GLTLab SS-3N Triple-Position Digital Magnetic Stirrer
| Brand | GLTLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | SS-3N |
| Instrument Type | Magnetic Stirrer |
| Maximum Total Stirring Volume | 3 L (1 L per position) |
| Speed Range | 150–2000 rpm |
| Display | LED Digital |
| Plate Material | Aluminum with Ceramic Coating |
| Housing Material | Coated Metal |
| Dimensions (W × L × H) | 130 × 340 × 84 mm |
| Plate Dimensions | 130 × 300 mm |
| Weight | 3 kg |
Overview
The GLTLab SS-3N is a precision-engineered triple-position digital magnetic stirrer designed for consistent, independent control of three simultaneous stirring processes in analytical, quality control, and research laboratories. It operates on the principle of rotating magnetic fields generated beneath a non-magnetic ceramic-coated aluminum plate, inducing rotation in PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bars placed within vessels. This contactless drive mechanism eliminates mechanical wear, ensures low vibration, and supports stable operation across extended durations — critical for applications requiring uniform mixing during titrations, dissolution testing, buffer preparation, or reagent homogenization. The SS-3N integrates microprocessor-based speed regulation with real-time LED feedback, enabling reproducible rotational control from 150 to 2000 rpm per station — a range optimized for both low-viscosity aqueous solutions and moderately viscous organic media.
Key Features
- Triple independent stirring positions with individual digital speed control and LED display for each channel
- Ceramic-coated aluminum heating plate (130 × 300 mm) offering high thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and uniform field distribution
- Robust coated metal chassis engineered for long-term durability and minimal resonance under load
- Precision DC motor drive system with closed-loop feedback ensuring ±2% speed accuracy across the full 150–2000 rpm range
- Compact footprint (130 × 340 × 84 mm) and lightweight design (3 kg) for flexible benchtop integration without compromising structural rigidity
- No integrated heater — optimized exclusively for magnetic stirring to maximize thermal isolation and eliminate cross-contamination risks associated with hotplate-stirrer combinations
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SS-3N accommodates standard laboratory glassware including beakers (50–1000 mL), Erlenmeyer flasks, and cylindrical reaction vessels up to 1 L per position. Its non-heating configuration ensures compatibility with temperature-sensitive samples, volatile solvents, and materials requiring ambient or externally controlled thermal environments. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for electrical equipment used in laboratory settings. While not classified as a medical or GMP-grade instrument, its stable performance, traceable speed calibration, and durable construction support routine use in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs where documented mixing consistency is required for method validation (e.g., ASTM D2196, USP ).
Software & Data Management
The SS-3N operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded software, cloud connectivity, or data logging capability. All operational parameters are set and monitored locally via front-panel LED indicators and rotary encoder controls. This architecture eliminates firmware dependencies, cybersecurity exposure, and validation overhead — aligning with regulated environments where simplicity, auditability, and deterministic behavior are prioritized over automation. For laboratories implementing electronic records, manual entry of speed settings and run duration into LIMS or ELN systems is supported through standardized SOP documentation.
Applications
- Parallel sample preparation for spectrophotometric analysis, pH calibration, and conductivity standardization
- Simultaneous dissolution testing of pharmaceutical dosage forms across multiple time points
- Homogenization of polymer solutions, colloidal suspensions, and nanoparticle dispersions prior to DLS or zeta potential measurement
- Controlled mixing during electrochemical cell conditioning or electrodeposition protocols
- Buffer equilibration and reagent aging studies requiring identical agitation profiles across replicates
- Teaching laboratories performing comparative kinetics experiments with multi-vessel reaction setups
FAQ
Does the SS-3N include a built-in heating function?
No. The SS-3N is a dedicated magnetic stirrer without integrated heating elements. It is intended for use with external temperature control systems such as water baths or recirculating chillers.
Can the three positions operate at different speeds simultaneously?
Yes. Each of the three stations features independent speed control and digital readout, allowing heterogeneous mixing protocols across vessels.
What is the maximum recommended vessel diameter for optimal stirring efficiency?
Vessels with base diameters ≤ 90 mm achieve optimal coupling with the magnetic field; larger diameters may require higher stir bar grades or reduced speed to maintain vortex stability.
Is the ceramic coating resistant to common laboratory solvents?
The alumina-based ceramic layer demonstrates chemical inertness toward aqueous solutions, alcohols, acetone, and dilute acids/bases, but prolonged exposure to strong oxidizers (e.g., concentrated HNO₃) or hydrofluoric acid is not recommended.
Does GLTLab provide calibration certificates or traceable speed verification?
Calibration documentation is available upon request and conforms to internal metrology procedures aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines; third-party certification requires lab-specific validation protocol execution.
