VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer Review

Let’s Dive into VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer

The VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer isn’t your everyday piece of lab equipment; it’s a precision instrument designed for controlled and efficient mixing, especially in narrow-necked vessels. This centrifugal stirrer, manufactured by IKA Works, combines a compact design with powerful performance, making it a valuable tool for various scientific and industrial applications. Its ability to unfold within the container promises gentle yet thorough blending, a sought-after trait that led me to explore it further.

My search for a stirrer that could efficiently mix solutions in flasks with narrow openings was the primary driver. Other stirrers lacked the finesse and adaptability of the R 1355. Upon unboxing, the stainless steel construction felt robust and the collapsing blades hinted at the ingenious design.

I initially considered a standard overhead stirrer with a conventional paddle, as well as a magnetic stirrer. However, the overhead stirrer’s bulky paddle was impractical for the narrow-necked flasks I routinely use. The magnetic stirrer, while convenient, sometimes struggled with viscous solutions and larger volumes, issues the R 1355 appeared to solve. I was excited, hopeful that it would become my go-to mixing solution.

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Real-World Testing: Putting VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer in a chemistry lab, mixing a high-viscosity polymer solution within a 500mL round-bottom flask with a relatively narrow neck. The R 1355 easily inserted into the flask, and as I gradually increased the speed, the blades gracefully unfolded. The mixing was surprisingly thorough and even, despite the solution’s thick consistency.

The stirrer performed well even when dealing with substances that tend to clump; the centrifugal action prevented this and ensured even distribution. The only initial concern was a slight wobble at higher speeds, which I addressed by carefully adjusting the chuck’s grip on the shaft. Overall, the first use was impressive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of daily use across various solutions (from aqueous buffers to oil-based emulsions), the VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer continues to impress. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the stainless steel components. Cleaning is straightforward: simply rinse the stirrer with an appropriate solvent and wipe it dry.

Compared to magnetic stirrers I’ve used in the past, the R 1355 handles high-viscosity liquids with much greater ease and doesn’t suffer from decoupling issues. It has definitely exceeded my expectations and has become a staple in my lab workflow.

Breaking Down the Features of VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer

Specifications

• Description: R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer by IKA Works.
• Shaft Diameter: 8 mm. This standard shaft size ensures compatibility with a wide range of overhead stirrer motors.
• Stirrer Head Diameter: 2.4–10 cm (⁷/₈–4 in.). The expandable diameter allows the stirrer to fit into narrow-necked vessels while providing sufficient mixing area when unfolded.
• Shaft Length: 55 cm (21⁵/₈ in.). This length is suitable for standard flasks and beakers.
• Maximum Speed: 800 rpm. This speed range allows for both gentle mixing and more vigorous blending.
• IKA Works No.: 1132700. This is the specific part number for easy identification and ordering.

These specifications translate to a versatile stirring element capable of handling various solution types and vessel sizes. The 8mm shaft diameter is crucial for ensuring compatibility with standard overhead stirrers, avoiding the frustration of mismatched equipment. The variable head diameter is the star, as it enables use in flasks others couldn’t reach.

Performance & Functionality

The VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer excels in its primary function: mixing solutions thoroughly and efficiently, even in restricted spaces. The centrifugal action ensures a homogeneous mixture. While not designed for extremely high-speed homogenization, it provides gentle yet effective blending for delicate samples.

The primary strength lies in its ability to access narrow-necked vessels, a significant advantage over traditional stirrers. A potential weakness is its lower maximum speed (800 rpm) compared to some specialized homogenizers. However, for most standard lab applications, this speed is more than adequate. It meets and often exceeds expectations, especially when dealing with viscous fluids in narrow containers.

Design & Ergonomics

The R 1355 features a simple yet effective design. The stainless steel construction ensures chemical resistance and durability. The collapsible blades are ingeniously designed, allowing for easy insertion and expansion within the vessel.

The stirrer is easy to handle, though you must ensure that it’s properly secured in the overhead stirrer’s chuck to prevent wobble, especially at higher speeds. There’s no real learning curve; it’s a plug-and-play device that integrates seamlessly into standard lab setups.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction suggests excellent long-term durability. After several weeks of regular use, there are no signs of corrosion or wear. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only rinsing and drying after each use.

Given the robust materials and straightforward design, the R 1355 is expected to last for years with proper care. It’s a low-maintenance tool that requires minimal effort to keep in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer is primarily a stirring element and does not come with a wide array of accessories. Its compatibility with standard overhead stirrer motors makes it versatile. While there are no direct customization options for the stirrer itself, users can select compatible overhead stirrers with various speed control and display features to optimize performance.

Because it uses a standard shaft size, it should work with most commonly available chucks and tightening tools. The lack of built-in customization is a trade-off for its simplicity and targeted design for narrow-necked vessels.

Pros and Cons of VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer

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Who Should Buy VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer?

The VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer is perfect for chemists, biologists, and lab technicians who frequently work with solutions in flasks or containers with narrow openings. It is also ideal for research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and any setting where precise and efficient mixing is essential in limited-access vessels.

Those who primarily use large-volume containers or require extremely high-speed homogenization may find other stirring solutions more suitable. A must-have accessory is a high-quality overhead stirrer motor with precise speed control to fully utilize the R 1355‘s capabilities.

Conclusion on VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer

The VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer is a specialized tool that addresses a specific need in the lab: efficient mixing in narrow-necked vessels. While the $1039.00 price tag might seem high, its durability, effectiveness, and unique design justify the investment for those who require this capability. It provides a reliable and consistent solution that magnetic and standard overhead stirrers cannot match in this context.

I would definitely recommend the R 1355 to any lab professional struggling with mixing in narrow containers. If you need a reliable, durable, and effective solution for this common lab challenge, the VWR Stirring Elements, IKA Works 1132700 R 1355 Centrifugal Stirrer is a worthwhile investment. Don’t let those narrow-necked flasks hinder your research—get stirring!