Description
Quartz stirring rods are made for laboratory and chemical mixing where high-temperature stability and chemical resistance matter more than optical transmission. The purchasing decision is based on rod diameter, length, cross-section and end shape, with round and hexagonal profiles selected according to how the rod should move through or engage the material being mixed.
This page covers the finished laboratory stirring tool. For square, hexagonal and other faceted bar stock supplied as raw rod material, see Square / Hexagonal / Shaped Quartz Rods.
Dimensions
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 1–20 mm typical laboratory range; larger sizes available for custom requirements |
| Length | 100–400 mm typical bench-scale range; custom lengths available |
| Cross-Section | Round or hexagonal |
End Shape
| End Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Rounded | General smooth-operation stirring |
| Notched | Improved grip on material during mixing |
| Conical | Directed mixing or scraping near a vessel wall or corner |
Round rod runs with less friction and moves smoothly through liquid. Hexagonal rod adds flat facets and edges that provide better grip during handling or mixing, while round rod is usually preferred where smooth general-purpose movement is the priority.
Chemical Resistance
- Resistant to most acids except hydrofluoric acid.
- More chemically resistant to many alkalis and salts than ordinary glass, but compatibility should still be checked against the actual concentration, temperature and exposure time.
- Continuous operating temperature up to 1100°C; short-term exposure up to 1300–1450°C.
- Fused quartz provides high thermal-shock resistance for repeated heating and cooling within the component’s validated operating conditions.
Cleaning
For routine laboratory cleaning, use a cleaning method compatible with both the residue and fused quartz, followed by thorough rinsing with high-purity water or an appropriate solvent. Handle cleaned rods with gloves before high-temperature use to reduce surface contamination from fingerprints and salts.
Where an aggressive quartz-specific cleaning process is required, follow your facility’s approved procedure rather than treating the stirring rod as ordinary laboratory glassware.
Round vs Hexagonal Stirring Rod
| Cross-Section | Handling / Mixing Character | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Round | Smooth surface with lower drag through liquid | General-purpose stirring and smooth liquid mixing |
| Hexagonal | Facets provide more grip and edge engagement | Mixing where handling grip or material engagement is more important |
What to Specify
| Parameter | Quotation Input |
|---|---|
| Rod Size | Diameter or across-flats dimension, plus finished length |
| Cross-Section | Round or hexagonal |
| End Shape | Rounded, notched, conical, or a custom end profile |
| Operating Condition | Maximum temperature and chemical medium |
| Quantity | Prototype, laboratory set, or production quantity |
FAQ
Should I get round or hexagonal stirring rods?
Choose hexagonal when grip and edge engagement matter during mixing. Choose round for smooth, general-purpose stirring where low drag is more useful.
What end shape should I choose?
Rounded ends suit general stirring, notched ends provide additional grip on the material, and conical ends are useful when directing flow or working close to a vessel wall or corner.
Can stirring rods handle repeated high-temperature use?
Yes. Fused quartz is selected for laboratory stirring because it combines high-temperature stability with strong chemical resistance. The actual operating limit should still be matched to the rod geometry, thermal cycle and process conditions.