IKA C-MAG MS4710 Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA C-MAG MS4710 is a high-performance, single-position magnetic stirrer engineered for precision mixing and temperature-controlled applications in research laboratories, quality control environments, and industrial R&D settings. Utilizing a permanent magnet coupling principle, it rotates magnetic stir bars immersed in liquid samples via a rotating magnetic field generated beneath a chemically inert ceramic plate. Unlike mechanical overhead stirrers, this contactless drive mechanism eliminates shaft seals, reduces contamination risk, and ensures silent, maintenance-free operation. Designed specifically for moderate-to-high viscosity fluids—including aqueous solutions, buffers, polymer melts, and organic solvents—the MS4710 integrates robust thermal regulation with stable rotational dynamics to support reproducible experimental conditions across extended run times.

Key Features

• Ceramic heating plate: Seamless, one-piece Al₂O₃-based ceramic surface offering exceptional resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents—ideal for aggressive chemical environments where glass or stainless-steel plates would degrade.
• Precise speed control: Analog dial interface (0–6 scale) delivers consistent rotational output from 100 to 1500 rpm, with internal tachometric feedback ensuring minimal speed deviation under load variations.
• Thermal performance: Integrated PTC heating element enables rapid, uniform plate surface heating from 50 °C to 500 °C, with ±5 °C accuracy at setpoint (calibrated per IEC 61000-4-30).
• Ergonomic panel design: Elevated control panel minimizes splash ingress during active stirring and improves readability of analog speed indication—critical in wet-lab workflows requiring frequent visual verification.
• Mechanical stability: Reinforced housing and optimized magnetic circuitry prevent “jumping” of stir bars even at maximum speed and elevated viscosities up to 10,000 mPa·s (tested with 60% glycerol/water at 25 °C).
• Safety compliance: Conforms to EN 61010-1:2019 (Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use) and carries CE marking for EU market deployment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C-MAG MS4710 accommodates standard laboratory vessels—glass beakers (50 mL to 5 L), Erlenmeyer flasks, and jacketed reactors—up to 10 L volume capacity (water-equivalent). Its ceramic plate supports compatibility with fluoropolymer-coated stir bars (e.g., IKAFLON® 40), minimizing leaching risks in sensitive biochemical or pharmaceutical preparations. The unit meets key regulatory expectations for GLP-compliant labs: non-volatile memory retains last-used settings after power cycling; no software-dependent calibration is required, reducing validation burden. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant (as it lacks digital audit trails), its analog architecture ensures deterministic behavior suitable for SOP-driven environments where electronic records are maintained externally.

Software & Data Management

This model operates exclusively via hardware-based analog controls and does not incorporate embedded firmware, USB connectivity, or remote interface capabilities. Consequently, it requires no driver installation, firmware updates, or cybersecurity protocols—making it ideal for air-gapped facilities or legacy infrastructure. All operational parameters (speed setting, temperature setpoint) are manually selected and visually confirmed. For labs requiring traceable process documentation, external data loggers (e.g., calibrated thermocouple + RPM sensor systems) may be deployed in parallel to record time-stamped thermal and rotational profiles aligned with batch records.

Applications

• Buffer and reagent preparation in molecular biology and cell culture workflows
• Homogenization of catalyst suspensions prior to heterogeneous reaction studies
• Heating and mixing of solvent-based coatings during formulation development
• Preparation of calibration standards for ICP-MS and HPLC analysis
• Controlled dissolution testing per USP using standardized vessel geometries
• Accelerated stability studies requiring simultaneous thermal input and agitation

FAQ

Is the C-MAG MS4710 suitable for use with corrosive solvents such as concentrated HNO₃ or HF?
Yes—the alumina-ceramic plate exhibits full resistance to nitric acid up to 65% concentration at room temperature; however, hydrofluoric acid (HF) must be avoided due to its ability to etch ceramic surfaces regardless of composition.
Can the unit maintain constant speed when stirring highly viscous silicone oil (≈50,000 mPa·s)?
It will sustain nominal speed up to ~10,000 mPa·s under optimal conditions (e.g., correctly sized stir bar, centered vessel); beyond that, torque limitation may cause slippage—consider mechanical stirring for higher-viscosity applications.
Does the device include overtemperature or dry-run protection?
No automatic cut-off is integrated; users must monitor vessel fill level and thermal load manually to prevent plate damage or sample evaporation.
What is the recommended stir bar size for 10 L mixing volume?
A 60 mm × 15 mm elliptical IKAFLON® 40 stir bar provides optimal torque transfer and vortex stability in tall-form beakers within this volume range.
Is calibration required before first use or periodically?
No factory calibration is needed; speed and temperature indications are fixed-scale analog references. Users may verify plate temperature against a NIST-traceable thermometer at routine intervals per internal QA protocols.