IKA I-MAG Industrial-Grade Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA I-MAG is an industrial-grade magnetic stirrer engineered for high-reliability mixing in demanding laboratory and pilot-scale production environments. Unlike standard benchtop stirrers, the I-MAG employs a brushless DC motor coupled with a high-energy neodymium magnet drive system operating on the principle of contactless torque transmission via magnetic coupling. This architecture eliminates mechanical wear, ensures long-term speed stability under variable load conditions—including highly viscous media (>100 cP)—and supports consistent rotational performance across wide volume ranges. Its robust stainless steel stirring plate (material 1.4301/AISI 304) and IP64-rated enclosure provide resistance to dust ingress and water splashes, enabling safe operation in humid or chemically exposed settings such as QC labs, bioprocessing suites, or chemical synthesis areas where environmental integrity is critical.

Key Features

• High-Torque, Wear-Free Drive: Brushless DC motor delivering 90 W continuous output power, maintaining nominal speed (±10 rpm accuracy) even under dynamic load changes up to 75 kg.
• Scalable Mixing Capacity: Standard configuration supports up to 50 L (H₂O); when paired with the optional I-MAG SP300 extension platform, maximum stirring volume extends to 300 L—validated per ISO 8573-1 for reproducible homogenization in large-volume reactors.
• Intelligent Motion Control: Adjustable soft-start profile prevents stir bar ejection during acceleration; real-time jump detection algorithm monitors rotational anomalies and triggers immediate visual alerts on the TFT display.
• Dual-Direction & Intermittent Operation: Programmable clockwise/counterclockwise reversal and timed on/off cycles support advanced protocols including crystallization induction, suspension stabilization, and shear-sensitive cell culture mixing.
• Industrial Connectivity Suite: Native RS232, USB 2.0, analog input/output (0–10 V), and footswitch interface enable seamless integration into centralized process control systems compliant with ISA-88 and ISA-95 frameworks.
• Environmental Resilience: IP64-rated stirring surface withstands routine cleaning with ethanol, isopropanol, or mild alkaline solutions; control unit meets IP22 for protected indoor use per DIN EN 60529.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The I-MAG accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—from low-viscosity aqueous buffers to non-Newtonian polymer solutions and temperature-sensitive biological suspensions. Its magnetic coupling design permits “through-wall” agitation in jacketed vessels, double-walled glassware, or insulated containers without compromising seal integrity. Stir bar compatibility spans 30–140 mm lengths, supporting both standard PTFE-coated rods and custom-engineered high-torque geometries. The device conforms to key international regulatory requirements: CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU; UL/CSA recognition per ANSI/UL 61010-1; and RoHS 2011/65/EU compliance. While not a heated unit, its ambient-only operation aligns with GLP-compliant workflows requiring strict thermal separation between mixing and temperature control functions.

Software & Data Management

The I-MAG integrates natively with IKA labworldsoft® 6—a validated software platform supporting 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records and signatures. Through USB or Ethernet connection, users configure multi-step programs (e.g., ramp-and-hold speed profiles, timed reversals, conditional logic triggers), log real-time speed and timer data, and export timestamped CSV reports traceable to instrument ID and operator credentials. Audit trails record all parameter modifications, session starts/stops, and fault events—including jump detection timestamps—with immutable hash verification. Optional analog output enables analog signal routing to PLCs or SCADA systems for closed-loop feedback control in GMP-aligned manufacturing environments.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical formulation development: Homogenization of suspension-based drug products in 20–300 L vessels under GMP-aligned mixing validation protocols.
• Chemical process scale-up: Reproducible agitation during exothermic reactions in jacketed reactors, ensuring consistent mass transfer coefficients (k_La) across batch sizes.
• Biotechnology: Gentle yet effective mixing of mammalian cell cultures in single-use bioreactors where mechanical shear must be minimized.
• Materials science: Dispersion of nanoparticles in polymer matrices using intermittent reverse rotation to prevent sedimentation.
• Quality control laboratories: Routine viscosity-independent blending of reference standards and calibration solutions prior to HPLC or titration analysis.

FAQ

Does the I-MAG include heating functionality?
No—the I-MAG is a non-heated magnetic stirrer designed exclusively for precise rotational mixing. For combined heating and stirring, consider the IKA RCT basic or C-MAG HS series.
Can the I-MAG be used with glass-lined or thick-walled reactors?
Yes—its high-strength neodymium coupling enables reliable torque transmission through walls up to 25 mm thick, provided the vessel base is non-ferromagnetic and the stir bar is appropriately sized.
Is firmware update capability supported?
Yes—firmware upgrades are performed via USB using IKA’s official update utility, with version history and checksum validation included in the release package.
What safety certifications does the I-MAG hold?
It carries CE, UL/CSA, and RoHS certifications; full test reports are available upon request from IKA Technical Documentation Services.
How is calibration verified for speed accuracy?
Speed calibration is factory-performed using NIST-traceable tachometric reference equipment; users may perform periodic verification using an external optical tachometer aligned to the stir bar’s rotation axis.