IKA KS 4000 i control Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS 4000 i control is a precision-engineered, microprocessor-controlled orbital shaker designed for uninterrupted, temperature-regulated incubation of biological and chemical samples in research and quality control laboratories. Utilizing a robust brushless DC motor and a precisely balanced eccentric drive mechanism, it delivers stable, low-vibration orbital motion with a fixed 20 mm orbit diameter—optimized for uniform mixing, suspension culture, solubilization, and enzymatic reactions. Its integrated air-bath heating system employs dual PT1000 platinum resistance thermometers and PID-based feedback control to maintain thermal stability within ±0.1 K under defined load conditions (e.g., 0.2 L water at 37 °C), meeting critical requirements for cell culture, microbial growth studies, and reagent equilibration. The unit operates continuously across a wide ambient range (15–32 °C) and complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP30) for laboratory-grade environmental protection.

Key Features

• Intelligent safety architecture: automatic shutdown upon lid opening or excessive oscillation amplitude detection
• High-resolution LED display showing real-time speed (10–500 rpm, adjustable in 1-rpm increments), elapsed/remaining time, and chamber temperature
• Antimicrobial coated control panel surface inhibits microbial colonization—critical for aseptic environments and GLP-compliant workflows
• Dual-sensor PID temperature regulation ensures high reproducibility across diverse vessel configurations (validated for ≤5 × 0.5 L flasks at 37 °C)
• Integrated drainage channel and removable collection tray prevent liquid accumulation and support rapid decontamination
• RS232 serial interface enables bidirectional communication with external PCs and full remote operation via IKA’s labworldsoft® software suite
• Energy-efficient design: 24 W mechanical output power with 100% duty cycle rating and thermal overload protection

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS 4000 i control accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L), test tubes, microplates, and custom bioreactor bottles—using optional universal clamps or application-specific fixtures (sold separately). Its 440 × 440 × 352 mm internal chamber and 90 L volume support multi-vessel parallel processing without compromising thermal homogeneity. The system adheres to ISO/IEC 17025-relevant operational rigor and supports audit-ready documentation when used with labworldsoft®’s 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic record module. It meets essential safety standards including EN 61010-1 (electrical safety) and EN 61326-1 (EMC), and its temperature performance aligns with ASTM E2925-21 guidelines for orbital shaker validation.

Software & Data Management

labworldsoft® serves as the central control and data governance platform for the KS 4000 i control. Through this validated software, users configure multi-step protocols (e.g., ramp-and-hold temperature profiles, speed gradients, timed pauses), initiate automated runs, and export timestamped CSV logs containing speed, temperature, and runtime metadata. Audit trails capture operator ID, parameter changes, and system events—enabling compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, and internal SOPs requiring traceability in QC/QA and regulated bioprocessing environments. Data integrity is preserved via encrypted local storage and optional network backup.

Applications

This shaker is routinely deployed in upstream bioprocess development (e.g., shake-flask screening of microbial expression strains), pharmaceutical dissolution testing, immunoassay plate incubation, DNA/RNA hybridization optimization, and environmental microbiology sample enrichment. Its precise thermal control and low-speed accuracy (±1 rpm) make it suitable for delicate applications such as primary neuronal culture agitation and antibody-antigen binding kinetics studies. In academic core facilities, it functions as a standardized platform for inter-laboratory method transfer and proficiency testing.

FAQ

Does the KS 4000 i control support external temperature probes for media monitoring?

Yes—it accepts optional external PT1000 sensors that can be inserted directly into culture vessels for real-time media temperature verification, independent of chamber air readings.
Can multiple KS 4000 i control units be synchronized via labworldsoft®?

Yes—the software supports networked control of up to 32 units, enabling coordinated multi-parameter experiments across parallel incubation conditions.
Is the unit suitable for CO₂-sensitive applications?

No—this is an air-bath system without gas regulation; for CO₂-dependent cultures, a dedicated CO₂ incubator shaker is required.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?

IKA recommends annual calibration verification of temperature and speed sensors by an accredited service provider, along with quarterly inspection of drive belt tension and drain channel clearance.
Are third-party clamps compatible with the KS 4000 i control platform?

Only IKA-certified clamps are guaranteed to maintain mechanical balance and thermal integrity; non-OEM fixtures may compromise vibration damping and invalidate warranty coverage.