IKA Big Squid Digital Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA Big Squid Digital Magnetic Stirrer is a compact, single-position benchtop instrument engineered for precision mixing of low- to medium-viscosity liquids in research laboratories, quality control environments, and educational settings. It operates on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath a chemically inert glass plate induces synchronous rotation of a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample vessel. Unlike overhead mechanical stirrers, this contactless design eliminates shaft seals and contamination risks while ensuring quiet, vibration-free operation. The Big Squid integrates an electronically commutated (EC) motor delivering consistent torque across its full speed range, enabling reproducible homogenization of aqueous solutions, buffers, reagents, and dilute suspensions up to 1 L volume. Its thermally stable glass top plate supports brief ambient-temperature-controlled applications within the specified 5–40 °C operating envelope—though it does not incorporate active heating or cooling elements.

Key Features

• Digital LED speed display with precise 50 rpm increment control for repeatable method setup and documentation
• Tempered glass work surface offering excellent chemical resistance against common laboratory solvents, acids, and bases—compliant with DIN 12878 and ISO 8573-1 material compatibility guidelines
• Lightweight yet rigid housing constructed from recyclable thermoplastic elastomer (TPC-ET), meeting EU Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
• IP54-rated enclosure providing protection against dust ingress and water splashes from any direction—suitable for standard wet-lab environments
• Low-power EC motor (2 W output / 4 W input) optimized for energy efficiency and thermal stability during extended operation
• Compact footprint (180 × 195 mm base) and minimal height (40 mm) enable integration into crowded fume hoods or under-cabinet spaces

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Big Squid is validated for use with standard borosilicate glass beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, and polypropylene containers up to 1 L capacity. It accommodates stir bars up to 30 mm in length—including PTFE-coated, PTFE-glass composite, and elliptical geometries—ensuring stable vortex formation across viscosity ranges typical of buffer preparations (0.8–1.5 mPa·s) and cell culture media (1.2–2.0 mPa·s). No internal temperature regulation is present; therefore, external environmental control (e.g., cold rooms or incubators) must be employed when maintaining samples within the 5–40 °C operational window. The device conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and carries CE marking per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. It is not designed for use with volatile organic solvents requiring explosion-proof certification.

Software & Data Management

The Big Squid operates as a standalone analog-controlled instrument without embedded microprocessor logic, USB connectivity, or digital interface protocols. Consequently, it does not support data logging, remote command execution, or audit trail generation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11 requirements. All operational parameters—including speed setting and duration—are manually configured and observed via front-panel LED readout. For laboratories requiring traceable stirring protocols, users are advised to pair the unit with external timers or integrate it into validated SOP workflows where manual entry into ELN systems (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling) satisfies GLP/GMP documentation expectations.

Applications

• Preparation of calibration standards and reference solutions in analytical chemistry labs
• Homogenization of biological buffers prior to filtration or pH adjustment
• Reconstitution of lyophilized reagents and enzyme stock solutions
• Mixing of agarose or polyacrylamide gel precursors before casting
• Supporting dissolution testing in pharmaceutical QC according to USP , when used in conjunction with temperature-regulated water baths
• Teaching laboratory demonstrations of fluid dynamics, mass transfer, and mixing efficiency principles

FAQ

Does the Big Squid include a heating function?
No. It is a non-heating magnetic stirrer. Temperature control relies entirely on ambient lab conditions or external thermal management systems.
Can it be used with corrosive solvents such as concentrated HCl or NaOH?
Yes—the tempered glass plate and TPC-ET housing exhibit high resistance to short-term exposure to these agents; however, prolonged contact should be avoided per IKA’s chemical compatibility chart.
Is the unit compatible with GLP-compliant documentation practices?
It supports GLP adherence only through manual recording of speed and duration in bound lab notebooks or electronic lab notebooks; no automated data capture is available.
What is the maximum recommended viscosity for reliable stirring performance?
Up to approximately 50 mPa·s (e.g., 3% w/v glycerol/water at 25 °C) with optimal stir bar geometry and vessel shape.
Does it meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for shared instrumentation racks?
Yes—it complies with EN 61326-1:2013 for EMC in laboratory environments, minimizing interference with adjacent sensitive electronics such as balances or spectrophotometers.