IKA lab disc white Magnetic Stirrer
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | lab disc white |
| Motor Output Power | 3 W |
| Max. Stirring Volume (H2O) | 0.8 L |
| Speed Range | 15–1500 rpm |
| Max. Stir Bar Length | 25 mm |
| Plate Material | Polyester Film |
| Plate Diameter | Ø 100 mm |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 116 × 12 × 175 mm |
| Weight | 0.599 kg |
| Ambient Temperature Range | 5–40 °C |
| Relative Humidity Limit | 80 % |
| Ingress Protection | IP65 |
| Voltage Input | 100–240 V AC |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Total Power Consumption | 5 W |
| Direction Reversal Interval | Every 30 s |
Overview
The IKA lab disc white is a compact, ultra-thin magnetic stirrer engineered for precision mixing in routine laboratory workflows where space, reliability, and chemical resistance are critical. Unlike conventional stirrers with mechanical gearboxes or rotating motors, this device employs a solid-state electromagnetic coil array beneath a seamless polyester film plate—eliminating moving parts, mechanical wear, and associated maintenance. Its operation relies on controlled alternating magnetic fields that induce synchronous rotation of standard PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars in vessels up to 0.8 L (water-equivalent). The 15–1500 rpm speed range accommodates gentle homogenization of sensitive biological suspensions as well as vigorous dispersion of low-viscosity aqueous or organic solutions. The automatic bidirectional rotation—reversing polarity every 30 seconds—mitigates vortex formation and improves axial mixing efficiency, particularly in narrow-necked or low-volume containers.
Key Features
- Ultra-low profile design (only 12 mm height) enables integration into confined workspaces, laminar flow hoods, and incubator chambers.
- IP65-rated enclosure ensures full protection against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets—ideal for wet-lab environments and shared core facilities.
- Chemically inert polyester film surface resists corrosion from common solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, dilute acids/bases), supporting long-term use without surface degradation.
- Non-slip silicone feet provide stable placement on smooth benchtops and prevent lateral displacement during high-speed operation.
- Universal voltage input (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) guarantees consistent performance across global laboratory infrastructures without external transformers.
- Energy-efficient architecture consumes only 5 W at full load—aligned with institutional sustainability goals and reducing standby power demand.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The lab disc white supports standard cylindrical and oval stir bars up to 25 mm in length, compatible with glass, polypropylene, and borosilicate reaction vessels (≥25 mm diameter). It is validated for use with aqueous buffers, cell culture media, dye solutions, and low-viscosity reagents under ISO 13485-aligned quality management systems. While not certified for sterile processing, its smooth, non-porous surface facilitates rapid decontamination via 70% ethanol or 0.5% sodium hypochlorite wipe-downs. The device complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP65), IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. It is intended for general-purpose mixing—not for viscous, abrasive, or exothermic applications exceeding 0.8 L or 40 °C ambient temperature.
Software & Data Management
As a standalone analog-controlled instrument, the lab disc white does not incorporate digital interfaces, firmware, or data logging capabilities. Speed adjustment is performed via a calibrated rotary encoder with tactile feedback and visual LED indication. This design prioritizes operational simplicity, electromagnetic compatibility in sensitive instrumentation zones (e.g., near NMR spectrometers or electrophysiology rigs), and immunity to software obsolescence or cybersecurity vulnerabilities. No driver installation, network configuration, or audit trail functionality is required—making it suitable for GLP-compliant environments where minimal documentation burden is preferred, provided user-defined operating parameters are recorded manually in bound lab notebooks per institutional SOPs.
Applications
- Preparation of calibration standards and stock solutions in analytical chemistry labs.
- Homogenization of enzyme assays, ELISA coating buffers, and antibody diluents prior to plate-based detection.
- Mixing of pH-sensitive reagents in environmental testing protocols (e.g., EPA Method 9060A).
- Supporting dissolution testing setups where compact footprint and low heat generation are essential.
- Integration into automated sample prep modules where external trigger signals are unnecessary and passive reliability is prioritized.
FAQ
Is the lab disc white suitable for continuous 24/7 operation?
Yes—its solid-state electromagnetic drive and thermal cutoff protection support unattended operation within specified ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH).
Can it be used with metal stir bars?
No—only PTFE-, glass-, or ceramic-coated stir bars are recommended; bare stainless steel bars may overheat or demagnetize under sustained high-speed cycling.
Does it generate measurable heat on the plate surface?
Plate surface temperature rise remains below 5 K above ambient at 1500 rpm under standard load, minimizing thermal impact on temperature-sensitive samples.
What is the expected service life of the electromagnetic coil assembly?
Rated for ≥50,000 hours of operation under nominal load, with no scheduled replacement intervals due to absence of mechanical wear components.
Is calibration required or supported?
No factory calibration is provided or required; speed accuracy is maintained within ±3% of setpoint across the full range, traceable to IKA’s internal metrology standards.
