AS ONE PS-MINI Mini Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The AS ONE PS-MINI Mini Magnetic Stirrer is a compact, low-power, USB-compatible benchtop stirring solution engineered for precision mixing of small-volume samples in research laboratories, quality control environments, and educational settings. Operating on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath the plate induces synchronous rotation of a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample—the PS-MINI delivers stable, controllable agitation without mechanical shaft penetration. Its design prioritizes chemical resistance, portability, and operational flexibility: the polypropylene (PP) housing ensures robust compatibility with organic solvents, acids, and bases, while the SUS304 stainless steel top plate provides corrosion resistance and thermal stability during extended operation. With a maximum rotational speed of 1500 rpm and a recommended working volume of up to 300 mL, the PS-MINI bridges the gap between handheld convenience and laboratory-grade reproducibility—ideal for reagent preparation, buffer equilibration, dissolution testing, and micro-scale reaction monitoring.

Key Features

• USB-powered operation enables deployment in field labs, biosafety cabinets, gloveboxes, or mobile workstations—compatible with standard 5 V power banks, laptop USB ports, or the included universal AC adapter (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz).
• Ergonomic knurled speed control knob allows precise manual adjustment across the full 0–1500 rpm range; tactile feedback ensures consistent setting retention under gloved-hand conditions.
• Calibrated analog speed scale provides immediate visual confirmation of setpoint—no digital display required, reducing electromagnetic interference concerns in sensitive instrumentation areas.
• Lightweight (350 g) and space-efficient footprint (134 × 95 × 52 mm) makes it suitable for crowded fume hoods, incubators, or multi-instrument benches where footprint minimization is critical.
• DC brush motor with optimized torque delivery ensures smooth startup and steady-state rotation—even with high-viscosity aqueous solutions or low-density suspensions.
• 0.08 T neodymium magnet array offers reliable coupling with standard PTFE-coated stir bars (e.g., 10 × 3 mm, 15 × 4 mm), supporting consistent vortex formation and homogeneous mixing without splashing or foaming.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PS-MINI is validated for use with common laboratory liquids including aqueous buffers (PBS, Tris-HCl), ethanol/water mixtures, dilute HCl/NaOH solutions, and non-halogenated organics (e.g., acetone, ethyl acetate). Its PP/SUS304 construction meets ISO 8573-1 purity class 4 requirements for non-particulate-generating surfaces and complies with general lab equipment safety standards under IEC 61010-1:2010 (Ed. 3). While not certified for explosion-proof or intrinsically safe environments, its low power draw (<2 W) and absence of spark-prone components make it appropriate for Class I, Division 2 (CID2) adjacent zones when used with compatible stir bars. The device carries CE marking and conforms to RoHS 2011/65/EU directives. It supports GLP-compliant workflows when paired with documented stir bar calibration protocols and logbook entries for speed/volume validation.

Software & Data Management

The PS-MINI operates as a standalone analog instrument with no embedded firmware, software interface, or data logging capability—intentionally designed to eliminate cybersecurity risks, driver dependencies, or validation overhead associated with connected devices. This architecture aligns with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 principles for “simple instruments,” where manual recording of operating parameters (speed, duration, vessel type) satisfies audit requirements. Users may integrate the PS-MINI into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) such as LabArchives or Benchling by documenting settings alongside experimental metadata. For traceable calibration, AS ONE recommends annual verification using a non-contact tachometer (e.g., Extech 461923) against the engraved speed scale, with records retained per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7.

Applications

• Preparation of small-batch standards and calibration solutions (e.g., 10–100 mL ICP-MS dilutions).
• Homogenization of cell culture media prior to sterile filtration in laminar flow hoods.
• Accelerated dissolution testing of pharmaceutical powders in USP Apparatus 1–2 mini-vessels.
• In-situ pH adjustment and titrant blending during electrochemical sensor calibration.
• Dispersion of nanomaterials (e.g., graphene oxide, TiO₂ nanoparticles) in aqueous colloids for TEM grid preparation.
• Low-heat mixing of thermolabile enzymes or antibodies to prevent denaturation during formulation.

FAQ

Is a stir bar included with the PS-MINI?
No. AS ONE supplies the PS-MINI without a stir bar; users must select an appropriate size and coating (e.g., PTFE, PTFE/glass, or ceramic) based on chemical compatibility and viscosity.
Can the PS-MINI be used inside a CO₂ incubator?
Yes—its sealed PP housing and absence of ventilation grilles permit safe operation at 37 °C and 5% CO₂, provided ambient humidity remains below 80% RH to prevent condensation on internal electronics.
What is the expected service life of the DC brush motor?
Under continuous operation at ≤1200 rpm, the motor maintains >10,000 hours MTBF; brush replacement is not user-serviceable and requires factory refurbishment.
Does the PS-MINI meet UL or CSA safety certification?
It is CE-marked and compliant with IEC 61010-1, but does not carry UL 61010-1 or CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 certification; institutions requiring North American electrical safety listing should consult AS ONE’s PS-3A or PS-5A variants.
Can multiple PS-MINI units be daisy-chained via USB hubs?
Not recommended. Each unit draws up to 400 mA at 5 V; bus-powered hubs may trigger overcurrent protection. Use individually powered USB ports or the included AC adapter for stable operation.