IKA ROLLER 10 basic Roller Mixer
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | ROLLER 10 basic |
| Oscillation Frequency | 30 rpm |
| Oscillation Amplitude | 16 mm |
| Temperature Range | 4–50 °C |
| Number of Rollers | 10 |
| Roller Diameter | 32 mm |
| Roller Length | 327 mm |
| Platform Length | 350 mm |
| Tilt Angle | 3° |
| Max. Roller End Travel | 16 mm |
| Removable & Replaceable Rollers | Yes |
| Stackable Platform | Yes |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 380 × 115 × 545 mm |
| Weight | 6 kg |
| Ambient Operating Temperature | 4–50 °C |
| Relative Humidity Limit | 80 % |
| Ingress Protection | IP21 |
| Input Voltage | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 24 W |
| DC Output | 24 V / 1000 mA |
Overview
The IKA ROLLER 10 basic is a compact, single-platform roller mixer engineered for gentle, continuous mixing of biological and biochemical samples under controlled environmental conditions. Unlike orbital shakers or vortex mixers, this device employs a precise rocking-and-rolling motion—achieved via ten synchronized, motor-driven rollers mounted at a fixed 3° tilt angle—to induce low-shear agitation ideal for sensitive suspensions. Its mechanical design follows the principle of unidirectional rotational oscillation combined with axial translation, generating consistent 16 mm end-to-end travel per roller without inducing turbulent shear forces. This makes it especially suitable for applications requiring minimal sample disturbance, such as blood sample homogenization, antibody-antigen incubations, cell culture maintenance, and viscous reagent blending. The unit operates at a fixed speed of 30 rpm—optimized to balance mixing efficiency with sample integrity—and is rated for uninterrupted 100% duty-cycle operation, enabling integration into temperature-controlled environments including incubators (4–50 °C) and cold rooms.
Key Features
- Gentle, low-shear mixing via 10 independently aligned rollers with 3° fixed pitch and 16 mm linear stroke amplitude
- Robust aluminum-alloy platform with stackable design for modular lab space optimization
- Quick-release roller mechanism: all 10 rollers (Ø32 mm × 327 mm) are fully removable and replaceable without tools
- IP21-rated enclosure ensures operational safety in standard laboratory environments with up to 80% relative humidity
- Universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) and integrated 24 V DC power supply (1000 mA) for stable, low-noise motor control
- Compact footprint (380 × 115 × 545 mm) and lightweight construction (6 kg) facilitate benchtop deployment and mobility
- No timer, display, or programmable interface—designed for simplicity, reliability, and long-term unattended operation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ROLLER 10 basic accommodates standard cylindrical containers—including 12–18 mm diameter test tubes, 15 mL and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes, serum bottles, and glass vials—without adapter requirements. Its 350 mm platform length and adjustable roller spacing allow flexible positioning of heterogeneous tube sizes. The device complies with DIN EN 60529 for ingress protection (IP21), ensuring resistance to vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm. While not equipped with digital audit trails or electronic signature capability, its mechanical architecture supports GLP-compliant workflows when used within validated incubator systems. It meets general electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment and is CE-marked for use in EU-regulated life science laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The IKA ROLLER 10 basic is a hardware-only instrument with no embedded microprocessor, display, or digital communication interface. It lacks USB, RS232, analog output, or remote control capabilities. As such, it does not generate, store, or transmit operational data. This intentional omission eliminates firmware dependencies, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and calibration drift associated with digital controllers—making it suitable for ISO 17025-accredited labs where traceability relies on procedural documentation rather than electronic logs. Users maintain full manual control over start/stop functions via tactile push-button activation; no software installation, driver configuration, or network integration is required.
Applications
- Homogenization of whole blood, plasma, and serum samples prior to centrifugation or diagnostic assay preparation
- Long-duration incubation of immunoassay plates, ELISA strips, and lateral flow devices under constant rotation
- Rehydration and dispersion of lyophilized proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acid reagents in viscous buffers
- Maintenance of uniform suspension in high-density bacterial or yeast cultures during pre-inoculation phases
- Coating uniformity enhancement in surface-binding assays (e.g., antigen-coated microtiter wells)
- Compatibility with CO2 incubators and refrigerated chambers enables temperature-stabilized mixing across physiological and cryogenic ranges
FAQ
Does the ROLLER 10 basic support variable speed control?
No. It operates exclusively at a fixed 30 rpm, optimized for reproducible low-shear mixing.
Can it be placed inside a CO2 incubator?
Yes—its 4–50 °C operating range and IP21 rating permit safe use in humidified, temperature-controlled incubators.
Are replacement rollers available separately?
Yes. All 10 rollers (32 mm Ø × 327 mm L) are field-replaceable and sold as genuine IKA spare parts (Order No.: 0000000000).
Is the platform compatible with third-party tube racks?
Not natively—the unit is designed for direct tube placement on rollers; however, custom non-slip silicone inserts may be added per institutional SOPs.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
Based on IKA’s accelerated lifetime testing, the brushless DC motor and roller bearing assembly are rated for ≥20,000 hours of continuous 30 rpm operation.

