IKA color squid white Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA color squid white is a compact, high-efficiency magnetic stirrer engineered for precision mixing in routine laboratory workflows. Utilizing permanent magnet coupling and brushless DC motor technology, it delivers consistent torque transfer to magnetic stir bars without mechanical contact—ensuring low maintenance, silent operation, and long-term reliability. Designed specifically for applications requiring moderate viscosity handling and stable rotational control, the device operates on the principle of magnetic field-driven rotation: a rotating internal magnet beneath the tempered glass plate induces synchronous motion in ferromagnetic stir bars immersed in the sample vessel. Its optimized thermal management and IP54-rated enclosure allow safe use in standard wet-lab environments, including fume hoods and shared benchtop spaces where chemical resistance and spill containment are essential.

Key Features

• Digitally enhanced speed control via intuitive rotary encoder with LED display showing real-time setpoint (0–2500 rpm), enabling precise reproducibility across repeated experiments.
• Tempered glass top plate (Ø 115 mm) offers exceptional chemical resistance against common solvents, acids, and bases—compatible with TPC-ET polymer housing for enhanced durability and recyclability.
• Compact footprint (145 × 45 × 160 mm) and lightweight design (1.074 kg) facilitate easy relocation between workstations or integration into modular lab setups.
• Universal power input (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) with integrated switching-mode power supply ensures stable performance across global voltage standards; internal 12 V DC conversion minimizes electromagnetic interference.
• IP54 protection rating per DIN EN 60529 safeguards internal electronics from dust ingress and water splashes—critical for environments where accidental spills or humid conditions occur.
• Energy-efficient architecture: 2 W motor output with only 4 W total instrument power draw supports sustainability goals without compromising dynamic response.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The color squid white accommodates standard round-bottom and flat-bottom vessels up to 1 L capacity (water-equivalent), supporting borosilicate glass, polypropylene, and PTFE-lined containers. Its 30 mm maximum stir bar length specification aligns with widely available laboratory-grade magnetic stir bars (e.g., PTFE-coated, AlNiCo, or SmCo variants). The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements for hazardous substance restriction. While not certified for GMP or GLP environments out-of-the-box, its stable speed control, non-drifting setpoints, and traceable parameter settings support documentation practices required under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories.

Software & Data Management

This standalone unit operates without proprietary software or external connectivity. All operational parameters—including speed setpoint—are managed locally via the front-panel rotary control and LED indicator. No firmware updates, cloud synchronization, or audit trail functionality is provided, making it suitable for regulated environments where deterministic behavior and minimal validation burden are prioritized. For labs requiring electronic recordkeeping, manual logging of speed settings and run durations remains compatible with standard SOPs compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated paper-based or LIMS-integrated documentation systems.

Applications

• Routine dissolution testing and buffer preparation in analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical QC labs.
• Homogenization of low-to-medium viscosity aqueous and organic solutions during synthesis pre-steps or reagent conditioning.
• Supporting cell culture media equilibration and gentle suspension of non-aggregating biological particles (e.g., yeast, algae) where shear sensitivity is moderate.
• Educational demonstrations of fluid dynamics principles, including laminar flow regimes and vortex formation thresholds.
• Integration into automated workcells where space-constrained, low-power, and chemically inert stirring modules are required.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended viscosity for reliable operation?
The device is rated for aqueous-phase equivalents up to ~1,000 mPa·s at full speed; optimal performance is maintained below 500 mPa·s. Higher viscosities may require reduced speed or larger-diameter stir bars.
Can the stirrer be used with metal containers?
No—ferromagnetic or conductive containers will attenuate the magnetic field and impair stir bar rotation. Only non-magnetic, non-shielding materials (e.g., glass, PP, PC, PTFE) are compatible.
Is calibration required or supported?
No factory calibration certificate is supplied. Speed accuracy is specified as ±50 rpm across the range; users may verify performance using an externally calibrated tachometer if needed for quality assurance protocols.
Does the unit include a stir bar?
No—stir bars are sold separately and must be selected based on vessel geometry and application requirements (e.g., cross-shaped for high-torque mixing, oval for low-noise operation).
How does the IP54 rating affect daily use?
It permits safe operation in areas with occasional condensation or minor liquid splashes but does not authorize submersion, high-pressure cleaning, or continuous exposure to corrosive vapors without additional protective measures.