WIGGENS Magnetic Stirrer Accessories

Overview

WIGGENS Magnetic Stirrer Accessories are engineered to extend the functionality, scalability, and precision of WIGGENS magnetic stirring platforms—including WHMIX, BioMIXdrive, MIXdrive, MAXdrive, and FABdrive series. These accessories do not operate independently but serve as modular, interoperable components designed for laboratory automation, high-throughput sample preparation, and reproducible mixing under controlled thermal or environmental conditions. Built on the principle of contactless magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath the work surface induces rotation in a PTFE- or glass-coated stir bar immersed in the sample—the accessories ensure contamination-free, low-vibration agitation across diverse vessel geometries and volumes. All components comply with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 61010-1 (safety for laboratory equipment), supporting GLP-compliant workflows in pharmaceutical QC, bioprocessing, and academic research laboratories.

Key Features

• Modular customization: WHMIX 60 Customized and WHMIX 15 share identical 60-position configurations optimized for 20 mm diameter test tubes; BioMIXdrive 6 Customized supports user-defined layouts with 2, 3, 4, or 6 stirring positions—including adjustable inter-position spacing and custom footprint dimensions.
• Precision positioning: MixRACK stainless-steel tube racks provide ISO-grade centering accuracy (±0.15 mm concentricity tolerance) for consistent magnetic coupling efficiency across all 60 positions; integrated ergonomic handles enable secure, vibration-dampened manual transfer between incubators or cold rooms.
• System expansion capability: distriBOX 4 and distriBOX 8 distribution boxes allow single controller synchronization of up to eight independent drive units—enabling parallel processing while maintaining individual speed control per channel (100–1600 rpm, resolution ±1 rpm).
• Extended operational reach: 3 m shielded extension cables (Part Nos. 46100 / 46200 / 46300) maintain signal integrity and torque transmission between controllers and drive units, rated for continuous operation within –10 °C to +50 °C and ≤80% RH (non-condensing).
• Material integrity: All metal components (MixRACK, distriBOX housings) are fabricated from AISI 304 stainless steel with passivated surfaces; polymer parts meet UL 94 V-0 flammability rating and USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These accessories support standard borosilicate glass and polypropylene tubes (10–25 mm OD), microcentrifuge tubes (0.5–2 mL), and custom vessels up to 50 mL volume when paired with appropriate stir bars (e.g., WIGGENS WMS-5×20 or WMS-8×30). The system is validated for use with aqueous buffers, organic solvents (including ethanol, acetone, and DMSO), and viscous media up to 500 mPa·s at 25 °C. Compliance includes adherence to ISO 17025 calibration traceability frameworks, compatibility with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–enabled LIMS integration via optional RS-485/Modbus RTU interface modules, and suitability for environments governed by EU GMP Annex 11 and ASTM E2500-13 (verification of automated systems).

Software & Data Management

While the base accessories operate without embedded firmware, they integrate seamlessly with WIGGENS’ WHControl software suite (v3.2+), enabling centralized configuration of multi-drive arrays, logging of real-time RPM and error status per channel, and export of CSV-formatted audit trails. All distriBOX-linked controllers retain local non-volatile memory for last-used parameters—ensuring continuity after power interruption. Data logs include timestamps, temperature metadata (when used with optional PT100 probe inputs), and user ID fields compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• High-throughput reagent preparation in clinical diagnostics labs (e.g., dilution series for ELISA, PCR master mix homogenization).
• Cell culture maintenance: gentle agitation of suspension cultures in multi-well formats during incubation at 37 °C/5% CO₂.
• Stability studies per ICH Q5C: uniform mixing of protein formulations across temperature-controlled chambers (-20 °C to +40 °C).
• Quality control of excipients and APIs: dissolution testing support using standardized tube agitation per USP .
• Academic screening assays: combinatorial chemistry reaction monitoring requiring precise, parallelized mixing across 60+ samples.

FAQ

Are these accessories compatible with non-WIGGENS magnetic stirrers?
No—mechanical and electrical interfaces (e.g., pinout configuration, pulse-width modulation protocol, and mounting geometry) are proprietary to WIGGENS drive units and certified only for WHMIX, BioMIXdrive, and MAXdrive series.
Can MixRACK be autoclaved?
Yes—AISI 304 stainless steel construction permits steam sterilization at 121 °C for 20 minutes; however, repeated cycles may affect surface finish and require post-cycle passivation verification.
What is the maximum cable length supported beyond 3 m?
Signal degradation begins beyond 3 m without active repeaters; WIGGENS recommends using distriBOX-based topology instead of extended cabling to preserve speed stability and electromagnetic immunity.
Do distriBOX units require external power?
No—they are passive signal distribution devices; power is delivered exclusively through the primary controller’s output port.
Is firmware update capability available for accessories?
Not applicable—distriBOX, MixRACK, and extension cables contain no programmable logic; only controllers and drive units support firmware updates via WHControl software.