IKA I-MAG Industry Stirrer

Overview

The IKA I-MAG Industry Stirrer is a high-torque, digitally controlled magnetic stirrer engineered for demanding laboratory and industrial-scale mixing applications. Based on contactless magnetic coupling—utilizing high-grade neodymium magnets and a brushless, electronically commutated motor—the system delivers consistent rotational force without mechanical wear or seal degradation. Unlike conventional gear-driven stirrers, the I-MAG eliminates torque loss across viscous or thermally insulated barriers, enabling reliable agitation through jacketed vessels, double-walled reactors, or containers with thermal insulation layers. Its robust architecture supports continuous operation under variable load conditions up to 75 kg, while maintaining speed stability within ±10 rpm across its full 100–1500 rpm range—even when handling fluids exceeding 100 cP viscosity. Designed for integration into automated workflows, the unit complies with DIN EN 60529 for ingress protection (IP 64 at the workplate, IP 22 at the controller), ensuring operational integrity in humid, dusty, or splash-prone environments typical of QC labs, pilot plants, and GMP-compliant manufacturing suites.

Key Features

• High-torque magnetic drive with neodymium magnet coupling for zero-maintenance, wear-free transmission
• Dual TFT display showing both setpoint and real-time rotational speed with 10 rpm resolution
• Programmable timer (1–14399 minutes) and multi-step sequence capability for unattended operation
• Intelligent jump detection algorithm with immediate visual alert on control panel upon stir bar instability
• Adjustable soft-start ramping to prevent stir bar ejection during acceleration
• Auto-reversal and intermittent stirring modes for improved homogenization of heterogeneous suspensions
• IP 64-rated stainless steel 1.4301 workplate (260 × 260 mm) resistant to corrosion, thermal shock, and chemical exposure
• Analog pedal interface for hands-free speed modulation; compatible with standard industrial foot switches
• Full digital connectivity suite: RS 232, USB, analog output (0–10 V), and analog input (0–10 V) for PLC or SCADA integration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The I-MAG Industry Stirrer accommodates stir bars from 30 mm to 140 mm in length, supporting standard cylindrical, cross-shaped, and oval geometries. It reliably agitates aqueous, organic, and semi-viscous media—including polymer solutions, colloidal dispersions, and cell culture suspensions—without requiring direct vessel contact. When paired with the optional I-MAG SP300 extension platform, maximum water-equivalent volume increases to 300 L, making it suitable for scale-up validation studies and batch process development. The device meets IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) standards. Its electrical safety design conforms to IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment, and firmware supports audit-trail-capable operation when used with IKA labworldsoft® 6 under FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant configurations. Environmental operation is certified for 5–40 °C ambient temperature and ≤80% relative humidity (non-condensing).

Software & Data Management

The I-MAG integrates natively with IKA labworldsoft® 6—a validated, multi-user laboratory software platform supporting method storage, remote parameter adjustment, real-time data logging, and electronic signature workflows. All speed, timer, and mode settings are exportable as CSV or PDF reports with timestamps and user IDs. USB and RS 232 interfaces enable bidirectional communication for centralized fleet management in regulated environments. Analog output (0–10 V) provides proportional speed feedback to external DAQ systems, while analog input allows external process signals (e.g., temperature or pH) to modulate stirring speed dynamically—enabling closed-loop control strategies compliant with GLP and GMP documentation requirements.

Applications

• Batch homogenization of pharmaceutical suspensions and emulsions in development labs
• Long-duration dissolution testing per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.9.3 protocols
• Pilot-scale catalyst slurry mixing in fine chemical synthesis
• Cell culture media preparation with oxygen-sensitive components
• Standardization of reference materials under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited quality systems
• In-process blending verification in food and beverage R&D
• Environmental sample digestion (EPA Method 3050B, 3051A) with heated jacketed vessels

FAQ

Can the I-MAG stirrer operate continuously for 24 hours?
Yes—the device is rated for continuous duty at all speeds within its specified ambient and humidity limits.
Is the workplate surface chemically resistant to strong acids or bases?
The 1.4301 stainless steel plate exhibits excellent resistance to dilute mineral acids, alkalis, and organic solvents; prolonged exposure to concentrated halogenated acids requires evaluation per ASTM G31.
Does the unit support password-protected access control for method editing?
When operated via labworldsoft® 6 with administrator privileges enabled, user-level permissions restrict unauthorized modification of stored protocols.
What is the minimum detectable stir bar size for jump detection?
Jump detection is optimized for stir bars ≥30 mm in length and ≥6 mm in diameter; performance may vary with non-standard geometries.
Can analog input be used to trigger automatic speed reduction upon temperature threshold exceedance?
Yes—external temperature controllers with 0–10 V output can be wired to the analog input port to implement dynamic speed modulation based on real-time thermal feedback.