GLTLab SS-12N 12-Position Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The GLTLab SS-12N is a high-density, benchtop 12-position magnetic stirrer engineered for parallel sample processing in quality control laboratories, pharmaceutical development workflows, and academic research settings where reproducible, low-heat mixing of multiple aqueous or low-viscosity solutions is required. Unlike overhead mechanical stirrers or hotplate-stirrer hybrids, the SS-12N employs permanent neodymium magnet arrays beneath each independent stirring zone to drive PTFE-coated stir bars via rotating magnetic fields—eliminating mechanical wear, seal degradation, or cross-contamination risks associated with shaft-based systems. Its ambient-only operation reflects its design intent: precise rotational agitation without thermal input, making it ideal for temperature-sensitive reagents, enzymatic assays, buffer equilibration, and dissolution pre-mixing prior to regulated analytical procedures.

Key Features

• Twelve independently actuated stirring positions arranged across a single 430 × 300 mm ceramic-coated aluminum plate—optimized for uniform field distribution and minimal inter-channel interference.
• Adjustable speed control (150–2000 rpm) with digital LED display and push-button interface; each position features dedicated speed calibration to ensure ±3% repeatability across full range under standard load (1 L water, 30 mm stir bar).
• Low-profile chassis (84 mm height) enables compatibility with fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets, and stacked lab bench configurations; total unit weight of 11 kg ensures stable operation during extended runs.
• Robust construction using flame-retardant ABS housing, corrosion-resistant plate coating, and sealed PCB architecture rated IP20 for dry-lab environments.
• Modular scalability: GLTLab offers matching platforms with 2–15 positions (SS-2N through SS-15N), enabling standardized fleet deployment across labs with varying throughput demands.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SS-12N accommodates standard laboratory glassware including beakers (50–1000 mL), Erlenmeyer flasks, and cylindrical vials when paired with appropriately sized stir bars (6–30 mm length). It supports mixing of aqueous buffers, saline solutions, dilute polymer dispersions, and non-aggressive organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone) at viscosities up to ~50 mPa·s. Not recommended for viscous media (>100 mPa·s), abrasive suspensions, or exothermic reactions requiring active cooling. The device conforms to IEC/EN 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restrictions. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its operational consistency supports GLP-aligned documentation protocols when integrated into validated SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The SS-12N operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded microprocessor or network interface. All parameters—including setpoint speed and runtime—are manually configured per position; no data logging, USB export, or remote control capability is provided. This architecture prioritizes electromagnetic immunity, long-term reliability, and ease of audit—eliminating firmware update dependencies or cybersecurity vulnerabilities common in connected lab hardware. For labs requiring traceability, external timer relays or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) may be interfaced via dry-contact outputs (optional accessory kit available upon request).

Applications

• High-throughput buffer preparation in molecular biology labs (e.g., Tris-HCl, PBS, TE), supporting simultaneous conditioning of 12 samples for downstream electrophoresis or chromatography.
• Parallel dilution series generation in QC testing per USP Dissolution and Ph. Eur. 2.9.3, where consistent agitation prior to sampling is critical for method robustness.
• Cell culture media equilibration (CO₂-independent pH stabilization) across multi-well formats prior to sterile filtration.
• Standardization of reference material suspensions for particle size analysis (e.g., ISO 13320 laser diffraction sample prep) or turbidity calibration.
• Teaching laboratories requiring durable, low-maintenance instrumentation for undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry curricula.

FAQ

Can the SS-12N be used with heating plates?
No—the SS-12N is strictly an ambient-temperature magnetic stirrer. GLTLab offers separate hotplate-stirrer models (e.g., HS-12N series) for applications requiring combined heating and stirring.
Is speed calibration traceable to national standards?
Speed calibration is performed at factory using NIST-traceable tachometers; calibration certificates are available as optional add-ons for GMP-regulated users.
What stir bar dimensions are recommended for 1 L vessels?
A 30 mm × 8 mm elliptical PTFE-coated stir bar is optimal for 1 L beakers at speeds ≥800 rpm; shorter bars (15–20 mm) improve stability at lower speeds (<400 rpm).
Does the unit support continuous operation over 24 hours?
Yes—rated for indefinite duty cycle under nominal load conditions; thermal cutoff protection activates only if internal ambient exceeds 65°C.
Are replacement plates or custom plate layouts available?
Standard ceramic-coated aluminum plates are field-replaceable; custom drilling patterns (e.g., for round-bottom flasks) can be quoted separately for OEM integration projects.