IKA MINISTAR 20 digital Overhead Stirrer
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | IKA Werke GmbH & Co. KG |
| Product Type | Digital Overhead Stirrer |
| Model | MINISTAR 20 digital |
| Maximum Mixing Volume | 15 L (H₂O) |
| Speed Range | 0/50–2000 rpm |
| Motor Type | Brushless DC Motor |
| Max Torque | 20 N·cm |
| Power Input | 69 W |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 70 × 193 × 147 mm |
| Weight | 1.56 kg |
| Protection Rating | IP54 |
| Operating Temperature | 5–40 °C |
| Relative Humidity | ≤80 % |
| USB Interface | Yes |
| Voltage | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Standby Power Consumption | 0.5 W |
| Shaft Clamp Range | 0.5–8 mm |
| Hollow Shaft ID | 8.5 mm |
| Extension Arm Diameter | 13 mm |
| Extension Arm Length | 160 mm |
Overview
The IKA MINISTAR 20 digital is a compact, high-precision overhead stirrer engineered for reliable performance in routine laboratory mixing applications. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, it operates on brushless DC motor technology—eliminating carbon brush wear, reducing maintenance requirements, and ensuring long-term speed stability across its full operational range. Its core measurement principle relies on closed-loop electronic speed control, where real-time feedback from the motor encoder enables ±1 rpm accuracy above 300 rpm and ±3 rpm below that threshold. This architecture delivers consistent torque delivery up to 20 N·cm and supports continuous duty operation (100% duty cycle) under standard ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH). The unit’s IP54-rated enclosure provides protection against dust ingress and water splashes, making it suitable for general-purpose lab environments—including fume hoods and shared benchtop workspaces—without compromising mechanical integrity or electrical safety.
Key Features
- Compact footprint (70 × 193 × 147 mm) optimized for space-constrained laboratories and modular workstations.
- Digital LED display showing real-time rotational speed with intuitive rotary knob control for precise manual adjustment.
- Brushless DC motor delivering high efficiency (46 W output / 69 W input), low electromagnetic interference, and extended service life.
- Hollow shaft design (8.5 mm internal diameter) enabling insertion of temperature probes, pH electrodes, or sampling tubes during operation without interrupting mixing.
- Integrated USB interface supporting firmware updates and future software enhancements directly from IKA’s technical support portal.
- Robust aluminum housing with thermoplastic polymer coating ensures mechanical durability and chemical resistance to common solvents and cleaning agents.
- Universal voltage compatibility (100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz) and low standby power consumption (0.5 W) align with global energy efficiency standards.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The MINISTAR 20 digital accommodates a wide range of sample viscosities—from low-viscosity aqueous solutions (e.g., buffer preparations) up to 10,000 mPa·s (e.g., polymer dispersions or viscous emulsions)—when paired with appropriate impeller geometry and vessel configuration. Its 0.5–8 mm chuck range supports standard laboratory stirring elements including PTFE-coated paddles, anchor impellers, and propellers. The device complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP54), IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits), and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity requirements). While not certified for GMP or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its stable speed control, traceable calibration behavior, and audit-ready firmware update log (accessible via USB) facilitate integration into GLP-compliant workflows when documented per institutional SOPs.
Software & Data Management
The MINISTAR 20 digital does not include embedded data logging or PC connectivity beyond firmware updates via USB. However, its deterministic speed control architecture ensures reproducible experimental conditions essential for method transfer and inter-laboratory comparability. Users may document operational parameters manually or integrate the unit into broader process monitoring systems using external tachometric sensors or vision-based RPM verification tools. Firmware updates preserve all existing calibration settings and retain full backward compatibility with previous versions—ensuring continuity in validated protocols without requalification.
Applications
- Preparation of homogeneous buffer solutions, cell culture media, and reagent dilutions in life science and pharmaceutical QC labs.
- Mixing of suspensions and colloidal dispersions in materials science research, including nanoparticle stabilization studies.
- Controlled agitation during titration, dissolution testing, or enzymatic reaction kinetics where consistent shear input is critical.
- Supporting ASTM D2196 (viscosity of paints) and ISO 2557-2 (plasticizer homogeneity) sample conditioning procedures.
- Use in teaching laboratories for demonstrating Newtonian/non-Newtonian fluid behavior under variable shear rates.
FAQ
Does the MINISTAR 20 digital support programmable speed ramps or timed operation?
No. It features manual speed control only, with no built-in timer or ramp functionality.
Can the unit be mounted on third-party stands or custom fixtures?
Yes. Its 13 mm extension arm diameter and standardized M6 threaded mounting interface are compatible with most universal lab clamps and vertical stands.
Is the hollow shaft compatible with temperature probes during active stirring?
Yes. The 8.5 mm inner diameter allows insertion of standard 6 mm OD PT100 probes or glass thermometers while maintaining seal integrity and mechanical stability.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
No scheduled maintenance is needed due to the brushless motor design; periodic visual inspection of the chuck mechanism and cleaning of the housing with isopropanol is recommended.
Does IKA provide calibration certificates or traceable documentation?
Calibration is user-verifiable using an external tachometer; factory calibration reports are available upon request at time of purchase but are not included as standard.
