IKA INC 125 FS Digital (SP20) Shaking Incubator

Overview

The IKA INC 125 FS Digital (SP20) Shaking Incubator is a precision-engineered platform for simultaneous temperature-controlled incubation and orbital shaking—designed for reproducible cultivation of microbial cultures, suspension cells, and biochemical assays under tightly regulated environmental conditions. Built on IKA’s legacy of German engineering, this unit integrates a robust Peltier-free resistive heating system with a dynamically balanced motor-driven shaking mechanism, enabling stable thermal control across its full operating range (RT + 8 °C to 80 °C) while maintaining smooth, low-vibration orbital motion (20 mm diameter). Its dual-mode architecture—supporting both static incubation and active shaking within the same chamber—enhances laboratory flexibility without compromising performance integrity. The chamber’s AISI 304 stainless-steel interior ensures long-term resistance to chemical exposure and repeated thermal decontamination cycles, while the triple-glazed observation door provides optical access without thermal leakage.

Key Features

• Modular operation: Removable shaking platform allows seamless transition between shaking and static incubation modes
• Dual-independent control: Temperature and shaking parameters operate independently—enabling ramp-and-hold temperature profiles during continuous agitation or static incubation with timed shaking sequences
• Intelligent platform recognition: Automatic detection of installed shaking tray ensures correct parameter initialization and safety interlock activation
• Safety-critical interlocks: Shaking stops immediately upon door opening; integrated thermal cut-off (DIN 12880 TB Class 1) prevents overheating under fault conditions
• Thermal decontamination cycle: Programmable 100 °C / 2 h dry-heat protocol for routine chamber sterilization—validated for reduction of bacterial endospores in accordance with ISO 14644-1 cleanliness protocols
• Ergonomic design: Front-accessible drip tray and tool-free platform removal simplify cleaning and maintenance; LCD interface displays real-time temperature, speed, time, and system status
• Stackable configuration: Up to two units may be vertically stacked using optional mounting kits—ideal for space-constrained GMP or GLP-compliant labs requiring parallel culture conditions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The INC 125 FS Digital accommodates standard microbiological and cell culture vessels—including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), test tubes, deep-well plates, and roller bottles—via interchangeable clamping systems or adhesive pads mounted directly onto the 340 × 480 mm platform. Its chamber volume (125 L) supports up to six wire-mesh shelves in static mode (20 kg load capacity per shelf), while the shaking configuration maintains ≤7.5 kg total payload (including fixtures) at 300 rpm. All materials contacting the chamber interior comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements. The instrument meets DIN EN 60529 (IP20) for protection against solid objects and is certified to DIN 12880 for laboratory incubators, including thermal stability (±0.1 °K at 37 °C), uniformity (±0.2 °K), and door recovery time (≤2 min). It supports audit-ready operation under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with IKA Labworldsoft™ (optional) for electronic signature, user access control, and immutable event logging.

Software & Data Management

The built-in microprocessor controller features non-volatile memory for storing up to 10 user-defined programs, each comprising multi-step temperature ramps, shaking speed profiles, and timer-based start/stop events—including delayed initiation and automatic shutdown. USB connectivity enables firmware updates and data export (CSV format) of logged temperature and speed traces over time. When integrated with IKA Labworldsoft™ (v4.0+), the device supports remote monitoring, centralized fleet management, and ALCOA+ compliant data handling—including electronic signatures, role-based permissions, and full audit trail generation for GLP, GMP, and ISO/IEC 17025 environments. All timestamps are synchronized to NTP servers via optional Ethernet gateway.

Applications

This incubator serves critical roles in upstream bioprocess development, including aerobic bacterial growth (e.g., E. coli, Bacillus subtilis), yeast fermentation (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae), mammalian suspension culture (e.g., CHO, HEK293), and enzymatic reaction kinetics under controlled agitation. Its precise thermal homogeneity and rapid recovery make it suitable for temperature-sensitive applications such as thermophile screening, protein expression optimization, and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) per CLSI M07-A10 guidelines. The decontamination cycle further supports compliance with ISO 13485 cleanroom maintenance requirements in medical device manufacturing QA labs.

FAQ

Can the shaking platform be used with non-IKA clamps or custom fixtures?
Yes—the platform features standardized M4 threaded inserts compatible with third-party universal clamps, provided mechanical load limits (7.5 kg total) and center-of-gravity constraints are observed.
Is validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) available for GMP environments?
IKA provides factory-verified OQ protocols and customizable PQ templates; full qualification support is delivered by authorized service partners under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures.
Does the unit support CO₂ or humidity control?
No—this is a temperature- and shaking-only incubator. For CO₂/humidity integration, consider the IKA C series or partner with environmental control add-ons from certified vendors.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
Rated for ≥20,000 hours of cumulative operational time; heating elements and motor assemblies are field-replaceable with documented MTBF >15 years at 37 °C/150 rpm duty cycle.
How does the thermal decontamination cycle affect chamber calibration?
Post-cycle recalibration is not required—the PT100 four-wire sensor and PID algorithm maintain traceable accuracy across the full 100 °C decon range, verified per EURAMET cg-18 guidelines.