IKA lab disc meadow Ultra-Thin Magnetic Stirrer
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | lab disc meadow |
| Stirrer Type | Magnetic Stirrer |
| Max Stirring Volume (H₂O) | 0.8 L |
| Speed Range | 15–1500 rpm |
| IP Rating | IP65 |
| Operating Temperature Range | 5–40 °C |
| Relative Humidity Limit | 80 % |
| Input Voltage | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Input Power | 5 W |
| Motor Output Power | 3 W |
| Max Stir Bar Length | 25 mm |
| Plate Material | Polyester Film |
| Plate Diameter | Ø100 mm |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 117 × 12 × 180 mm |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
Overview
The IKA lab disc meadow is an ultra-compact, single-position magnetic stirrer engineered for precision mixing in space-constrained laboratory environments—including biosafety cabinets, glove boxes, and modular benchtop workflows. Unlike conventional stirrers with rotating motors or mechanical drive shafts, it employs a contactless electromagnetic coil array embedded beneath a seamless polyester film plate. This solid-state architecture eliminates moving parts, ensuring zero mechanical wear, silent operation, and long-term reliability without lubrication or maintenance. The device operates on the principle of rotating magnetic fields generated by phased current pulses, inducing torque on standard PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars. A unique bidirectional rotation algorithm—reversing magnetic polarity every 30 seconds—enhances homogenization efficiency in viscous or stratified samples by disrupting boundary layer formation and minimizing vortex-induced splashing.
Key Features
- Ultra-low profile design (only 12 mm height) enables integration into confined workspaces without obstructing optical paths or airflow in containment enclosures.
- IP65-rated enclosure provides full protection against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets—suitable for wet-lab environments and routine decontamination protocols.
- Chemically resistant polyester film surface withstands exposure to common solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, dilute acids/bases), eliminating corrosion risks associated with stainless-steel or ceramic plates.
- Non-slip silicone feet ensure stable positioning on smooth or inclined surfaces during extended operation.
- Universal power supply (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) supports global deployment without voltage converters.
- Energy-efficient operation: 5 W nominal input power with 3 W effective motor output, minimizing heat dissipation and ambient thermal load.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The lab disc meadow accommodates standard cylindrical or oval stir bars up to 25 mm in length and is optimized for aqueous and low-viscosity organic solutions (≤ 100 mPa·s). It maintains consistent speed control across its full 15–1500 rpm range with ±3 rpm repeatability under constant load conditions. While not equipped with integrated temperature control, its passive thermal design ensures minimal plate surface heating (< 5 °C rise after 2 h at 1500 rpm), preserving sample integrity in ambient-temperature applications. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets RoHS 2011/65/EU and REACH (EC 1907/2006) material restrictions. Its compact footprint and absence of external cooling requirements facilitate use in ISO Class 5–7 cleanrooms when paired with appropriate stir bar sterilization protocols.
Software & Data Management
As a standalone analog-controlled instrument, the lab disc meadow does not feature digital connectivity, firmware, or data logging capabilities. Speed adjustment is performed via a calibrated rotary encoder with tactile feedback and LED illumination for low-light settings. This minimalist interface intentionally avoids microprocessor-based complexity to maximize electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) stability—critical in electrophysiology rigs, NMR prep areas, or near sensitive analytical instrumentation. No software validation, audit trail, or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is applicable; however, its operational consistency supports GLP-aligned manual recordkeeping when used within defined SOPs for routine solution preparation.
Applications
- Preparation of buffer solutions, cell culture media, and reagent dilutions in microbiology and molecular biology labs.
- Homogenization of nanoparticle suspensions and colloidal dispersions prior to DLS or UV-Vis analysis.
- Stirring within sealed vials or small-volume reactors (e.g., 1–500 mL glass or PP containers) where overhead clearance is limited.
- Integration into automated liquid handling workflows as a peripheral mixing module, controlled via external TTL-triggered relay interfaces (optional accessory).
- Education and teaching labs requiring robust, low-cost, and intuitive stirring platforms for undergraduate chemistry and life science curricula.
FAQ
Does the lab disc meadow support heating or temperature monitoring?
No. It is a non-heating magnetic stirrer. For temperature-controlled stirring, consider IKA’s RCT basic or HS series hotplates.
Can it be used with ferromagnetic stir bars?
No. Only diamagnetic or paramagnetic stir bars (e.g., PTFE-coated, glass-coated, or ceramic-core) are compatible. Ferromagnetic bars may overheat or cause erratic motion due to excessive torque coupling.
Is the polyester film plate replaceable?
Yes. IKA offers genuine replacement plates (Order No. 3000000000000000) designed for chemical resistance and dimensional stability after repeated cleaning.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
Rated for >20,000 hours of operation at ≤1000 rpm, based on accelerated lifetime testing per IEC 60068-2-64. Performance remains stable across the full speed range when operated within specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH).
Does it generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could affect nearby instruments?
EMI emissions comply with CISPR 11 Group 1, Class B limits. No measurable interference has been observed with adjacent pH meters, balances, or spectrophotometers when installed per standard lab spacing guidelines (≥30 cm separation).
