IKA RO 5 Five-Position Digital Magnetic Stirrer (Non-Heated)

Overview

The IKA RO 5 is a precision-engineered, five-position digital magnetic stirrer designed for high-throughput laboratory workflows where thermal neutrality and spatial efficiency are critical. Unlike heated stirrers, the RO 5 operates without integrated temperature control—making it ideal for applications requiring strict thermal stability, such as enzymatic reactions, cold-chain sample preparation, or pH-sensitive buffer equilibration. Its operation relies on permanent magnet coupling: rotating magnetic fields generated beneath the stainless steel workplate induce synchronous rotation of PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars immersed in vessels. Each of the five independently operable positions delivers consistent torque across the full speed range (0–1100 rpm), with speed deviation limited to ±5 % between positions—ensuring inter-positional reproducibility essential for parallel assay development and QC testing.

Key Features

• Five discrete stirring positions spaced precisely at 90 mm intervals—optimized for standard rack-mounted tubes, vials, and small beakers (up to 0.4 L H₂O per position).
• Digital speed control via calibrated dial (scale 1–10), enabling repeatable setpoint selection without software dependency.
• Corrosion-resistant 1.4301 stainless steel workplate (120 × 450 mm) with smooth, non-porous surface—facilitating rapid decontamination and minimizing liquid ingress risk.
• Integrated movable PUR (polyurethane) cover that shields active positions during operation—reducing evaporation, contamination, and ambient noise while preserving lab bench space.
• Compact vertical footprint (122 × 65 × 552 mm) and lightweight design (2.3 kg) support flexible placement on laminar flow hoods, biosafety cabinets, or crowded analytical benches.
• IP42-rated enclosure ensures protection against solid objects >1 mm and vertically falling water droplets—meeting basic environmental robustness requirements for general lab use.
• Universal dual-voltage compatibility (230 V / 115 V, 50 / 60 Hz) enables seamless deployment across North American, European, and APAC laboratories without adapter dependency.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RO 5 accommodates common laboratory vessels including 15 mL and 50 mL conical tubes, 100 mL beakers, and multi-well plates when paired with appropriately sized stir bars (max. 30 mm length). Its non-heated architecture eliminates thermal gradients that could compromise sample integrity in cold-sensitive protocols—such as protein purification, nucleic acid hybridization, or dissolution testing under USP . The device complies with DIN EN 60529 for ingress protection and conforms to IEC 61010-1 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory environments. While not certified for GLP/GMP production environments, its mechanical stability, low-speed repeatability, and absence of thermal drift make it suitable for method development, pre-validation studies, and routine QC screening under ISO/IEC 17025-aligned quality systems.

Software & Data Management

The RO 5 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded firmware, network interface, or data logging capability. Speed settings are manually selected and retained only during active operation; no audit trail, timestamping, or electronic recordkeeping is provided. This design intentionally avoids regulatory complexities associated with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—rendering the unit appropriate for exploratory research, teaching labs, and non-GxP environments where simplicity, reliability, and minimal validation burden are prioritized. Users seeking traceable parameter documentation may integrate external timers or video-based process recording aligned with internal SOPs.

Applications

• Parallel reagent mixing for ELISA, PCR master mix preparation, and cell culture media conditioning.
• Homogenization of viscous biological suspensions—including bacterial lysates, tissue homogenates, and antibody-conjugated nanoparticles—within defined shear thresholds.
• Controlled agitation during cold centrifugation prep, dialysis equilibration, and chromatography column priming.
• Standardized stirring in ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints) and ISO 4618 (coating dispersion stability) preliminary assessments.
• Teaching laboratories requiring durable, intuitive equipment for undergraduate chemistry and biotechnology curricula.

FAQ

Does the RO 5 support temperature control?
No. The RO 5 is a non-heated magnetic stirrer. It does not include heating elements or temperature sensors. For combined stirring and heating, consider the IKA RCT series or RET cordless models.
Can the RO 5 accommodate larger vessels beyond 0.4 L?
Each position is rated for up to 0.4 L of water-equivalent viscosity. Exceeding this volume may result in insufficient vortex formation, reduced mixing efficiency, or stir bar ejection—particularly with low-viscosity solvents or high-speed operation.
Is the PUR cover autoclavable?
No. The polyurethane cover is not designed for steam sterilization. It should be wiped with 70 % ethanol or isopropanol and air-dried between uses.
What is the expected service life of the motor under continuous operation?
Rated for intermittent duty cycles typical of academic and industrial R&D labs. Continuous operation beyond 8 hours/day is not recommended without periodic cooling intervals to maintain motor output stability and bearing longevity.
Are replacement stir bars supplied with the instrument?
No. Stir bars must be ordered separately. IKA recommends PTFE-coated bars (e.g., Cat. No. 0050002100) with lengths ≤30 mm for optimal coupling efficiency across all five positions.