IKA C-MAG MS 10 Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA C-MAG MS 10 is a benchtop magnetic stirrer engineered for precision, reliability, and chemical resilience in demanding laboratory environments. Designed and manufactured in Germany, it operates on the principle of rotating magnetic fields generated beneath a non-magnetic ceramic plate to drive PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars immersed in liquid samples. Its robust brushless motor delivers consistent torque across the full speed range—critical for maintaining homogeneity in low- to medium-viscosity solutions—and enables reproducible mixing of up to 15 L of water-equivalent volume. Unlike basic analog stirrers, the C-MAG MS 10 integrates microprocessor-based speed regulation with real-time motor feedback, ensuring stable rotational velocity even under variable load conditions—such as when viscosity changes during dissolution or reaction progress. The absence of mechanical coupling between drive unit and sample eliminates contamination risk and simplifies cleaning—a key requirement in GLP-compliant QC labs and multi-user academic facilities.

Key Features

• Ceramic working surface: Seamless, one-piece alumina-based ceramic plate offering exceptional resistance to acids, alkalis, solvents, and thermal shock—validated per DIN EN 60529 for IP21 ingress protection.
• Elevated control panel: Positioned above the plate surface to minimize accidental splashing onto electronics and improve ergonomics during extended operation.
• Analog speed control with 0–6 scale: Provides intuitive, tactile adjustment; calibrated to correspond linearly to 100–1500 rpm output, enabling repeatable method setup without digital interface dependency.
• High-strength neodymium magnet array: Optimized field geometry ensures secure engagement with stir bars up to 80 mm in length—even at elevated speeds or in tall-form vessels—reducing “jumping” and vortex instability.
• Thermally stable housing: Aluminum die-cast chassis with passive convection cooling supports continuous duty cycle operation within ambient temperatures of 5–40 °C and ≤80 % relative humidity.
• Universal voltage compatibility: Auto-switching power supply accepts 100 V, 120 V, and 230 V inputs at 50/60 Hz—certified for use across North America, Europe, and Asia without external transformers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C-MAG MS 10 accommodates standard laboratory glassware—including beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, and jacketed reactors—up to 5 L nominal height, provided vessel base diameter fits within the 260 × 260 mm ceramic plate area. It is compatible with all commercially available magnetic stir bars (e.g., cross-shaped, oval, and flea-type), with optimal performance observed using PTFE-encapsulated rods ≥40 mm in length. While not a temperature-controlled unit, its chemical inertness makes it suitable for use with aggressive reagents common in synthetic chemistry (e.g., concentrated HNO₃, aqua regia, anhydrous AlCl₃ slurries) and biological buffers containing chaotropic agents. The device complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP21), IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use), and meets RoHS 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. It is routinely deployed in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories where equipment traceability and operational consistency are documented per internal SOPs.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone analog instrument, the C-MAG MS 10 does not incorporate embedded firmware, USB connectivity, or data logging capabilities. Its design prioritizes operational simplicity, mechanical longevity, and electromagnetic compatibility in electromagnetically noisy environments—such as near NMR spectrometers or RF-based instrumentation. Speed settings are manually recorded alongside experimental metadata in lab notebooks or LIMS entries. For users requiring audit trails, integration into 21 CFR Part 11–compliant workflows is achieved via external documentation practices: calibration logs (performed annually using certified tachometers), maintenance records, and user access control enforced through physical lab access protocols—not device-level authentication.

Applications

• Preparation of homogeneous aqueous and organic solutions for titration, spectrophotometry, and chromatography sample introduction.
• Mixing of cell culture media, buffer stocks, and reagent cocktails in molecular biology and immunology workflows.
• Accelerated dissolution testing of pharmaceutical actives under USP guidance (when paired with validated vessel geometry and stir bar selection).
• Supporting crystallization studies by maintaining supersaturation uniformity during controlled antisolvent addition.
• Facilitating heterogeneous catalysis experiments where catalyst suspension stability directly impacts reaction kinetics and selectivity.
• Routine quality control in food, cosmetics, and polymer additive manufacturing—where batch-to-batch mixing consistency must meet ISO 9001 clause 8.5.1 requirements.

FAQ

Is the C-MAG MS 10 suitable for viscous solutions such as glycerol or polymer melts?

It is rated for water-equivalent loads up to 15 L; however, effective stirring of high-viscosity media (>1000 mPa·s) requires shorter stir bars (≤40 mm), lower speed settings (<600 rpm), and verification of vortex formation and bottom-layer homogeneity via visual inspection or inline conductivity monitoring.
Can this unit be used inside a fume hood?

Yes—the ceramic surface and sealed electronics meet IP21 specifications, and its lack of external ventilation grilles prevents solvent vapor ingress; ensure adequate clearance (≥5 cm) around rear and side vents for passive cooling.
Does IKA provide calibration certificates for the C-MAG MS 10?

No factory-issued calibration certificate is supplied; users must perform periodic speed verification using a traceable optical tachometer per their laboratory’s metrology procedure—typically every 6–12 months depending on usage frequency and regulatory scope.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?

With proper loading (≤15 L water-equivalent, ambient temperature ≤35 °C), the brushless motor and ceramic plate demonstrate >10,000 hours MTBF based on IKA’s accelerated lifetime testing per DIN EN 60068-2-64.
Are replacement stir bars and ceramic plates available as spare parts?

Yes—IKA offers genuine accessories including PTFE-coated stir bars (catalog no. 0050000027), ceramic plate assemblies (0050000025), and fused control knob kits (0050000026), all distributed through authorized global channels.