MENTS MINIB-100 Portable Heated Metal Block Thermostat
| Brand | MENTS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | MINIB-100 |
| Price | USD 360 (FOB) |
| Temperature Range | Ambient +5°C to 100°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ≤ ±0.3°C |
| Heating Time | ≤20 min (40°C to 100°C) |
| External Dimensions | 145 × 113 × 110 mm |
| Net Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Power Rating | 40 W |
| Input Voltage | AC 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz |
| Display Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Temperature Uniformity Across Block | ≤ ±0.3°C |
| Timer Range | 1 sec to 99 h 59 min or continuous (∞) |
| Safety Certifications | CE-compliant |
| Module Compatibility | Interchangeable heated blocks for 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, 2.0 mL tubes, cuvettes (12.5 × 12.5 mm), 15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes |
Overview
The MENTS MINIB-100 is a compact, microprocessor-controlled heated metal block thermostat engineered for precise, stable thermal management of small-volume samples in resource-constrained or mobile laboratory environments. Unlike water baths, it employs solid-state conduction heating via an aluminum alloy heating block—eliminating evaporation, contamination risk, and maintenance overhead associated with liquid media. Its core operating principle relies on PID-based closed-loop temperature regulation, where real-time feedback from high-stability NTC thermistors enables dynamic power modulation to maintain setpoint accuracy within ±0.3°C across the entire usable range (ambient +5°C to 100°C). Designed for portability and operational flexibility, the MINIB-100 supports universal AC input (100–240 V) and optional 12 V DC operation via vehicle adapter—making it suitable for field-deployed diagnostics, marine research vessels, point-of-care testing stations, and teaching labs requiring rapid thermal equilibration without infrastructure dependency.
Key Features
- Ultra-compact footprint (145 × 113 × 110 mm) and lightweight construction (0.5 kg) enable benchtop,车载 (in-vehicle), or handheld deployment
- PID fuzzy logic control ensures rapid thermal response and minimal overshoot, achieving ≤20 min ramp time from 40°C to 100°C
- Interchangeable, precision-machined aluminum modules accommodate standardized tube formats—including 0.2 mL PCR strips, 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 12.5 × 12.5 mm cuvettes, and up to 50 mL conical tubes
- Integrated transparent polycarbonate insulation cover permits unobstructed visual monitoring while minimizing convective heat loss
- Dual-stage safety architecture includes overtemperature cutoff, auto-restart after power interruption, and thermal fuse redundancy—fully compliant with EN 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical equipment
- Front-panel LED display with 0.1°C resolution and intuitive rotary encoder interface supports both time-limited and continuous operation modes
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MINIB-100 accommodates common laboratory consumables without requiring custom adapters. Each module features CNC-drilled wells with tight dimensional tolerances (±0.05 mm) to ensure optimal thermal contact and minimize axial temperature gradients. The system meets CE marking requirements under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and its thermal performance aligns with ISO 8573-1:2010 classification for stability-critical instrumentation. While not certified to GLP/GMP Annex 11 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, audit-ready operation is supported via manual logbook documentation of setpoints, duration, and observed block temperatures—consistent with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.8.2 for equipment verification records.
Software & Data Management
The MINIB-100 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware connectivity (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, or Ethernet). All parameter configuration and runtime control are performed locally via the front-panel interface. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, external data logging can be implemented using third-party thermocouple probes interfaced with validated DAQ systems (e.g., NI CompactDAQ or Keysight 34972A), provided calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards are maintained per ISO/IEC 17025 section 6.6. No proprietary software drivers or cloud platforms are required or supported—ensuring long-term operational continuity and cybersecurity isolation.
Applications
- Pre-incubation of restriction enzyme digests and ligase reactions prior to transformation
- Controlled denaturation of DNA templates in PCR workflow preparation
- Serum coagulation assays requiring strict 37°C incubation for clinical hematology
- Enzyme activity profiling at defined temperatures (e.g., alkaline phosphatase kinetics)
- Stabilization of thermolabile reagents during field-based ELISA or lateral flow assay execution
- Thermal conditioning of calibration standards for viscometers, spectrophotometers, and pH meters
FAQ
Does the MINIB-100 support programmable multi-step temperature profiles?
No. It operates with a single setpoint and timer; gradient or sequential protocols require external controller integration.
Can the unit maintain temperature during brief AC power interruptions?
Yes—equipped with auto-restart functionality that resumes the previous setpoint and remaining timer upon power restoration.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
A factory calibration report (traceable to national metrology institutes) is supplied with each unit; full ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration requires third-party service.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
Rated for >20,000 hours of cumulative heating duty cycle when operated within ambient conditions of 15–30°C and relative humidity <80% non-condensing.
Are replacement modules available for non-standard tube formats?
Custom module fabrication (MINI-H) is offered directly by MENTS Engineering upon submission of dimensional drawings and material specifications.
