IKA color squid white Magnetic Stirrer
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | color squid white |
| Instrument Type | Magnetic Stirrer |
| Maximum Stirring Volume | 1 L |
| Speed Range | 0–2500 rpm |
| Display | LED (setpoint only) |
| Drive Power | 2 W |
| Input Power | 4 W |
| Operating Temperature | 5–40 °C |
| Relative Humidity Limit | 80 % |
| Protection Rating | IP54 (DIN EN 60529) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 145 × 45 × 160 mm |
| Weight | 0.54 kg |
| Voltage | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| DC Output | 12 V =, 300 mA |
| Plate Material | Tempered Glass |
| Max Stir Bar Length | 30 mm |
| Speed Setting Resolution | 50 rpm |
| Rotation Direction | Clockwise Only |
| Automatic Reverse Rotation | No |
| Intermittent Mode | No |
| Stir Bar Jump Detection | No |
| Timer | No |
| pH Measurement | No |
| Graph Function | No |
| Programmable Protocols | No |
| Medium Sensor Detection (Error 5) | No |
| Weighing Function | No |
| Illuminated Setup Plate | No |
| RS232 / USB / Analog Output | None |
Overview
The IKA color squid white is a compact, entry-level magnetic stirrer engineered for precision, reliability, and chemical resistance in routine laboratory environments. Designed around the fundamental principle of electromagnetic induction, it generates a rotating magnetic field beneath a chemically inert tempered glass plate to drive standard PTFE- or PTFE-coated stir bars within vessels. Its optimized motor control architecture delivers stable rotational torque across the full speed range—0 to 2500 rpm—with minimal thermal drift and consistent angular velocity under load. The device is intended for low-viscosity aqueous and organic solutions up to 1 L volume, supporting applications such as reagent dissolution, buffer equilibration, and sample homogenization prior to analysis. Its minimalist form factor (145 × 45 × 160 mm), lightweight construction (0.54 kg), and universal AC input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) make it suitable for benchtop deployment in teaching labs, QC testing stations, and modular analytical workflows where space and power efficiency are constrained.
Key Features
- Tempered glass working surface with high chemical resistance to common solvents, acids, and bases—compatible with TPC-ET synthetic polymer housing for enhanced durability and recyclability
- Digital LED display showing only the setpoint speed (not real-time feedback), enabling unambiguous parameter verification during setup
- Electronically regulated DC motor delivering consistent 2 W mechanical output and low-noise operation across the entire 0–2500 rpm range
- Coarse-speed adjustment via tactile rotary knob with 50 rpm incremental resolution—optimized for rapid method setup without digital interface complexity
- IP54-rated enclosure per DIN EN 60529, providing protection against dust ingress and water splashes from any direction—suitable for general-purpose lab use under controlled ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH)
- No embedded microcontroller-based automation features (e.g., timers, programs, or error diagnostics), ensuring deterministic behavior and long-term serviceability without firmware dependencies
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The color squid white supports standard cylindrical or oval stir bars up to 30 mm in length, compatible with glass, polypropylene, and PTFE-lined reaction vessels. It is validated for use with water, saline buffers, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, and dilute mineral acid/base solutions at ambient temperature. While not certified to GLP or GMP standards out-of-the-box, its construction adheres to IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for electrical laboratory equipment. The absence of data logging, audit trails, or electronic signatures means it does not comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated environments requiring electronic record integrity; however, its mechanical simplicity ensures traceable manual operation in non-GxP settings governed by ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.1 (equipment suitability).
Software & Data Management
This instrument operates entirely without software integration. There is no embedded operating system, no communication interfaces (RS232, USB, or analog outputs), and no capability for remote configuration, data export, or firmware updates. All operational parameters are set manually and retained only during active power cycling. Consequently, no driver installation, license management, or cybersecurity protocols apply. This architecture eliminates compatibility risks associated with OS updates or deprecated drivers—making it ideal for legacy systems, air-gapped facilities, or institutions prioritizing hardware longevity over digital connectivity.
Applications
- Routine dissolution of salts, powders, and lyophilized reagents in volumetric flasks and beakers
- Pre-analytical mixing of calibration standards and QC samples for spectrophotometry, titration, or chromatography
- Homogenization of cell culture media, enzyme assay buffers, and dilution series preparation
- Support role in environmental testing labs for pH-adjusted extraction solutions and leachate suspensions
- Undergraduate teaching labs where intuitive operation, visual speed confirmation, and robust build quality outweigh advanced functionality
FAQ
Does the color squid white support bidirectional rotation?
No. Rotation is fixed clockwise only.
Is real-time speed feedback available on the display?
No. The LED shows only the user-set speed value, not measured actual speed.
Can it be used with viscous solutions such as glycerol or polymer melts?
It is not recommended. The device is rated for low-to-moderate viscosity liquids up to 1 L water-equivalent volume; higher viscosities may cause stall or inconsistent mixing.
What stir bar dimensions are optimal for this unit?
Stir bars up to 30 mm in length and 8 mm in diameter perform reliably; longer or thicker bars may exceed torque capacity or induce vibration.
Is the unit compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
No. It lacks electronic records, audit trails, user authentication, or data export capabilities required for Part 11 compliance.
