The IKA RW 18 Basic Overhead Stirrer is a laboratory mechanical stirring unit designed for mixing, homogenizing, and agitating liquid or semi-viscous laboratory samples. The pictured instrument is clearly marked RW 18 Basic and IKA-WERKE, with a mechanical speed-control dial, ON/OFF switch, vertical stirring shaft and laboratory support stand.

The overhead configuration allows the stirring element to be positioned directly inside a beaker, flask, vessel, or other laboratory container. This design is useful when conventional magnetic stirring is unsuitable because of larger sample volumes, higher viscosity, or the need for a mechanically driven stirring shaft. IKA's RW-series equipment is designed for laboratory mixing applications, with interchangeable stirring elements available for different mixing requirements. IKA

The pictured unit includes the overhead stirrer drive, vertical support rod, stirring shaft and blue laboratory base/stand assembly. The mechanical control allows the operator to adjust the stirring speed using the front-mounted rotary dial. Because this is an older RW 18 Basic model, exact electrical and performance specifications should be confirmed from the unit's rating plate and tested before laboratory use.

Applications

The IKA RW 18 Basic can be used for general laboratory mixing and agitation of solutions, suspensions, dispersions and other laboratory preparations. Overhead stirring is particularly useful for applications requiring continuous mechanical agitation rather than contact-free magnetic stirring.

Typical applications include chemical laboratories, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, formulation development, sample preparation, material research, educational laboratories, and general laboratory process development. The appropriate stirring shaft and impeller should be selected according to sample viscosity, vessel size and required mixing intensity.

Main Features

• IKA-WERKE RW 18 Basic overhead stirrer
• Mechanical laboratory stirring system
• Overhead motor-driven stirring
• Front-mounted rotary speed control
• Two-stage mechanical speed selection
• ON/OFF power switch
• Vertical stainless-steel stirring shaft
• Adjustable shaft positioning
• Laboratory support stand and base
• Suitable for mixing liquids and laboratory formulations
• Designed for continuous mechanical agitation
• Suitable for use with interchangeable stirring elements
• Compact benchtop laboratory configuration

Technical Specifications

The exact specifications of older RW 18 Basic units can vary by configuration and electrical version. IKA documentation for related RW-series overhead stirrers confirms the use of mechanical/overhead stirring architecture and interchangeable stirring elements, while historical RW-series models have different speed, torque and capacity specifications. Therefore, specifications such as maximum stirring volume, RPM range, torque and electrical input should be verified for this particular RW 18 Basic before publication as guaranteed specifications. IKA

Benefits of Refurbished Laboratory Equipment

A refurbished IKA overhead stirrer can provide laboratories with a cost-effective option for mechanical mixing applications while retaining the robust construction associated with established laboratory equipment. Older IKA stirring systems can be useful for routine laboratory preparation, formulation work, research and educational applications.

Purchasing refurbished equipment can also make it easier for laboratories to obtain specialized mechanical stirring equipment without the cost of purchasing a new unit. Before operation, the motor, speed-control mechanism, stirring shaft, chuck, power cable, switch and stand assembly should be inspected and tested.

Additional Information

The pictured unit shows visible cosmetic wear consistent with previously used laboratory equipment. The exact stirring element, chuck specification and electrical version should be confirmed before purchase. The included stand/base and shaft are shown in the photographs.

Accessories, additional stirring blades, vessels, clamps and other laboratory components are included only if specifically shown or stated. Buyers should verify compatibility of the shaft and stirring element with their intended vessel and application.

• IKA – Laboratory Equipment
• IKA Overhead Stirrers
• IKA RW-Series Technical Information