IKA Eurostar Digital High-Performance Laboratory Stirrer

Overview

The IKA Eurostar Digital is a microprocessor-controlled, high-torque laboratory stirrer engineered for precision mixing and dispersion of low- to extremely high-viscosity media—up to 50,000 mPa·s. Designed for demanding R&D and quality control environments, it employs closed-loop speed regulation to maintain set rotational velocity independent of load fluctuations, ensuring consistent shear input across heterogeneous or temperature-sensitive samples. Its brushless motor architecture delivers stable torque output up to 60 N·cm across the full speed range (50–2000 rpm), eliminating mechanical gear shifts and enabling true stepless speed adjustment. The unit’s compact footprint (80 × 253 × 190 mm) and quiet operation support integration into fume hoods, glove boxes, and modular lab benches without compromising acoustic or spatial constraints.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based closed-loop control ensures ±1% speed accuracy and constant rotational velocity under variable viscosity loads
• True stepless speed regulation via digital potentiometer—no mechanical gear switching required
• Integrated torque monitoring with real-time LED display of both set and actual torque (0–60 N·cm)
• RS232 serial interface and analog output (0–10 V) for bidirectional communication with external controllers or data acquisition systems
• Labworldsoft-compatible architecture enables remote parameter configuration, time-stamped speed/torque logging, and export of CSV-formatted datasets
• IP42-rated housing provides protection against solid objects ≥1 mm and vertically falling water droplets—suitable for standard laboratory environments
• Safety-certified circuitry includes thermal overload protection, automatic shutdown on motor stall, and soft-start functionality to prevent sample splashing or vessel tipping
• Hollow shaft design (11 mm internal diameter) permits insertion of temperature probes, pH electrodes, or sampling needles during operation without interrupting mixing
• Universal chuck (0.5–10 mm clamping range) accommodates standard rods, overhead impellers, and custom agitators; compatible with IKA’s full accessory ecosystem including PT1000 temperature probes and magnetic coupling systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Eurostar Digital supports mixing of aqueous, organic, polymeric, and suspension-based systems—including non-Newtonian fluids such as hydrogels, pastes, and polymer melts. Its high starting torque and load-adaptive control make it suitable for applications requiring gradual ramp-up (e.g., dissolution testing per USP ) or sustained high-shear dispersion (e.g., pigment deagglomeration in coatings). The device complies with EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and EN 61000-6-4 (emission) standards, and meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. While not intrinsically rated for ATEX zones, its design aligns with GLP-compliant documentation workflows when used with audit-trail-enabled Labworldsoft versions supporting 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signatures.

Software & Data Management

When connected to a PC running IKA’s Labworldsoft software (v5.0 or later), the Eurostar Digital functions as a networked peripheral within validated laboratory informatics environments. Users can define multi-step protocols—including ramp profiles, hold times, and torque thresholds—with automatic data capture at user-defined intervals. All logged parameters (speed, torque, timestamp, ambient temperature if sensor-equipped) are stored with metadata (operator ID, method name, instrument serial number) and support export in ISO/IEC 17025-aligned formats. Audit trail generation, electronic signature fields, and role-based access control are available in licensed enterprise editions, facilitating compliance with FDA-regulated QC laboratories operating under GMP or GLP frameworks.

Applications

• Viscosity-dependent dissolution testing of pharmaceutical tablets and capsules
• Homogenization of ceramic slurries and battery electrode pastes prior to rheological characterization
• Controlled dispersion of nanomaterials (e.g., graphene oxide, metal oxides) in polymer matrices
• Emulsion stabilization studies requiring precise shear history documentation
• Preparation of culture media and buffer solutions with heat-labile components
• In-process mixing during small-batch synthesis where reproducible agitation intensity is critical to reaction kinetics
• Calibration verification of inline viscometers using standardized reference fluids

FAQ

Does the Eurostar Digital support continuous operation at maximum torque?
Yes—the unit is rated for 100% duty cycle under continuous load at rated torque (60 N·cm), provided ambient temperature remains within 5–40 °C and relative humidity does not exceed 80%.
Can the hollow shaft accommodate a Pt100 temperature probe during stirring?
Yes—its 11 mm internal diameter allows insertion of standard 6 mm-diameter Pt100 probes (e.g., IKA PT1000 series) while maintaining mechanical stability and sealing integrity.
Is Labworldsoft software included with the instrument?
A basic version is supplied on USB drive; full-featured editions with audit trail, e-signature, and multi-instrument synchronization require separate licensing through IKA’s authorized distributors.
What safety certifications apply to this model?
It carries CE marking per 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive), RoHS 2011/65/EU compliance, and conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP42), EN 61326-1 (EMC), and EN 61010-1 (safety for electrical equipment).
How is torque calibrated and verified?
Torque calibration is performed at factory using traceable NIST-equivalent dead-weight standards; users may verify zero-point drift and linearity via the built-in self-test routine accessible through the front-panel menu.