Magnetic-Stirrer

How to Make a Cheap, Portable Magnetic Stirrer

I needed a magnetic stirrer to do Biodiesel Titration & Soap tests. This magnetic stirrer uses an old computer fan and some cheap neodymium magnets with a moldable plastic stir bar.

The parts are:
– computer fan
– small magnets 1cm x 0,8mm
– moldable plastic (polymorph, instamorph, shapelock)
– lexan
-batteries
-superglue (cyanoacrylate)

Step 1: Glue the Magnets to the Fan

Prepare and clean the fan for use. Your fan may have two wires (red for positive and black for negative). If it has three wires, the white is a tachometer and is not needed. Glue the magnets on opposite sides of the fan head. The magnets in the fan’s motor may push the magnets around a bit, so arrange accordingly. I arranged the magnets to have opposite polarities facing up (North & South)

Step 2: Add Spacers

The magnets will increase the profile of the fan, so you will need spacers before putting a flat surface on top. The spacers can be anything, I used coins initially. Eventually I snapped off a few pieces of spare plexiglass I had lying around and glued them to the edges of the fan. Either way, make sure the spacers are higher than the profile of the fan with the magnets glued on.

Step 3: Add the Main Platform

I cut a small square of plexiglass over the fan as a platform for any containers I will need to stir. Glue or attach any thin, waterproof material to the spacers.

Step 4: Make the Stir Bar

The stir bar is made of two magnets embedded in the moldable plastic. Simply place the plastic in a container of hot water until it turns clear. Place two magnets (polarities opposite facing) onto the plastic and surround with more of the moldable plastic until the magnets are covered. Then round off the edges and mold until the bar is roughly cylindrical with the embedded disk magnets still inside.

Step 5: Connect the Batteries box

This Batteries box gives you 4,5 volts solder it to your fan a switch would be recommended.  Without the switch simply remove the batteries after use.  An USB cable can be used if you are using a computer to log your data analyses !

Ormae use USB cable.

Step 6: Stirrer in action

Stirrer-in-action

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