IKA MICROSTAR 30 digital Overhead Stirrer

Overview

The IKA MICROSTAR 30 digital is a compact, brushless DC-driven overhead stirrer engineered for precision mixing and dispersion in routine laboratory applications. Designed according to the principles of torque-controlled rotational agitation, it delivers stable speed performance across its full 50–500 rpm range—critical for reproducible homogenization of low- to medium-viscosity liquids (up to 20,000 mPa·s). Its robust die-cast aluminum housing, thermoplastic-coated exterior, and IP54-rated enclosure ensure reliable operation in standard wet-lab environments where dust and occasional splashes are present. Unlike gear-motor-based systems, the brushless DC architecture eliminates carbon wear, enabling maintenance-free continuous-duty operation (100 % duty cycle) while sustaining consistent torque output (30 N·cm peak at shaft) and minimizing thermal drift during extended runs.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor technology ensures long service life, silent operation, and zero maintenance associated with carbon brush replacement.
• LED digital speed display provides real-time, high-contrast readout with ±1 rpm setting resolution and calibrated measurement accuracy (±1 % above 300 rpm; ±3 rpm below).
• Hollow shaft design (8.5 mm internal diameter) permits insertion of temperature probes, pH electrodes, or sampling needles without interrupting agitation—ideal for process monitoring in reaction vessels.
• Fixed chuck accommodates stirring rods from 0.5 to 8.2 mm diameter; compatible with standard IKA PTFE, glass, and stainless-steel impellers (e.g., propeller, paddle, anchor types).
• Integrated USB interface enables firmware updates and future software integration via IKA Labworldsoft™—supporting traceable configuration management in regulated environments.
• Compact footprint (60 × 173 × 126 mm) and lightweight construction (1.26 kg) optimize benchtop space without compromising mechanical stability during high-torque operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MICROSTAR 30 digital supports mixing volumes up to 20 L of aqueous media and is routinely deployed in chemical synthesis, buffer preparation, cell culture media conditioning, and polymer solution homogenization. Its sealed electronics and IP54 rating meet minimum environmental protection requirements for general-purpose laboratories per DIN EN 60529. While not certified for explosion-proof or cleanroom use, the unit complies with EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. For GLP/GMP-aligned workflows, the device’s stable speed control, absence of mechanical backlash, and non-volatile parameter retention support audit-ready documentation when paired with external data loggers.

Software & Data Management

Firmware updates are delivered via USB connection using IKA’s standardized update utility—no proprietary drivers required. Though the MICROSTAR 30 digital lacks built-in data logging or PC-controllable protocols (e.g., RS232, Ethernet), its USB port provides a pathway for future compatibility with IKA Labworldsoft™ v4.x and higher, enabling remote parameter validation, event timestamping, and electronic lab notebook (ELN) integration. All speed settings are retained after power cycling, eliminating reconfiguration overhead between experiments.

Applications

• Preparation of homogeneous aqueous and organic solutions in volumetric flasks, beakers, and jacketed reactors.
• Dispersion of nanoparticles and colloidal suspensions requiring shear-sensitive yet consistent agitation.
• Stirring of viscous polymer melts and hydrogel precursors under controlled thermal conditions (when used with temperature-controlled vessels).
• Cell suspension maintenance in bioreactor seed trains and microbial culture expansion protocols.
• Standardized mixing for ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints) and ISO 2557-2 (plasticizer homogeneity testing) pre-conditioning steps.

FAQ

Does the MICROSTAR 30 digital support external speed control via analog voltage or digital communication protocols?
No—it operates exclusively via manual knob adjustment and does not feature analog input (0–10 V) or digital interfaces such as RS232, Modbus, or Ethernet.
Can the hollow shaft accommodate a Pt100 temperature probe during operation?
Yes—provided the probe diameter is ≤8.5 mm and its tip is positioned outside the impeller’s radial sweep zone to avoid mechanical interference.
Is the unit compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?
No—the device has no user authentication, audit trail, or electronic signature capability. It may be used in Part 11 environments only when operated manually and documented via paper-based or validated third-party logging systems.
What is the maximum recommended vessel height for stable operation with the included extension arm?
With the 160 mm extension arm and standard 13 mm diameter mounting, optimal stability is achieved in vessels up to 400 mm tall when using impellers ≤60 mm in diameter.
Does IKA provide calibration certificates for speed or torque verification?
Factory calibration is performed per internal IKA QM-003 procedure; certified calibration reports (ISO/IEC 17025-accredited) are available upon request through authorized service centers.