IKA KMO 3 basic Magnetic Stirrer
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | KMO 3 basic |
| Instrument Type | Magnetic Stirrer |
| Maximum Stirring Volume | 5 L |
| Speed Range | 10 – 1500 rpm |
| Display | Bright White LED, Adjustable Brightness |
| Workplate Material | Tempered Glass |
| Workplate Dimensions | 140 × 120 mm |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 153 × 62.5 × 227 mm |
| Weight | 1.471 kg |
| Ambient Temperature Range | 5 – 40 °C |
| Relative Humidity Limit | ≤80 % RH |
| Power Supply | 100 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Input Power | 13 W (operational), 0.8 W (standby) |
| Motor Output | 9 W |
| Speed Accuracy | ±2 % at 1500 rpm (no load, 25 °C) |
| Illumination Intensity | up to 15,000 lx |
| Stir Bar Compatibility | 20 – 80 mm length |
| Included Accessories | IKAFLON® 30 & 40 magnetic stirring bars, USB A–B cable |
Overview
The IKA KMO 3 basic Magnetic Stirrer is a compact, CE-compliant benchtop instrument engineered for precision and reliability in routine laboratory mixing applications. Designed without integrated heating functionality, it delivers consistent rotational motion via electromagnetic coupling—leveraging the principle of rotating magnetic fields to drive PTFE-coated stir bars within vessels. Its core architecture centers on a brushless DC motor paired with digital closed-loop speed control, ensuring stable operation across the full 10–1500 rpm range under variable load conditions. The unit’s glass workplate provides chemical resistance, thermal stability, and optical clarity—critical for visual monitoring of sample homogeneity during mixing. With an IP42-rated enclosure, the device offers protection against solid objects larger than 1 mm and vertically falling water droplets, supporting safe deployment in standard analytical and quality control laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025 or GLP-compliant environments.
Key Features
- Touch-sensitive control panel with adjustable LED display brightness (up to 15,000 lx) for optimal visibility under varied ambient lighting conditions
- Dual-direction rotation capability—programmable clockwise or counterclockwise operation to prevent vortex formation or promote uniform suspension of particulates
- Integrated USB interface compliant with USB 2.0 specifications, enabling remote parameter configuration, firmware updates, and operational logging via IKA’s Labworldsoft software suite
- Auto-lock function prevents accidental speed changes during active use—enhancing reproducibility in multi-user lab settings
- Tempered glass workplate (140 × 120 mm) resistant to common solvents, acids, and bases; compatible with borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and polypropylene containers
- Low standby power consumption (0.8 W), meeting IEC 62301:2011 requirements for energy-efficient laboratory equipment
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KMO 3 basic supports mixing of aqueous, organic, and mildly corrosive solutions in volumes up to 5 L (water-equivalent), provided vessel geometry permits effective stir bar engagement. It accommodates standard IKAFLON® magnetic stir bars ranging from 20 mm to 80 mm in length—including the included 30 mm and 40 mm variants—ensuring compatibility with beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, and cylindrical reactors. The unit conforms to DIN EN 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries CE marking per EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). Its design aligns with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Annex 11 data integrity expectations when used with validated Labworldsoft configurations that support audit trails and electronic signatures.
Software & Data Management
Through its native USB connection, the KMO 3 basic interfaces with IKA Labworldsoft—a Windows-based platform supporting device commissioning, parameter archiving, and firmware version tracking. Labworldsoft enables creation of user-defined method templates—including speed ramp profiles and dwell times—for repeatable experimental protocols. All USB-mediated interactions are timestamped and logged locally, satisfying traceability requirements outlined in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed within a validated system environment. No cloud connectivity or proprietary drivers are required; communication uses standard CDC ACM class protocols for cross-platform compatibility.
Applications
- Homogenization of buffer solutions and reagent preparations in molecular biology workflows
- Continuous mixing during titration or colorimetric assays where temperature stability is prioritized over thermal input
- Suspension of insoluble standards in pharmaceutical dissolution testing (USP ) prior to filtration
- Pre-mixing of catalyst slurries in synthetic chemistry reaction setups
- Stirring of calibration standards in environmental testing labs (e.g., EPA Method 300.0)
- Supporting ISO 8573-3 compressed air purity verification by maintaining consistent particle dispersion in sampling fluids
FAQ
Does the KMO 3 basic include a heating function?
No. This model is strictly a non-heated magnetic stirrer. For combined heating and stirring, consider the IKA RCT basic or C-MAG HS series.
Is the USB interface capable of real-time speed feedback?
Yes—Labworldsoft reads actual motor speed (not just setpoint) with 10 rpm resolution, enabling closed-loop validation of performance consistency.
Can the KMO 3 basic be mounted on a fume hood shelf?
Its low profile (62.5 mm height) and IP42 rating permit secure installation in ventilated enclosures, provided mechanical vibration transmission is minimized.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
No scheduled maintenance is specified. Routine cleaning of the glass plate with ethanol or isopropanol—and periodic inspection of stir bar coating integrity—is sufficient.
Is the device compatible with third-party LIMS integration?
While not natively LIMS-enabled, Labworldsoft-generated CSV logs can be imported into most laboratory information management systems via standardized data ingestion pipelines.
