IKA RT 10 Multi-position Magnetic Stirrer with Heating, 10 Stirring Positions in a 90 Mm Grid, 0003691100

Not every laboratory needs as many as 15 parallel stirring stations; 10 synchronously operating positions are often sufficient for standard sample series. The IKA RT 10 (0003691100) offers exactly that: 10 heated stirring stations in a 90-millimetre grid, driven by a single coil drive rather than individual motors, with a speed deviation of 0 per cent between the stations.

Common solenoid drive for consistent results

Like the larger models in the series, the RT 10 uses silent solenoid drive technology instead of individual motors for each position. According to the data sheet, the speed variation between the 10 positions is 0 per cent; all positions run synchronously at the same set speed of 0 to 1,000 revolutions per minute, adjustable in increments of 10 revolutions per minute.

10 stirring positions in a uniform 90-millimetre grid

The base, made from an aluminium alloy, measures 180 x 495 millimetres, smaller than that of the RT 15, but with the same 90-millimetre grid for standard vessels. Up to 0.4 l of water is provided per stirring position; the maximum load capacity of the unit is 10 kilograms. Stirring rods measuring 25 to 30 millimetres in length are suitable for the individual positions.

Heating function with a total output of 375 watts

The integrated heating system covers a temperature range from room temperature to 120 degrees Celsius, with a total heating power of 375 watts for all 10 positions combined. The safety limit can be set between 50 and 150 degrees Celsius. A silicone mat, supplied as standard, protects the surface on which the unit is placed and, according to the manufacturer, ensures optimised temperature distribution.

Silent drive with no mechanical wear

The coil drive technology generates the rotating field for all 10 positions electronically, without any mechanically moving drive elements such as belts or gears at each stirring point. This not only reduces noise levels during continuous operation but also minimises maintenance requirements compared with a bench comprising 10 individual, mechanically driven stirrers.

Typical applications

With multiple stations operating in synchronisation, the RT 10 is ideally suited for:

• Parallel sample series with identical stirring and heating parameters across 10 batches
• Routine laboratories carrying out regularly recurring series of tests
• Training laboratories with several workstations operating simultaneously
• Solution preparation for sample series of up to 0.4 l per station
• A space-saving alternative to several individual heated magnetic stirrers, on a smaller scale than the RT 15

Selection guide: 10 positions, 15 positions or without heating

The choice between the RT 10, RT 15 and RO 10 depends primarily on the number of positions required and whether heating is necessary:

If more than 10 parallel stations are required, the RT 15 is the more suitable choice. If simple stirring without heating is sufficient, the RO 10, with its 24-volt power supply, offers lower purchase costs than the RT 10.

Differences between the RT 15 and RO 10

The IKA RT 15 shares the same heating technology and 230-volt mains voltage as the RT 10, but offers 15 stirring stations instead of 10, with a correspondingly higher heating power of 580 watts instead of 375 watts, for larger production runs. The IKA RO 10 has the same number of stirring positions as the RT 10, but does not feature a heating function at all and is powered by an external 24-volt power supply. This is the key factor in the purchasing decision: those who only need to stir, but do not need to heat, are better served by the RO 10.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• 1 x IKA RT 10 multi-position magnetic stirrer with heating (0003691100)
• 1 x silicone mat for protection and optimised temperature distribution

The scope of delivery does not include stirring rods for the individual positions, and they must be purchased separately if required.

Use, installation, maintenance and disposal

With an IP 40 protection rating, the RT 10 is protected against solid foreign objects from 1 millimetre in size; however, it is not splash-proof. Accordingly, the unit should be operated on a dry, level surface away from sources of splashing water and direct solvent vapours. The supplied silicone mat should be checked regularly for damage, as it protects against both mechanical contact and uneven heat distribution. Before moving the unit, which weighs 7.5 kilograms, it should be allowed to cool down and disconnected from the mains. At the end of its service life, as an electrical appliance, the unit must not be disposed of with household waste but must be placed in the separate collection for waste electrical and electronic equipment; the manufacturer’s WEEE registration number is DE 66784213.

Business case: 10 positions as a starting point for batch production

For laboratories that regularly process between 5 and 10 identical batches in parallel, the RT 10 is often the more economical choice compared to the larger RT 15, both in terms of purchase price and the space required on the bench, as well as the cabling requirements, since only one mains cable is needed instead of several individual connections. If requirements exceed 10 parallel stations, a comparison should be made between purchasing a second RT 10 and switching directly to the RT 15; the latter generally saves space, reduces cabling effort and minimises the number of mains connections compared with two smaller units. If heating is not required, the RO 10, which offers the same number of workstations, is the more cost-effective alternative.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Suitable original accessories are available for the RT 10 as required, such as magnetic stirring bars in various shapes, beaker lids, a stirring bar remover and power cables for different country variants (EU, USA, UK, Switzerland). Through our procurement service, we can also assist you with spare parts and the standardised kitting of multiple production workstations. Further information and contact details can be found at lt-laborhandel.com/service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all 10 stirring positions really operate at the same speed?
Yes, according to the data sheet, the speed variation between the positions is 0 per cent, made possible by the shared coil drive rather than individual motors.

What happens if I need more than 10 parallel stations?
For larger production runs, IKA offers the RT 15 in the same series, featuring 15 stirring stations in the same 90-millimetre grid and a correspondingly higher total heating power of 580 watts.

How does the RT 10 differ from the RO 10?
The RT 10 heats and operates on 230-volt mains voltage, whilst the RO 10 does not have a heating function and is powered by an external 24-volt power supply.

What is the maximum size of a stirring vessel per position?
According to the data sheet, up to 0.4 l of water per stirring position is permitted; the spacing between positions is 90 millimetres.

Are stirring rods included in the Scope of delivery?
No, suitable stirring rods for the individual positions must be purchased separately; the range of accessories includes PTFE-coated rods in various shapes.

Can the RT 10 be set up alongside other laboratory equipment to save space?
With a footprint of 180 x 495 millimetres and external dimensions of 190 x 60 x 610 millimetres, the RT 10 is designed as a narrow, elongated unit for installation along a laboratory bench.

Is it worth opting for a single RT 15 instead of two RT 10s?
Where there is a long-term requirement for more than 10 stirring positions, a single RT 15 with 15 positions is often more space-saving and cost-effective than two separate RT 10 units with double the cabling.

Can the RT 10 be combined with the RT 15 to cover more stations?
Both units can be operated side by side independently of one another; the manufacturer’s specifications do not provide for joint control or synchronisation between two separate units.

How should the RT 10 be disposed of correctly?
As an electrical appliance, it should be taken to a waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collection point rather than disposed of with household waste; the manufacturer’s WEEE registration number is listed in the section on ‘Application, Installation, Maintenance and Disposal’.