IKA RO15 15-Position Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RO15 is a precision-engineered 15-position magnetic stirrer designed for high-throughput laboratory environments where reproducible, simultaneous agitation of multiple samples is critical. Unlike heated stirrers, the RO15 operates without integrated temperature control—making it ideal for applications requiring mechanical mixing only, such as buffer equilibration, reagent dissolution, cell suspension preparation, or pre-analytical sample homogenization at ambient or externally controlled temperatures. Its operation is based on rotating magnetic fields generated by individual stator coils beneath each of the 15 stainless steel work positions; these fields drive PTFE- or ceramic-coated magnetic stir bars immersed in vessels placed on the plate. The device complies with DIN EN 60529 for ingress protection (IP42), ensuring resistance to dripping water and solid objects ≥1 mm—critical for robust performance in shared lab spaces where spills and condensation are common.

Key Features

• Fifteen independently synchronized stirring positions arranged in a compact 3 × 5 grid, optimized for standard microcentrifuge tubes, vials, and low-profile beakers.
• Stainless steel 1.4301 work surface—chemically inert, non-porous, and autoclavable—facilitates rapid decontamination between batches and prevents liquid infiltration into internal electronics.
• Precision speed control across 0–1200 rpm with digital feedback, maintaining ±5 % speed consistency per position under load—ensuring inter-sample comparability in kinetic or viscosity-sensitive protocols.
• Modular PUR (polyurethane) cover system—removable, transparent, and static-dissipative—reduces evaporation, minimizes airborne particulate contamination, and enables visual monitoring without interrupting operation.
• Low-profile ergonomic design (65 mm height) maximizes vertical bench space utilization; footprint (272 × 552 mm) fits comfortably within standard fume hood sashes or laminar flow cabinets.
• Universal dual-voltage compatibility (230 V / 115 V, 50/60 Hz) supports deployment across North American, European, and APAC laboratory infrastructures without external transformers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RO15 accommodates vessels ranging from 0.5 mL microtubes to 400 mL cylindrical beakers, provided magnetic stir bars are appropriately sized (typically 10–30 mm length). It is validated for aqueous solutions up to 6 L total volume (0.4 L per position), with stable performance observed in buffers (e.g., PBS, Tris-HCl), organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone), and low-viscosity suspensions (<50 mPa·s). While not certified for use with flammable or explosive atmospheres, its IP42 rating and sealed motor housing meet general safety requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories. The device conforms to EN 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity to electrostatic discharge), supporting integration into GLP-compliant workflows where equipment qualification documentation is required.

Software & Data Management

The RO15 operates as a standalone analog/digital hybrid instrument with no embedded firmware or network interface. Speed settings are adjusted via front-panel rotary encoder with LED confirmation—eliminating software dependencies and reducing validation burden in regulated environments. For labs requiring audit trails, optional IKA Labworld software (via RS232 or USB-to-serial adapter) can log timestamped speed changes per unit when connected to a host PC. Such configurations support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with electronic signature-enabled LIMS platforms and documented system suitability testing per SOP-QC-017.

Applications

• High-volume sample preparation for HPLC, GC, and ICP-MS analysis—ensuring uniform dilution and phase mixing prior to injection.
• Cell culture maintenance workflows, including gentle resuspension of adherent lines post-trypsinization and consistent media component blending.
• Quality control testing of pharmaceutical excipients, where USP dissolution uniformity mandates multi-vessel agitation under identical shear conditions.
• Environmental lab batch processing of soil leachates or wastewater filtrates, where parallel pH adjustment and reagent addition require synchronized stirring across replicates.
• Academic teaching labs performing stoichiometric titration prep or polymer solution viscosity screening—benefiting from positional repeatability and minimal operator intervention.

FAQ

Does the RO15 include heating functionality?
No. The RO15 is a non-heated magnetic stirrer. Temperature control must be achieved externally using water baths, climate-controlled rooms, or separate hot plates.
Can the RO15 be used with corrosive solvents such as concentrated acids or halogenated hydrocarbons?
Yes—provided vessel integrity is maintained and stir bars are chemically compatible (e.g., PTFE-coated or glass-encapsulated). The stainless steel plate resists corrosion from incidental splashes but is not rated for prolonged immersion.
Is speed calibration traceable to national standards?
IKA provides factory calibration certificates (traceable to PTB, Germany) upon request. Users may perform in-house verification using a calibrated tachometer per ASTM E2917-20 Annex A1.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Annual inspection of motor brushes (if applicable), cleaning of ventilation grilles, and verification of plate flatness using a machinist’s level. No lubrication is required—the brushless DC motor design ensures maintenance-free operation for >10,000 hours.
How does the RO15 compare to single-position stirrers in terms of energy efficiency?
At full load (15 positions, 1200 rpm), the RO15 draws 30 W—equivalent to two standard LED desk lamps. Its distributed architecture achieves ~2.0 W per position, outperforming sequential single-stirrer setups by eliminating repeated start-stop cycles and thermal cycling losses.