Heidolph Hei-PLATE Mix ‘n’ Heat Core+ Digital Heating Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The Heidolph Hei-PLATE Mix ‘n’ Heat Core+ is a precision-engineered digital heating magnetic stirrer designed for reproducible, safe, and scalable laboratory mixing and temperature-controlled reactions. Operating on the principle of rotating magnetic fields generated beneath a thermally robust ceramic-coated aluminum plate, it induces controlled rotational motion in PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bars immersed in liquid samples. Unlike basic hotplates, this instrument integrates closed-loop thermal regulation with real-time speed modulation—enabling simultaneous, independent control of agitation kinetics and thermal profiles across volumes up to 20 L of aqueous media. Its architecture reflects Heidolph’s long-standing commitment to German engineering rigor: all critical components—including the Kera-Disk® heating plate, microprocessor-based PID controller, and dual-mode heating logic—are validated for continuous operation under demanding academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial QC environments.

Key Features

• Patented Kera-Disk® heating plate (145 mm standard; 135 mm optional): Combines high thermal conductivity silicon-aluminum substrate with chemically inert, scratch-resistant ceramic top layer—optimized for rapid heat transfer and long-term resistance to acids, bases, and organic solvents.
• Dual heating mode selection: “Fast” mode prioritizes time-to-target temperature; “Precise” mode minimizes overshoot via adaptive PID tuning—critical for sensitive enzymatic assays or polymer dissolution protocols.
• Soft-start acceleration: Gradually ramps motor speed from 100 to 1400 rpm to prevent splashing, vortex instability, or stir bar ejection—especially beneficial when initiating viscous or low-surface-tension solutions.
• Intuitive dynamic control interface: Backlit rotary encoder responds proportionally to rotation speed—fine adjustments at low torque, coarse jumps at higher velocity—paired with tactile lock function to prevent accidental parameter changes during extended runs.
• Integrated safety architecture: Optical residual heat indicator (LED activation ≥50 °C), physical thermal cut-off at +25 °C above plate surface temperature, elevated control panel placement (>40 mm clearance from heating zone), and ergonomic bottom handle for secure transport.
• External temperature feedback compatibility: Supports Pt1000 probe input for vessel-immersed or jacketed reactor temperature monitoring—enabling compliance with GLP/GMP temperature validation requirements (e.g., USP <1058>, ASTM E2876).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Hei-PLATE Mix ‘n’ Heat Core+ accommodates standard laboratory glassware (beakers, flasks, crystallization dishes) up to 5 L nominal volume per vessel, with aggregate capacity reaching 20 L using multi-vessel configurations. Its 145 mm plate diameter ensures stable positioning of large-diameter containers while maintaining uniform field distribution. The Kera-Disk® surface meets ISO 15190:2020 requirements for laboratory equipment chemical resistance and is compatible with common sterilization methods (e.g., ethanol wipe-down, UV-C exposure). Electrical safety conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 (EN 61010-1), and electromagnetic compatibility satisfies EN 61326-1:2013. For regulated environments, the optional Pt1000 interface supports audit-trail-capable data logging when paired with compliant software platforms adhering to FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Software & Data Management

While the Hei-PLATE Mix ‘n’ Heat Core+ operates as a standalone benchtop unit with local digital display (LED, 4-digit resolution), its analog/digital interface option enables integration into centralized lab automation systems. When connected to Heidolph’s optional Labworldsoft™ or third-party SCADA platforms via RS232/RS485 or 0–10 V analog output, users can log real-time speed, setpoint temperature, actual plate temperature, and alarm status. All temperature and speed parameters are timestamped and exportable in CSV format—supporting traceability for SOP-driven workflows in quality control labs operating under ISO/IEC 17025 or GxP frameworks.

Applications

This instrument serves diverse applications requiring synchronized thermal and mechanical energy input: buffer preparation and pH adjustment in molecular biology; catalyst activation and reaction monitoring in synthetic chemistry; dissolution testing of solid dosage forms per USP <711>; viscosity profiling of polymer melts and coatings; cell culture media equilibration; and accelerated stability studies per ICH Q1A(R2). Its 300 °C upper limit and 800 W power rating make it suitable for solvent reflux setups (e.g., THF, toluene) when used with appropriate condensers and fume hood containment.

FAQ

Does the Hei-PLATE Mix ‘n’ Heat Core+ support external temperature feedback for improved accuracy?
Yes—when equipped with the optional Pt1000 sensor input, the system achieves ±1 °C temperature control accuracy referenced to the sample bulk phase rather than the plate surface.
What is the maximum recommended viscosity for reliable stirring at full speed?
For sustained operation at 1400 rpm, aqueous solutions up to ~500 mPa·s are recommended; higher viscosities require reduced speed and optimized stir bar geometry (e.g., cross-shaped or fleur-de-lis designs).
Is the Kera-Disk® plate resistant to hydrofluoric acid (HF)?
No—while highly resistant to HCl, HNO₃, NaOH, and most organics, the ceramic coating is not HF-compatible; alternative PTFE-coated plates or glass-lined alternatives are advised for HF applications.
Can the device be operated inside a CO₂ incubator or cold room?
Ambient operating range is 5–40 °C and 20–80% RH non-condensing; operation below 15 °C may reduce thermal response time and affect PID stability—consult Heidolph technical documentation for environmental derating guidelines.
How is calibration traceability maintained for regulatory audits?
Heidolph provides factory calibration certificates (NIST-traceable references for temperature and speed); users may perform periodic verification using certified reference thermometers (e.g., Fluke 1523) and tachometers per ISO/IEC 17025 procedures.