IKA KS 3000 i control Orbital Incubator Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS 3000 i control is a precision-engineered orbital incubator shaker designed for reproducible, temperature-controlled mixing in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled orbital motion—generating uniform circular agitation with a fixed 20 mm orbit diameter—to ensure consistent suspension, aeration, and homogenization of biological samples across a wide range of vessel formats. Unlike generic benchtop shakers, this unit integrates high-fidelity PID temperature regulation using dual PT1000 platinum resistance thermometers, enabling stable thermal environments from 5 °C (or ambient +5 °C) up to 80 °C. Its robust sheet-metal housing with powder-coated finish, PMMA transparent lid, and sealed front panel meet DIN EN 60529 IP30 ingress protection standards—ensuring operational safety and long-term reliability under routine laboratory conditions. The device supports continuous or timed operation (1 second to 999 hours), with real-time LED display of speed (10–500 rpm, adjustable in 1 rpm increments) and temperature (resolution ±0.1 K), making it suitable for applications requiring strict adherence to GLP/GMP protocols.

Key Features

• Orbital motion with precisely calibrated 20 mm orbit diameter for uniform sample mixing and minimal shear stress on sensitive cells or cultures.
• Dual-sensor PID temperature control system using two independently mounted PT1000 probes—one embedded in the platform, one in the chamber air—enabling dynamic compensation and thermal stability of ±0.05 K (in single 0.5 L vessel at 37 °C) and ±0.5 K (across five 0.5 L vessels).
• Antimicrobial-coated control membrane keypad and integrated condensate collection tray with rear-mounted drain hose to prevent contamination and support sterile workflow integrity.
• Electronic safety interlock: automatic motor shutdown upon lid lift; immediate thermal and mechanical cessation during power interruption or system fault.
• Optional external cooling interface compatible with IKA RC 2 basic/control recirculating chillers for sub-ambient operation down to 5 °C.
• RS232 and USB interfaces enable bidirectional communication with Labworldsoft software for remote parameter setting, real-time data logging, and audit-trail-compliant record generation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS 3000 i control accommodates standard microbiological and cell culture vessels—including flasks (up to 5 L), tubes, deep-well plates, and multi-well plates—secured via interchangeable universal clamps or custom fixtures (sold separately). Its 330 × 330 × 258 mm internal chamber provides 50 L usable volume, while the 7.5 kg maximum load capacity (including clamps) ensures mechanical stability even with unevenly distributed payloads. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety and conforms to electromagnetic compatibility standards EN 61326-1. Its temperature performance has been validated per ISO 17025-accredited test procedures for thermal uniformity and stability, supporting compliance with USP , ISO 13485, and EU Annex 1 requirements for aseptic process simulation and environmental monitoring.

Software & Data Management

Labworldsoft v4.x (or later) serves as the native control and documentation platform for the KS 3000 i control. Through USB or RS232 connection, users can configure all operational parameters—including ramp profiles, multi-step protocols, and alarm thresholds—remotely. The software captures timestamped datasets for speed, temperature, elapsed time, and error codes, storing them in encrypted CSV or XML format. Audit trail functionality logs user ID, action type, timestamp, and parameter values, satisfying traceability requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 11. Exported data are compatible with LIMS integration and statistical process control (SPC) tools for quality assurance review.

Applications

• Mammalian and microbial cell culture expansion under controlled O₂/CO₂-compatible conditions (when used inside CO₂ incubators or with gas-permeable closures).
• Enzyme kinetics assays requiring precise thermal and mixing consistency across replicate wells.
• Biochemical reaction optimization—including protein expression, solubilization, and ligand binding studies—where temperature-dependent conformational dynamics must be preserved.
• Environmental microbiology workflows such as BOD testing, waterborne pathogen enrichment, and antibiotic susceptibility profiling.
• Biopharmaceutical process development stages including media preparation, seed train expansion, and buffer equilibration.

FAQ

What is the minimum and maximum operating temperature range?
The unit maintains temperatures from 5 °C (or ambient +5 °C) to 80 °C, with stability validated at ±0.05 K under defined load conditions.
Can the shaker operate without temperature control?
Yes—the heating function can be disabled while retaining full orbital speed control and timing functionality for ambient-temperature shaking applications.
Is external cooling supported natively?
The KS 3000 i control includes a dedicated port for connecting optional external recirculating chillers (e.g., IKA RC 2 series) to extend low-temperature capability down to 5 °C.
How is data integrity ensured during extended runs?
All operational parameters and sensor readings are logged continuously with hardware-timestamped entries; power loss triggers automatic save-to-flash-memory recovery upon reboot.
Are third-party clamps or platforms compatible?
Only IKA-certified accessories—designed and tested for mechanical resonance alignment and thermal coupling—are recommended to preserve accuracy, safety, and warranty validity.