IKA ROLLER 6 digital Roller Mixer
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | ROLLER 6 digital |
| Timer Range | 1–5999 s |
| Oscillation Speed | 0–80 rpm |
| Oscillation Amplitude | 16 mm |
| Temperature Compatibility | 4–50 °C |
| Number of Rollers | 6 |
| Roller Length | 327 mm |
| Roller Diameter | 32 mm |
| Tilt Angle | 3° |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 240 × 115 × 545 mm |
| Weight | 4 kg |
| Power Input | 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 24 W |
| IP Rating | IP21 |
| Operating Ambient | 4–50 °C, ≤80% RH |
Overview
The IKA ROLLER 6 digital is a precision-engineered 6-axis roller mixer designed for gentle, consistent, and reproducible mixing of sensitive biological and chemical samples in laboratory environments. Unlike orbital shakers or vortex mixers, this device employs a controlled rocking-and-rolling motion—combining continuous axial rotation with a fixed 3° tilt angle—to induce low-shear agitation ideal for cell suspensions, blood collection tubes, immunoassay reagents, and high-viscosity solutions. Its brushless DC motor delivers stable speed control across the full 0–80 rpm range, with 1 rpm resolution and LED-displayed real-time feedback. The unit is engineered for uninterrupted operation under ambient conditions ranging from 4 to 50 °C, making it compatible with incubator integration or cold-room workflows without thermal compromise.
Key Features
- Six independently mounted, removable rollers (Ø32 mm × 327 mm) with quick-release clamps for rapid cleaning and configuration flexibility
- Gentle, low-shear mixing motion optimized for fragile samples including whole blood, PBMCs, agarose gels, and antibody-conjugated beads
- Digital touch interface with intuitive navigation, LED seven-segment displays for both speed (rpm) and timer (s)
- Precise programmable timer: 1 s to 5999 s (99 min 59 s), supporting both timed and continuous operation modes
- Full-speed adjustability down to 5 rpm minimum—ideal for sedimentation-sensitive protocols requiring ultra-low agitation
- Robust aluminum housing with IP21 ingress protection; rated for continuous duty in laboratories compliant with DIN EN 60529 standards
- Compact footprint (240 × 115 × 545 mm) and lightweight design (4 kg) enable benchtop stacking and modular lab layout integration
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ROLLER 6 digital accommodates standard cylindrical containers—including 12–17 mm diameter test tubes, 15 mL and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes, glass vials, and custom-sized bottles—via adjustable roller spacing and tilt geometry. Its 16 mm peak-to-peak oscillation amplitude ensures uniform sample displacement without splashing or foaming. The device meets essential safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements per IEC 61000-6-3 and IEC 61000-6-2. While not certified for GLP/GMP-regulated production environments, its stable mechanical architecture, error-code diagnostics (e.g., E1 = motor overload, E2 = temperature anomaly), and traceable operational parameters support method validation in ISO 17025-accredited testing labs. It is routinely deployed in pre-analytical sample preparation workflows aligned with CLSI H20-A2 and ISO 15189 quality management frameworks.
Software & Data Management
This model operates as a standalone instrument without embedded software, USB, RS232, or analog output interfaces—ensuring electrical isolation and minimizing electromagnetic interference in sensitive detection setups (e.g., ELISA plate readers or fluorescence spectrometers located nearby). All operational parameters are set and monitored locally via the front-panel interface. Time and speed values are retained after power cycling, and the system logs fault codes for troubleshooting. For laboratories requiring audit trails, external time-stamped video recording or manual logbook entries can be implemented in accordance with internal SOPs or FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned documentation practices where electronic records are maintained.
Applications
- Pre-analytical homogenization of EDTA, citrate, or heparinized whole blood prior to serum separation or flow cytometry
- Rehydration and dispersion of lyophilized proteins, enzymes, and diagnostic reagents
- Incubation-assisted binding steps in ELISA, lateral flow assay development, and antigen-antibody coupling reactions
- Mixing of viscous polymer solutions (e.g., alginate, methylcellulose) used in 3D cell culture scaffolds
- Long-term agitation of bacterial cultures in sealed tubes during antibiotic susceptibility testing
- Stabilization of immuno-complexes in clinical chemistry assays requiring precise kinetic control
FAQ
Can the ROLLER 6 digital be placed inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—it is rated for ambient use up to 50 °C but lacks humidity resistance or gas-tight enclosure certification required for CO₂ incubators. However, it is validated for placement inside standard refrigerated or heated incubators operating at 4–50 °C with ≤80% RH.
Is the roller angle adjustable?
No—the 3° fixed tilt angle is factory-calibrated to ensure optimal fluid displacement and laminar roll dynamics across all six axes.
Does it support synchronization with other lab instruments?
Not natively; no communication ports are provided. Synchronization must be achieved manually or via external PLC-based timing systems.
What maintenance is required?
Routine cleaning of rollers and clamps with 70% ethanol; no lubrication or calibration is needed due to brushless motor design and solid-state electronics.
Can multiple units be stacked vertically?
Yes—the base design supports stable vertical stacking when used on vibration-dampened surfaces, though airflow clearance above each unit should be maintained per manufacturer guidelines.
