IKA lab disc white Ultra-Thin Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA lab disc white is an ultra-compact, maintenance-free magnetic stirrer engineered for precision mixing in space-constrained laboratory environments—particularly analytical workstations, clean benches, biosafety cabinets, and multi-instrument setups where vertical clearance and footprint are critical. Unlike conventional stirrers with rotating motors or mechanical gear trains, the lab disc white employs a solid-state electromagnetic coil array embedded beneath a seamless polyester film plate. This design eliminates all moving parts, resulting in zero mechanical wear, silent operation, and exceptional long-term reliability. The device operates on the principle of time-varying magnetic field generation: by sequentially energizing discrete coil segments, it produces a rotating magnetic field that drives standard PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars without physical contact. A unique bidirectional alternation algorithm automatically reverses rotation direction every 30 seconds to prevent vortex stabilization and promote homogeneous suspension of particulates or viscous samples—particularly beneficial for low-volume aqueous solutions (up to 0.8 L) and sensitive biological preparations.

Key Features

• Ultra-low profile (only 12 mm height) enables integration beneath fume hood sashes, inside incubators, or adjacent to spectrophotometers and pipetting robots.
• IP65-rated housing and chemically resistant polyester film surface withstand routine exposure to alcohols, dilute acids/bases, and organic solvents—ideal for QC labs adhering to ISO/IEC 17025 environmental controls.
• No internal motor or gears: fully sealed electromagnetic actuation ensures zero lubricant contamination risk and eliminates periodic maintenance or calibration drift associated with brushed DC motors.
• Digital speed control with fine resolution (1 rpm increments) across a broad 15–1500 rpm range supports applications from gentle cell suspension (e.g., hybridoma cultures) to rapid dissolution of crystalline APIs.
• Integrated thermal management maintains stable ambient plate temperature between 5–40 °C—compatible with temperature-sensitive enzymatic assays or cold-chain sample prep workflows.
• Universal input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) and low power consumption (5 W total, 3 W effective drive power) support global deployment without voltage converters or dedicated circuits.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The lab disc white accommodates standard cylindrical or oval stir bars up to 25 mm in length and is optimized for aqueous and low-viscosity non-aqueous media (μ < 50 mPa·s). It is not designed for high-shear dispersion, viscous polymer solutions, or abrasive slurries. Its compact geometry and absence of exposed electronics meet stringent requirements for use in ISO Class 5 cleanrooms and GLP-compliant analytical suites. The device conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP65), IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), and RoHS 2011/65/EU directives. While it does not provide active heating or cooling, its passive thermal stability supports USP and compliant compounding environments when operated within specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH).

Software & Data Management

As a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument, the lab disc white does not feature onboard data logging, USB connectivity, or PC interface capabilities. Its operational parameters—speed and runtime—are manually set via front-panel rotary encoder with LED feedback. This intentional simplicity enhances electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in RF-sensitive settings (e.g., NMR prep labs) and avoids software validation burdens under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11. For laboratories requiring audit trails, speed settings may be recorded manually in bound logbooks or integrated into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) as part of standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for dissolution testing or buffer preparation.

Applications

• Routine buffer and reagent preparation in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics labs.
• Stirring of small-volume samples during HPLC mobile phase degassing or titrant standardization.
• Homogenization of enzyme reaction mixtures prior to kinetic assay initiation.
• Supporting gravimetric sample dilution workflows where vibration isolation and minimal footprint are essential.
• Use in regulated pharmaceutical environments for non-critical mixing steps where GMP Annex 15 alignment with “simple equipment” qualification pathways applies.

FAQ

Does the lab disc white support external temperature monitoring or feedback control?
No—it maintains ambient plate temperature passively and lacks integrated sensors or PID regulation. External thermistors or IR thermometers must be used if precise thermal tracking is required.
Can it be used with metal stir bars?
No—only PTFE-, glass-, or ceramic-coated stir bars are compatible. Ferromagnetic or uncoated steel bars may overheat or damage the coil assembly.
Is the device suitable for continuous 24/7 operation?
Yes, provided ambient conditions remain within specifications (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH) and the unit is placed on a level, non-resonant surface with adequate ventilation.
What is the expected service life under normal laboratory use?
With no moving parts or consumable components, the lab disc white typically exceeds 10 years of continuous operation when powered within rated voltage and frequency tolerances.
Does IKA provide IQ/OQ documentation packages for this model?
Yes—customizable qualification protocols (including Installation Qualification and Operational Qualification templates) are available upon request for regulated users, aligned with ASTM E2500 and ISPE GAMP5 guidance.