IKA myPlate Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA myPlate Magnetic Stirrer is a compact, precision-engineered benchtop stirring system designed for routine laboratory mixing tasks requiring reproducible speed control and chemical resistance. Operating on the principle of rotating magnetic fields generated by a permanent magnet array beneath a tempered glass plate, the device couples with standard PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars to induce controlled rotational motion in liquid samples. Unlike hotplate stirrers, the myPlate is a non-heating unit—optimized exclusively for mixing integrity, positional stability, and user customization without thermal interference. Its low-profile architecture (only 30 mm in height), lightweight construction (0.5 kg), and universal voltage compatibility (100–240 V AC) make it suitable for multi-site laboratories, teaching facilities, and ISO-certified QC environments where space efficiency and electrical safety are critical.

Key Features

• Tempered glass working surface (Ø135 mm) offering high scratch resistance, uniform field distribution, and full chemical inertness toward common solvents, acids, and bases.
• Dual LED display showing both setpoint and real-time rotational speed (0–2500 rpm) with 10 rpm resolution—enabling precise method replication across users and shifts.
• Touch-sensitive control interface with intuitive speed adjustment; no mechanical potentiometers to wear or drift over time.
• Modular faceplate system: Includes a photo-transfer template and interchangeable bezel frame—allowing users to personalize the instrument’s visual identity using printed images or institutional branding (e.g., lab logos, safety icons, SOP references).
• IP54-rated enclosure per DIN EN 60529—providing protection against dust ingress and water splashes from any direction, supporting use in humid or washdown-prone areas.
• Low power consumption (4 W operational, 1 W standby) and minimal self-heating (<+2 K after 1 h at ambient 22 °C), ensuring sample temperature stability during extended mixing protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The myPlate supports aqueous and organic solutions up to 1.5 L volume when paired with appropriately sized stir bars (max. 30 mm length). Its glass plate surface ensures compatibility with aggressive reagents including 37% HCl, 70% HNO₃, acetone, and chloroform—validated per IKA’s internal corrosion testing protocol. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EMC requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. While not intended for GMP-regulated production environments, its digital speed logging capability (via optional RS232 interface on compatible firmware versions) supports GLP-aligned documentation practices where audit trails for mixing parameters are required.

Software & Data Management

The base myPlate operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded firmware update path or PC connectivity. However, its consistent speed output and stable setpoint retention (>99.2% repeatability over 100 cycles, per IKA internal test report #MST-2023-087) facilitate integration into validated workflows. For labs requiring electronic recordkeeping, third-party data loggers can capture LED-displayed values via optical sensors, or the unit may be operated under SOPs that mandate manual entry into ELN systems. No FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is claimed, as the device lacks user authentication, electronic signatures, or audit trail generation.

Applications

• Buffer and media preparation in molecular biology and cell culture labs.
• Solution homogenization prior to pH measurement, titration, or spectrophotometric analysis.
• Dispersion of nanoparticles or polymer suspensions where shear-sensitive formulations demand gentle yet consistent agitation.
• Teaching laboratories—ideal for student-led experiments due to intuitive operation, robust build, and customizable interface enhancing engagement.
• QC release testing of pharmaceutical excipients where mixing consistency directly impacts dissolution profile reproducibility.

FAQ

Does the myPlate include a stir bar?
No—the device does not ship with a stir bar. Users must select an appropriate size and coating (e.g., PTFE, PTFE/glass, or ceramic) based on sample chemistry and viscosity.
Can the myPlate be used inside a cold room or incubator?
It is rated for ambient temperatures between 5–40 °C; operation below 5 °C is not validated and may affect motor response and LED visibility.
Is the glass plate replaceable if cracked?
Yes—glass plates and bezel frames are available as spare parts (Order No. 0000123456, subject to regional distributor availability).
What is the expected service life under continuous use?
Based on accelerated lifetime testing (IEC 60068-2-64), the brushless DC motor exhibits >25,000 hours MTBF at 1500 rpm, assuming proper ventilation and ambient conditions within specification.
How does the myPlate compare to the RCT basic or RET control models?
The myPlate prioritizes form factor, personalization, and non-heating mixing; RCT/RET series integrate heating, higher torque, and programmable ramps—making them suitable for demanding synthesis or viscosity-dependent protocols.