IKA RCT basic Magnetic Stirrer with Heating

Overview

The IKA RCT basic is a compact, high-performance magnetic stirrer with integrated heating—engineered for precision, safety, and long-term reliability in demanding laboratory environments. Based on Couette flow principles, it employs a rotating magnetic field to drive PTFE- or glass-coated stirring bars within vessels, enabling homogeneous mixing of liquids and suspensions. Its 800 W ceramic-coated aluminum heating plate delivers rapid thermal response (up to 9 K/min in 1 L water), while maintaining uniform temperature distribution across the surface. Designed and manufactured in Germany using fully automated robotic production lines, the RCT basic conforms to EN IEC 61010-2-010 for laboratory heating equipment and exceeds its requirements through redundant safety architecture—including dual independent temperature sensors, Delta-T monitoring, and mechanical safety limit setting.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (160 × 200 × 100 mm) optimized for fume hood integration and multi-unit parallel operation
• IP54-rated sealed die-cast aluminum housing resistant to corrosive vapors, splashes, and mechanical impact
• Brushless EC motor ensuring stable torque delivery up to 1500 rpm with minimal wear and no carbon dust generation
• Anodized ceramic-coated heating plate offering chemical resistance, scratch protection, and consistent thermal performance over extended service life
• Four-stage heating power adjustment (low/medium/high/boost) for controlled ramping or rapid heating depending on sample viscosity and thermal sensitivity
• Programmable timer with start delay (immediate or temperature-triggered), audible end-of-process alert, and independent on/off control for heating and stirring functions
• 14-segment LED display configurable to show real-time values for speed, plate temperature, medium temperature (via external sensor), timer, or pH (when paired with ETS-D7 or PT wireless)
• Dual-sensor capability: simultaneous connection of wired (PT1000, ETS-D5) and wireless (ETS-D7, PT wireless) temperature probes for differential monitoring of plate and medium temperatures
• Integrated RS232 and USB-C interfaces compliant with NA-MUR ASCII command protocol for remote control and data logging via IKA Labworldsoft® software
• Inter-device communication capability with other IKA instruments (e.g., EUROSTAR overhead stirrers) for coordinated safety shutdowns—e.g., automatic heater deactivation if stirring speed falls below user-defined threshold

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RCT basic supports a wide range of vessel types and volumes—from small vials to 20 L containers—with stirring bar lengths from 20 mm to 80 mm. Its robust thermal design accommodates aqueous, organic, and mildly aggressive solvents under controlled conditions. The device complies with international safety standards including EN IEC 61010-1 (General Safety Requirements), EN IEC 61010-2-010 (Particular Requirements for Heating Equipment), and carries CE marking validated by TÜV SÜD under North American NRTL equivalency (UL/CSA). It meets GLP-relevant traceability requirements when used with IKA Labworldsoft® and supports audit-ready electronic records per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with appropriate access controls and electronic signatures.

Software & Data Management

IKA Labworldsoft® provides full bidirectional communication with the RCT basic via RS232 or USB-C, enabling parameter configuration, real-time monitoring, and time-stamped data export in CSV or Excel format. The software supports method storage, alarm logging, and trend analysis—essential for quality-controlled workflows in pharmaceutical, chemical, and academic labs. Optional IKA HUB module extends functionality to include programmable multi-step protocols, intermittent stirring, reverse rotation, and pH measurement integration. All temperature and speed setpoints, safety limits, and operational logs are stored locally and accessible via the front panel or remotely—ensuring full process visibility without dependency on continuous network connectivity.

Applications

This instrument serves critical roles in synthetic chemistry (reflux reactions, catalyst activation), materials science (polymer dissolution, nanoparticle dispersion), biotechnology (buffer equilibration, enzyme assays), and quality control laboratories (viscosity standardization, dissolution testing). Its precise thermal control and fail-safe mechanisms make it suitable for applications involving flammable solvents, thermally sensitive biomolecules, or exothermic reactions where unattended operation must be both reliable and auditable. The ability to decouple plate temperature from medium temperature monitoring enables accurate calibration of reaction kinetics and thermal stability studies.

FAQ

What safety certifications does the RCT basic hold?
It is CE-marked and independently certified by TÜV SÜD to EN IEC 61010-1 and EN IEC 61010-2-010, with verification against UL/CSA-equivalent NRTL requirements.
Can the RCT basic operate without an external temperature probe?
Yes—it functions as a standalone hotplate stirrer using built-in plate temperature sensing; however, medium temperature control requires optional PT1000, ETS-D5, ETS-D7, or PT wireless sensors.
Is remote monitoring possible without proprietary software?
While IKA Labworldsoft® is recommended for full feature access, ASCII-based commands via RS232 or USB-C allow integration into custom LabVIEW, Python, or SCADA systems.
How does the Delta-T safety function work?
It continuously compares measured medium temperature against the setpoint and triggers immediate heater shutdown if the difference exceeds a user-defined delta threshold—without interrupting stirring.
What is the maximum load capacity for stable operation?
The unit supports up to 25 kg total weight, including vessel, solution, and stir bar—provided mechanical stability is maintained via tripod mounting points on the housing.
Does the device support GLP-compliant data integrity?
When used with IKA Labworldsoft® and configured with password-protected user roles, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails, it fulfills core ALCOA+ data integrity principles required in regulated environments.