IKA RO Series Digital Multi-Point Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RO Series Digital Multi-Point Magnetic Stirrer is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for simultaneous, independent stirring of multiple samples under identical or individually adjustable rotational conditions. Operating on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath the workplate induces synchronous rotation of PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars immersed in vessels—the RO system delivers consistent torque transfer without mechanical contact, eliminating wear, contamination risk, and maintenance overhead associated with overhead or paddle-based agitators. Unlike heated stirrers, the RO series is optimized exclusively for non-thermal mixing applications, making it ideal for temperature-sensitive protocols including enzymatic assays, cell suspension preparation, reagent homogenization, and buffer equilibration where thermal drift must be avoided. Its low-profile, ultra-slim chassis (only 60 mm high) and extended depth (570 mm) enable integration into confined benchtop environments, fume hoods, or automated workstations without compromising accessibility or ergonomic workflow.

Key Features

• Three scalable configurations (RO5, RO10, RO15) offering 5, 10, or 15 fixed-position stirring zones arranged in a rigid 90 mm pitch grid—ensuring repeatable vessel placement and eliminating positional variability across experiments.
• Digital LED speed display with real-time rpm readout and fine-resolution adjustment (1 rpm increments) across the full 0–1200 rpm range, supporting both low-shear viscous dispersion and high-speed homogenization.
• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304) workplate with seamless, non-porous surface—resistant to common solvents, acids, and bases; facilitates rapid wipe-down decontamination and meets ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom-compatible cleaning protocols.
• Modular polyurethane (PUR) cover included as standard—removable, autoclavable (up to 121°C), and chemically inert; reduces evaporation, suppresses aerosol generation, and enhances operator safety during volatile or biohazardous sample handling.
• Efficient brushless DC motor architecture delivering high torque-to-power ratio: input/output efficiencies of 7.2/1.8 W (RO5), 14.4/3.6 W (RO10), and 21.6/5.4 W (RO15), ensuring stable speed regulation even under load variation and minimizing heat dissipation into the work environment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RO stirrer accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including borosilicate glass beakers (20–400 mL), polypropylene centrifuge tubes, and multi-well plates—when paired with appropriately sized stir bars (max. 30 mm length). Its fixed-position geometry ensures compatibility with robotic liquid handlers and automated plate readers via standardized XY coordinate referencing. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and carries CE marking per EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). While not intrinsically rated for hazardous area use, its sealed electronics and non-sparking drive design support operation in general-purpose chemical laboratories adhering to OSHA 1910.1200 and CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 requirements.

Software & Data Management

The RO Series operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded microprocessor or network interface. All operational parameters are set manually via front-panel controls, and no data logging, remote control, or audit trail functionality is provided—making it suitable for GLP-compliant environments where procedural simplicity, traceability through written SOPs, and absence of electronic records reduce validation burden. For labs requiring documentation, external USB time-lapse cameras or benchtop data loggers may be deployed to record speed settings and runtime; no proprietary software or drivers are required or supported.

Applications

• Parallel preparation of calibration standards and QC reference solutions across analytical chemistry workflows (e.g., HPLC mobile phase blending, ICP-MS dilution series).
• Uniform suspension of mammalian or microbial cell cultures in multi-vessel bioreactor seeding protocols prior to incubation.
• Consistent mixing of immunoassay reagents, ELISA coating buffers, and antigen-antibody conjugates where shear-induced denaturation must be minimized.
• High-throughput dissolution testing support (non-heated stage) for USP Apparatus 1/2 method development under ambient temperature conditions.
• Pre-analytical sample conditioning in clinical diagnostics labs—including whole blood homogenization, serum separation aids, and coagulation panel prep—under CAP/CLIA-aligned pre-examination procedures.

FAQ

Does the RO stirrer support programmable speed ramps or timer functions?
No. The RO Series provides only manual speed control via rotary encoder and lacks built-in timing, ramping, or memory presets.
Can the workplate be removed for cleaning or replacement?
No. The stainless steel workplate is permanently bonded to the housing; cleaning is performed in situ using ethanol, isopropanol, or mild detergent solutions.
Is the PUR cover compatible with sterilization methods beyond autoclaving?
Yes—it withstands ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) cycles; gamma irradiation is not recommended.
What is the maximum viscosity the RO15 can handle at 1200 rpm?
While not formally specified by IKA, empirical use indicates reliable performance up to ~500 mPa·s (e.g., 1% CMC aqueous solution) with 30 mm stir bars in 400 mL beakers.
Are replacement stir bars or custom grid inserts available from IKA?
IKA supplies standard PTFE-coated stir bars (lengths 10–30 mm); custom grid inserts or position adapters are not offered—only original fixed-layout configurations are supported.