Magnetic stir bars come in three main types and a variety of sizes. New shapes, including unusual shapes, are regularly entering the market, however these three types of stirring bars represent 90% of the magnetic stir bar usage.
Each stirring application may require a different type and size of stirring bar, based on the viscosity, volume, time and objective.
Type A Magnetic Stirring Bar
Type A magnetic stir bars are designed for round bottom flasks. They are olive shaped and their contour fits nicely in a round bottom vessel. If used in a flat bottom vessel a Type A bar will spin more quietly.
Type B Magnetic Stirring Bar
Type B magnetic stir bars are designed for flat bottom flasks; they are an agitator type bar. Type B bars have a ring in the center. a pivot ring, creating instability. Type B bars move and agitate the material. They can be ideal preventing material adhering to the bottom of flat bottom vessels.
Type C Magnetic Stirring Bar
Type C magnetic stirring bars are round with a smooth surface. They are designed for flat bottom vessels, Type C magnetic stir bars create a strong rotational current in viscous mixtures.
