IKA MultiDrive basic Universal Grinder, drive unit, 1000 W, 0025002638

Kinetic energy for the most demanding comminution processes

In chemical analysis, pharmaceutical quality control and biological sample preparation, the physical disruption of heterogeneous material matrices is the crucial first step in the process. The IKA MultiDrive basic universal mill delivers the immense kinetic energy required for this. Equipped with a robust 1,000-watt high-performance motor, this unit serves as a modular hub for a wide range of basic process operations. Thanks to its extremely high rotational speed of up to 30,000 revolutions per minute, the drive generates enormous circumferential speeds at the coupled tools (beaters, blades or rotor-stator systems). These immense impact and shear forces break down the crystalline lattice structures of hard, brittle samples (dry grinding) just as reliably as they sever the tough cell walls of fibrous biological tissues (wet grinding).

Process modularity through a variety of vessels

The fundamental analytical advantage of the MultiDrive basic lies in its comprehensive modularity. Rather than having to purchase dedicated individual units for different rheological and physical requirements (such as dry milling, wet milling or high-shear dispersion), this mill serves as a universal drive base. It can be seamlessly combined with IKA’s highly specialised attachments – ranging from solid stainless-steel grinding chambers (MI series) to large-volume mixing vessels (BL series) and the fluid-dynamically complex dispersing tubes (DI series). This design flexibility enables the loss-free processing of the smallest sample quantities right up to large-volume batches of 2,000 millilitres. The secure, mechanical quick-release coupling guarantees vibration-free and centred power transmission to the tool shafts, even under extreme centrifugal forces.

Thermodynamic management and intermittent operation

High-speed grinding processes inevitably generate significant thermal energy through molecular friction and mechanical impact. To protect the motor windings of the 1,000-watt drive from thermal stress and to ensure maximum duty cycle, the base unit features an optimised, integrated cold-air cooling system. For processing agglomerating, sticky or extremely light samples, the mill also offers a programmable intermittent operation mode. The abrupt, software-controlled alternation between acceleration and rest phases deliberately disrupts the flow dynamics within the vessel. During the pauses, the sample material falls back into the grinding zone, which ensures an absolutely homogeneous particle size distribution and physically prevents the dreaded adhesion of powders to the vessel wall.

GLP-compliant documentation and digital interfaces

Despite the ‘basic’ designation, the drive is equipped with a digital infrastructure that complies with the latest laboratory standards (Good Laboratory Practice). The clear LED display allows the speed range between 3,000 and 30,000 rpm to be precisely and continuously adjusted to meet material-specific requirements. An integrated overload protection system continuously monitors the current consumption and protects the hardware by immediately shutting down the system in the event of a sudden blockage of the tool. The USB interface on the rear panel enables the seamless, tamper-proof transfer of all process parameters (speed, running time) to a PC. Using laboratory software solutions such as IKA labworldsoft, grinding protocols can be automated and archived, which is an essential prerequisite for certified and accredited testing laboratories.

Technical details

• Motor power input / output: 1,000 W / 800 W
• Speed range: 3,000 – 30,000 rpm (continuously and electronically adjustable)
• Speed deviation: ± 2.5 %
• Maximum working volume: 2,000 ml (strictly dependent on the selected attachment)
• Process compatibility: Dry grinding, wet grinding, mixing, dispersing
• Operating mode: Batch operation (batch processes)
• Interval operation: Yes, electronically programmable for homogeneous mixing
• Speed display: Digital 7-segment LED display
• Overload protection: Electronic current limiting with automatic motor shut-off
• Interfaces: USB (for PC control and firmware updates)
• Housing material: Die-cast aluminium and chemical-resistant polymer
• Compatible vessel series: IKA MultiDrive MI, BL, DI, MT and BT (excluding RFID/temperature features)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 300 x 250 x 250 mm
• Weight: 8.5 kg
• Protection class (according to DIN EN 60529): IP 31
• Mains voltage / frequency: 220–240 V / 50/60 Hz

Contents

• 1 x IKA MultiDrive basic universal grinder (drive unit, 1000 W)
• 1 x socket wrench for safe tool changes
• 1 x USB cable for digital data documentation
• 1 x mains cable for IT equipment
• 1 x User manual

(Important note: The essential grinding, mixing or dispersing vessels are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

The IKA MultiDrive basic is simply the motor unit of your system. To put the unit into operation, you must order the attachment that is physically suitable for your sample. For dust-free dry grinding of hard samples, we recommend the sealed MI 250 S or MI 400 S stainless steel chambers. The large-volume BL 2000 blender vessels are ideal for the wet homogenisation of biological samples. Please note: The ‘basic’ version does not feature RFID sensor technology; temperature-measuring vessels (such as the MI 250 T) can be used mechanically, but their sensor data cannot be read. Our procurement service will be happy to configure a bespoke, thermodynamically optimised setup for your laboratory.