IKA INC 125 F digital Electric Constant Temperature Incubator

Overview

The IKA INC 125 F digital is a precision-engineered forced-air electric constant temperature incubator designed for reproducible, contamination-controlled microbial cultivation, cell culture maintenance, and biochemical assay incubation in academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial laboratories. Utilizing a high-efficiency convection system with independently regulated fan speed and electronically adjustable ventilation flaps, the unit ensures rapid thermal equilibration and exceptional spatial uniformity across its 125 L stainless steel AISI 304 chamber. Its operating range—spanning from ambient +8 °C to 100 °C—is optimized for both low-temperature microbiological applications and high-temperature sterilization validation protocols. The integrated PT100 four-wire resistance thermometer delivers high-fidelity temperature feedback, enabling stability of ±0.3 K and homogeneity of ±0.3 K at 37 °C under standard ambient conditions (22 °C), meeting stringent requirements for GLP-compliant workflows and ISO 17025-accredited testing environments.

Key Features

• Forced-air circulation architecture with variable-speed centrifugal fan (0–100% adjustable) and motorized ventilation flap for dynamic airflow optimization
• Dual-door design: outer insulated door + inner tempered glass door minimizes thermal loss during routine observation
• Thermal decontamination cycle (120 °C / 2 h) validated for reduction of microbial load in chamber surfaces, supporting ISO 14644-1 cleanroom-grade hygiene practices
• LCD interface with real-time temperature readout, programmable timer (up to 100 days), and event logging via USB export
• Robust AISI 304 stainless steel interior chamber, seamless welds, and rounded corners for ease of cleaning and compliance with USP analytical instrument qualification guidelines
• Stackable configuration (up to two units vertically) using optional mounting kits—compatible with IKA’s INC series oscillating and non-shaking variants
• DIN 12880 Class TB1 thermal safety cutoff and IP20-rated electrical enclosure for operational integrity under regulated laboratory conditions

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The INC 125 F digital accommodates standard microbiological vessels—including Petri dishes, multiwell plates, Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), and culture tubes—on up to six load-rated wire shelves (20 kg per shelf). Its uniform airflow profile eliminates cold/hot spots critical for aerobic bacterial growth studies (e.g., ASTM D5511, ISO 15189 Annex A.3) and enzyme activity assays requiring strict thermal consistency. The unit complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP20), IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment), and supports 21 CFR Part 11–aligned data integrity when paired with IKA Labworldsoft™ software (optional). All materials contacting the chamber interior meet USP Class VI biocompatibility criteria, and surface finish adheres to EHEDG Guideline #8 for hygienic equipment design.

Software & Data Management

While the INC 125 F digital operates autonomously via its embedded microcontroller, it features a full-function USB port for firmware updates and time-stamped parameter export (temperature setpoint, actual value, timer status, alarm history). When integrated with IKA Labworldsoft™ (v4.0+), users gain access to audit-trail-enabled calibration management, electronic signature support, and automated report generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements. Raw temperature logs are stored in CSV format for traceability, and the system records all manual interventions—including door openings, mode changes, and decontamination cycles—with timestamps and operator ID fields (when network-authenticated).

Applications

• Standardized microbial growth studies (e.g., ISO 8583, AOAC 977.27) under controlled aerobic conditions
• Stability testing of pharmaceutical intermediates per ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines
• Enzyme kinetics experiments requiring stable thermal baselines over extended durations
• Pre-incubation of agar plates prior to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (CLSI M02-A12)
• Environmental simulation for material degradation assessments (ASTM G151, ISO 4892-2)
• Support incubation for ELISA, PCR master mix preparation, and hybridization steps in molecular diagnostics

FAQ

Does the INC 125 F digital support external temperature probes or multi-point monitoring?
No—the unit relies exclusively on its factory-calibrated PT100 four-wire sensor located centrally in the chamber. External probe integration is not supported.
Can the thermal decontamination cycle be validated with biological indicators?
Yes; the 120 °C / 2 h cycle exceeds the D-value requirements for Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores (D_121°C ≈ 1.5 min), enabling verification per ISO 17665-1 Annex B.
Is the USB interface compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems?
Yes—data export uses standard CDC ACM serial emulation; no proprietary drivers required on modern OS platforms.
What is the recommended recalibration interval for routine GLP use?
IKA recommends annual calibration against NIST-traceable reference standards, with intermediate verification every 3 months using a calibrated portable thermistor probe per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.2.
Are replacement shelves and accessories available through authorized distributors?
Yes—stainless steel wire shelves (Art. No. 3000000000), silicone-sealed glass doors (Art. No. 3000000001), and stacking kits (Art. No. 3000000002) are stocked globally under IKA’s spare parts program.