IKA RO10 10-Position Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RO10 is a precision-engineered, 10-position magnetic stirrer designed for high-throughput laboratory environments where consistent, parallel sample agitation is essential. Unlike heated stirrers, the RO10 operates without thermal regulation—making it ideal for applications requiring mechanical mixing only, such as buffer equilibration, reagent dissolution, suspension homogenization, or pre-analytical sample preparation under ambient or controlled environmental conditions (5–40 °C). Its operation relies on synchronous coupling between rotating permanent magnets beneath the stainless steel plate and magnetic stir bars immersed in vessels. The device employs a brushless DC motor architecture optimized for low-vibration torque delivery across all ten positions, ensuring stable rotational dynamics even at maximum speed (1100 rpm). With no integrated heating element, the RO10 eliminates thermal cross-talk, drift, or condensation risks—critical for temperature-sensitive assays, enzymatic reactions, or volatile solvent handling.

Key Features

• Simultaneous control of 10 independent stirring positions with uniform magnetic field distribution and minimal inter-position interference
• Stainless steel working surface (material 1.4301) offering chemical resistance, non-porosity, and ease of decontamination—compliant with GLP lab hygiene standards
• Analog speed dial (scale 1–10) providing intuitive, repeatable setting recall without digital interface complexity or firmware dependencies
• Compact vertical footprint (552 mm height × 182 mm width) engineered to conserve bench space while accommodating standard multi-well formats and Erlenmeyer flasks up to 500 mL per position
• IP42-rated enclosure per DIN EN 60529, protecting internal electronics from dripping water and solid particulates—suitable for shared core facilities and regulated QC labs
• Low-power consumption design (20 W input; 3.6 W mechanical output per unit) supporting energy-efficient continuous operation across shifts

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RO10 accommodates standard laboratory glassware and plastic vessels—including beakers (50–500 mL), test tubes, centrifuge tubes, and multi-well plates—when paired with appropriately sized magnetic stir bars (max length 30 mm). Each position supports up to 0.4 L of aqueous solution, enabling full utilization of the 4 L total capacity when all positions are engaged. The 90 mm center-to-center spacing ensures mechanical stability during vigorous agitation and prevents vortex coalescence. As a non-heated, non-regulated device, the RO10 does not require thermal calibration or traceable temperature validation. It conforms to IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and carries CE marking for use within the European Economic Area. While not intrinsically compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its analog control architecture inherently avoids electronic record integrity concerns—making it suitable for environments where audit trails are managed externally via procedural documentation.

Software & Data Management

The IKA RO10 operates exclusively via hardware-based analog control and does not incorporate embedded microprocessors, display interfaces, or data logging capabilities. This architecture eliminates software validation requirements, reduces failure modes associated with firmware updates or connectivity protocols, and ensures deterministic behavior over extended service life. Speed settings are retained mechanically through dial positioning—no memory retention or configuration export is possible nor required. For laboratories implementing electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS integration, operational parameters (e.g., speed setting, duration, vessel type) are recorded manually or via external timers and documented per SOP. This design aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7 (control of equipment records) by prioritizing mechanical reproducibility over digital traceability.

Applications

• Parallel preparation of calibration standards and quality control samples across analytical chemistry workflows
• Homogenization of cell culture media, agarose solutions, and polymer dispersions prior to filtration or casting
• Continuous agitation during titration pre-mixing, pH stabilization, or redox equilibration steps
• Supporting automated liquid handling systems by maintaining suspension integrity in reservoir plates during dispensing cycles
• Environmental testing labs performing replicate leaching or extraction procedures under standardized agitation protocols (e.g., EPA Method 1311)

FAQ

Does the RO10 include heating functionality?
No. The RO10 is a dedicated magnetic stirrer without integrated heating elements or temperature control.
Can the RO10 be used with corrosive solvents?
Yes—provided appropriate chemically resistant stir bars and vessel materials are selected. The stainless steel plate (1.4301) resists mild acids, bases, and organic solvents; however, prolonged exposure to halogenated or strong oxidizing agents requires evaluation per material compatibility charts.
Is speed calibration traceable to national standards?
Speed is controlled via calibrated analog dial scale (1–10); formal metrological calibration is not provided, but users may verify rpm using an external optical tachometer per ISO 5725 guidelines.
What maintenance is required?
Routine cleaning of the plate surface and inspection of stir bar integrity. No lubrication or internal servicing is specified by IKA—motor and drive system are sealed and maintenance-free.
Is the RO10 compatible with 115 V power supplies?
Yes—the unit supports dual voltage (115 V / 230 V) and frequency (50/60 Hz) configurations; ensure correct voltage selection via rear panel switch prior to operation.