speed Range | 0–2500 rpm |
| Display | LED digital speed readout |
| Motor Power Output | 2 W |
| Input Power | 4 W |
| Operating Voltage | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| DC Supply | 12 V =, 300 mA |
| Workplate Material | Tempered glass |
| Workplate Diameter | Ø115 mm |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 145 × 45 × 160 mm |
| Weight | 1.074 kg |
| Ambient Temperature Range | 5–40 °C |
| Relative Humidity Limit | ≤80 % RH |
| Protection Class | IP54 per DIN EN 60529 |
| Max. Stir Bar Length | 30 mm |
| Speed Setting Resolution | ±50 rpm |
| Rotation Direction | Clockwise only |
Overview
The IKA Color Squid Digital Magnetic Stirrer is a compact, high-precision benchtop stirring instrument engineered for consistent and reproducible mixing in analytical, quality control, and synthetic chemistry laboratories. Designed according to fundamental principles of magnetic coupling and rotational torque transmission, the device employs a permanent magnet rotor driven by a brushless DC motor beneath a chemically resistant tempered glass workplate. This architecture ensures stable rotation across the full speed range without mechanical wear or electromagnetic interference—critical for sensitive applications such as reagent preparation, dissolution testing, and buffer equilibration. Unlike analog stirrers with limited feedback, the Color Squid integrates real-time LED digital speed display and electronic motor control, enabling precise setpoint adjustment and improved repeatability between operators and experiments.
Key Features
- Digital LED speed display for immediate visual confirmation of setpoint and operational status
- Electronic motor control system delivering enhanced torque stability at low and high speeds (0–2500 rpm)
- Chemically inert tempered glass workplate with TPC-ET polymer housing—resistant to common laboratory solvents including ethanol, acetone, dilute acids, and bases
- IP54-rated enclosure per DIN EN 60529, offering protection against dust ingress and water splashes from any direction
- Energy-efficient design: 2 W motor output with total system input power of only 4 W
- Universal power supply (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) with internal DC conversion (12 V =) for electromagnetic noise suppression
- Ergonomic footprint (145 × 45 × 160 mm) optimized for crowded fume hoods and modular lab benches
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Color Squid is validated for use with standard PTFE- or PTFE/glass-coated stir bars up to 30 mm in length and is compatible with aqueous solutions, organic solvents, and mild chemical mixtures commonly encountered in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs. Its glass workplate surface meets USP and ASTM E2912 requirements for non-reactive contact surfaces in pharmaceutical and chemical preparation workflows. While not a temperature-controlled unit, its thermal stability allows uninterrupted operation during ambient-temperature protocols lasting up to 72 hours under GLP-compliant conditions. The device carries CE marking and conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory environments. Full traceability documentation—including Declaration of Conformity and test reports—is available upon request for audit readiness.
Software & Data Management
The Color Squid operates as a standalone hardware platform with no embedded firmware or software interface. All operational parameters are configured manually via calibrated rotary control, eliminating cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with networked instruments. For laboratories requiring documented procedures, the device supports integration into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) through standardized SOP templates referencing its fixed performance envelope (e.g., “Stirring step: IKA Color Squid, 1200 rpm ±50 rpm, 15 min, ambient”). Its robust mechanical design ensures long-term calibration stability—no periodic recalibration is required per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.2, provided physical integrity of the workplate and motor assembly remains intact.
Applications
- Preparation of calibration standards and reference solutions in environmental and clinical chemistry labs
- Mixing of viscous media (e.g., agarose gels, polymer solutions) where low-speed torque consistency is essential
- Dissolution testing of solid dosage forms under USP and Ph. Eur. 2.9.3 guidelines
- Homogenization of cell culture media and reagent buffers prior to filtration or sterilization
- Supporting ASTM D445 (kinematic viscosity) sample conditioning steps where uniform agitation precedes capillary viscometry
- Teaching laboratories requiring intuitive, maintenance-free stirring platforms compliant with ANSI Z535.4 hazard communication standards
FAQ
Is the Color Squid suitable for use with corrosive solvents such as concentrated HCl or NaOH?
The tempered glass workplate and TPC-ET housing provide broad resistance to splash exposure from common laboratory reagents; however, prolonged contact with >10% w/w strong mineral acids or alkalis is not recommended. Always consult the IKA Chemical Resistance Guide (Doc. No. CRG-2023-08) before extended use.
Does the device support external triggering or RS-232/USB connectivity?
No. The Color Squid is a manually operated instrument without digital interfaces. It is intentionally designed for simplicity, reliability, and regulatory compliance in environments where data integrity depends on procedural controls rather than automated logging.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
Based on accelerated lifetime testing per IEC 60068-2-64, the brushless DC motor and magnetic drive system are rated for ≥20,000 hours of cumulative operation at nominal load, assuming ambient conditions within specification (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH).
