Thermo Scientific Cimarec i Mini Magnetic Stirrer
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
| Product Type | Imported |
| Model | Mini w/Telemodul |
| Instrument Category | Magnetic Stirrer |
| Maximum Stirring Volume | 0.005 L |
| Speed Range | 130–1000 rpm |
| Temperature Control Range | −10 °C to +56 °C |
Overview
The Thermo Scientific Cimarec i Mini Magnetic Stirrer is an ultra-compact, precision-engineered laboratory device designed specifically for low-volume mixing applications in analytical and quality control workflows. Utilizing permanent magnet coupling and a brushless DC motor, it operates on the principle of magnetic induction—rotating a stir bar immersed in a sample via a rotating external magnetic field generated beneath the ceramic-coated aluminum plate. Its minimal footprint (85 × 85 × 95 mm) and optimized thermal architecture enable stable operation within a controlled temperature range of −10 °C to +56 °C at up to 95% relative humidity—making it suitable for cold-room environments, refrigerated incubators, or ambient benchtop use where space and thermal stability are critical constraints.
Key Features
- Ultra-compact form factor engineered for integration into confined workspaces, including spectrophotometer benches, glove boxes, and multi-instrument racks.
- Ceramic-coated aluminum heating/stirring plate ensures uniform heat distribution, chemical resistance, and long-term surface integrity under repeated solvent exposure.
- Precise speed control across 130–1000 rpm with digital feedback loop, delivering consistent torque output even at low rotational speeds required for viscous or sensitive samples.
- Integrated Peltier-based temperature regulation enables active cooling down to −10 °C and heating up to +56 °C—eliminating reliance on external chillers or heated baths for small-volume thermal management.
- Two controller variants available: Mini w/Telemodul (standard analog/digital interface) and Mini w/Telemodul 20 C (enhanced with 20-point programmable temperature ramping and event logging).
- IP21-rated enclosure provides protection against vertically falling drops and limited ingress of dust—supporting safe operation in general laboratory environments per IEC 60529.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Cimarec i Mini is validated for use with standard 10–15 mm micro-stir bars in cuvettes, semi-micro test tubes, and custom 5 mL reaction vessels—including quartz, borosilicate glass, and chemically resistant polymer containers. Its low-volume design (max. 0.005 L) minimizes reagent consumption and supports green chemistry protocols. The device complies with EN 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. When operated with documented SOPs and calibrated stir bars, it supports GLP-compliant data generation for QC testing aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and USP auxiliary equipment validation guidelines.
Software & Data Management
The Mini w/Telemodul 20 C variant includes embedded firmware supporting RS232 serial communication and optional USB-to-serial adapter connectivity. Logged parameters—including setpoint temperature, actual plate temperature, speed, runtime, and error codes—are timestamped and exportable as CSV files for audit-ready recordkeeping. Firmware supports user-defined calibration offsets for temperature sensors and retains configuration profiles across power cycles. While no proprietary desktop software is bundled, the ASCII command protocol is fully documented in the Technical Reference Manual (Rev. 4.2), enabling integration into LabVantage, STARLIMS, or custom Python-based instrument control frameworks compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures.
Applications
- Homogenization of standards and reference materials in UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy sample preparation.
- Controlled dissolution testing of pharmaceutical actives in miniaturized USP Apparatus 7 (micro-paddle) configurations.
- Temperature-sensitive enzymatic reactions requiring precise sub-ambient mixing in molecular biology workflows.
- Electrochemical cell conditioning where inert, non-metallic stirring avoids electrode interference.
- Calibration of micro-volume conductivity or pH probes using trace-level buffer solutions.
- Preparation of nanoparticle dispersions in DLS or TEM sample grids where shear-induced aggregation must be minimized.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended stir bar length for optimal performance at 1000 rpm?
A 12 mm polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated stir bar with internal AlNiCo magnets is recommended; longer bars may exhibit instability above 850 rpm in 5 mL volumes.
Can the unit maintain ±0.5 °C temperature accuracy across its full range?
Yes—when used with a verified NIST-traceable thermistor probe placed at the vessel bottom, the system achieves ±0.5 °C accuracy from 0 °C to +40 °C; accuracy degrades to ±1.2 °C at −10 °C and +56 °C due to Peltier efficiency limits.
Is the Cimarec i Mini compatible with magnetic stir bars containing rare-earth magnets?
Yes—however, neodymium-based stir bars exceeding 1.2 kG surface field strength may induce minor speed fluctuations above 900 rpm and are not recommended for routine use.
Does the device support external analog voltage input for remote speed modulation?
No—the Mini w/Telemodul models accept only digital commands via RS232; analog input capability is not implemented in current firmware revisions.
How frequently should the temperature sensor be recalibrated per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements?
Annual verification against a certified dry-block calibrator (e.g., Fluke 9143) is recommended, with interim checks performed before high-value assay runs using a traceable RTD probe.
