Thermo Scientific RT Touch Series Magnetic Stirrers

Overview

The Thermo Scientific RT Touch Series Magnetic Stirrers are precision-engineered laboratory instruments designed for reliable, reproducible mixing of low-to-medium viscosity liquids in research, quality control, and teaching laboratories. Unlike hotplate stirrers, the RT series operates without integrated heating—making it ideal for temperature-sensitive applications where thermal stability is maintained externally (e.g., water baths, environmental chambers, or cryogenic setups). The device employs a high-torque permanent magnet drive system beneath a non-heated, chemically inert aluminum stirring plate to rotate magnetic stir bars via controlled rotational magnetic fields. Its digital touch interface implements soft-start acceleration logic to minimize vortex formation and sample splashing during initiation—critical for handling volatile solvents, biological suspensions, or low-volume reagent preparations. Engineered for long-term operational integrity, the unit features a sealed motor assembly, IP20-rated enclosure, and vibration-damped base architecture to ensure stable performance across extended duty cycles.

Key Features

• Digital touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-based navigation and real-time rpm display
• Soft-start function programmatically ramps speed from 30 rpm to setpoint over 3 seconds—reducing mechanical shock and preventing emulsion breakage or foaming
• Two plate diameter options (170 mm and 220 mm) accommodate standard round-bottom flasks, beakers, and multi-well reaction vessels up to 4 L and 5 L respectively
• High-efficiency neodymium magnet array delivers consistent torque transmission even with large-diameter or heavy-duty stir bars (up to 80 mm length)
• Chemically resistant polymer housing with scratch-resistant aluminum plate surface resists corrosion from common lab solvents including acetone, ethanol, and dilute acids/bases
• Included dual anti-slip silicone pads provide secure placement on benchtops and dampen acoustic noise during high-speed operation (≥1500 rpm)
• Fanless passive cooling design eliminates airflow-induced contamination—essential for sterile or particulate-controlled environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RT Touch Series supports a broad range of vessel geometries and materials, including borosilicate glass, polypropylene, PTFE-coated containers, and stainless steel reactors. It is compatible with standard cylindrical, oval, and cross-shaped stir bars (5–80 mm), as well as specialized low-profile bars for shallow-depth mixing. No internal heating element ensures compatibility with thermally unstable compounds (e.g., proteins, polymers, peroxides) and eliminates risk of thermal runaway. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment, carries CE marking under the EU Low Voltage and EMC Directives, and conforms to RoHS 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. While not classified as a medical device, its design supports GLP-compliant workflows through deterministic speed control and absence of analog potentiometer drift.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone benchtop instrument, the RT Touch Series does not require external software or driver installation. All operational parameters—including target rpm, run time (optional timer mode), and soft-start activation—are configured directly via the capacitive touch panel. The firmware stores no user data, logs no operational history, and contains no network interfaces—ensuring full compliance with air-gapped laboratory security policies. For integration into automated workflows, optional analog 0–10 V speed control input (available on RT Touch Pro variants) enables synchronization with PLCs or centralized lab management systems. Audit trails for speed settings are maintainable manually via lab notebook entries or LIMS-integrated electronic batch records referencing instrument ID and timestamped operation.

Applications

• Precipitation reactions requiring gentle nucleation kinetics (e.g., metal-organic framework synthesis)
• pH adjustment and buffer equilibration in HPLC mobile phase preparation
• Suspension homogenization of cell cultures prior to centrifugation or filtration
• Viscosity-independent mixing of polymer solutions during rheological sample loading
• Controlled dissolution testing per USP without thermal interference
• Reagent blending in analytical chemistry workflows where heater-induced evaporation must be avoided

FAQ

Does the RT Touch Series include a heating function?
No. This model is a dedicated magnetic stirrer without integrated heating. Temperature control must be achieved externally.
Can the stirrer operate continuously for 24 hours?
Yes. The brushless DC motor and passive thermal design support unattended operation for extended durations under ambient conditions (15–30 °C, ≤70% RH).
What is the maximum recommended viscosity for stable operation?
Up to 10,000 mPa·s at 30 rpm using an 80 mm stir bar; optimal performance is maintained below 5,000 mPa·s across the full speed range.
Is calibration required or supported?
Speed calibration is traceable to factory-set encoder feedback; no user calibration routine is provided, as rpm accuracy is maintained within ±2% of setpoint across the 30–2000 rpm range.
Are replacement stir plates available as spare parts?
Yes. Both 170 mm and 220 mm aluminum plates are orderable under Thermo Fisher part numbers 88891100 and 88891101, respectively.