IKA Lab Disc White Ultra-Thin Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA Lab Disc White is an ultra-compact, maintenance-free magnetic stirrer engineered for precision mixing in space-constrained laboratory environments—including biosafety cabinets, laminar flow hoods, and modular benchtop workstations. Unlike conventional stirrers with rotating motors or mechanical drive shafts, the Lab Disc White employs a solid-state electromagnetic coil array embedded beneath a seamless polyester film surface. This contactless actuation principle eliminates moving parts, bearing wear, and mechanical failure points—ensuring long-term operational stability and silent operation (<35 dB(A) at 1 m). The device operates without heating capability, making it purpose-built for applications requiring strict thermal neutrality—such as enzymatic assays, cell culture media preparation, buffer equilibration, and cold-chain sample homogenization. Its low-profile geometry (only 12 mm height) enables unobstructed integration beneath fume hood sashes or within automated liquid handling platforms.

Key Features

• Ultra-thin form factor (117 × 12 × 180 mm) optimized for footprint-sensitive workflows
• IP65-rated enclosure providing full protection against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets—suitable for wet-lab and cleanroom-adjacent use
• Chemically resistant polyester film plate surface, resistant to common solvents including ethanol, isopropanol, and diluted acids/bases
• Intelligent bidirectional stirring algorithm: automatically reverses rotation direction every 30 seconds to prevent vortex collapse and improve mixing homogeneity in low-viscosity aqueous systems
• No internal motor or gears—zero mechanical wear, no lubrication required, and no audible commutation noise
• Universal power input (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) with energy-efficient 5 W total consumption and 3 W effective motor output
• Non-slip silicone feet with integrated leveling design ensure stable operation on inclined or vibration-prone surfaces

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Lab Disc White supports standard PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bars up to 25 mm in length, compatible with vessels ranging from 10 mL test tubes to 800 mL beakers (water-equivalent volume). It is validated for use with non-viscous to moderately viscous Newtonian fluids (e.g., PBS, Tris-HCl buffers, sucrose solutions ≤ 30 % w/v). The device conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP65), IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits), and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity requirements). While not certified for GMP or GLP environments out-of-the-box, its deterministic control logic, absence of firmware-upgradable components, and traceable manufacturing origin (Germany) support qualification under ISO/IEC 17025-compliant laboratory validation protocols.

Software & Data Management

The Lab Disc White operates as a stand-alone analog instrument with no digital interface, embedded memory, or connectivity options. Speed adjustment is performed via a calibrated rotary encoder with tactile feedback and visual LED indication. This architecture intentionally omits microprocessor-based controls to eliminate software-related validation burdens—making it suitable for regulated environments where audit trails, electronic records, or cybersecurity compliance (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11) are not required. All operational parameters remain manually set and directly observable, supporting ALCOA+ principles of attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, accurate, and complete recordkeeping when paired with handwritten lab notebooks.

Applications

• Preparation of isotonic saline, agarose gels, and electrophoresis running buffers
• Homogenization of immunoassay reagents prior to plate loading
• Continuous mixing during cold-room-based protein dialysis or desalting steps
• Stirring of calibration standards in analytical chemistry workflows where thermal drift must be avoided
• Integration into custom-built automation racks where height clearance <15 mm is mandatory
• Routine dissolution testing of pharmaceutical excipients under ambient temperature conditions

FAQ

Does the Lab Disc White include heating functionality?
No. It is a non-heating magnetic stirrer designed exclusively for isothermal mixing applications.
Can it be used with stainless-steel stir bars?
No. Only PTFE-, polypropylene-, or glass-coated stir bars are recommended to prevent eddy current heating and surface abrasion.
Is the device suitable for continuous 24/7 operation?
Yes—its solid-state electromagnetic design and thermally passive construction support uninterrupted duty cycles within the specified ambient temperature range (5–40 °C).
What safety certifications does it carry?
It complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP65), IEC 61000-6-2/6-3, and carries CE marking per the EU Low Voltage and EMC Directives.
How is speed accuracy verified during qualification?
Speed consistency can be confirmed using a non-contact optical tachometer; factory specification tolerance is ±3 % of setpoint across the 15–1500 rpm range.