IKA KS 3000 ic control Orbital Incubator Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS 3000 ic control is a precision-engineered orbital incubator shaker designed for demanding life science applications requiring simultaneous temperature-controlled mixing and long-term unattended operation. Based on the Couette flow principle inherent to orbital shaking, it delivers consistent, low-shear agitation ideal for cell culture, microbial growth, solubility studies, and enzymatic assays. Its integrated dual PT1000 temperature sensors—combined with PID-based thermal regulation—enable tight control across a broad operational range (5–80 °C), while optional external chiller integration extends low-temperature capability down to 12 °C. The unit features a robust stainless-steel chamber with a PMMA transparent lid, sealed powder-coated steel housing, and an ergonomic design compliant with DIN EN 60529 IP30 for laboratory safety and durability. All critical parameters—including speed (10–500 rpm), time (1 s–999 h), and temperature—are monitored and displayed via high-contrast LED interfaces treated with antimicrobial coating to mitigate biocontamination risks in shared lab environments.

Key Features

• Orbital motion with 20 mm diameter ensures homogeneous mixing without foaming or shear-induced cell damage—optimized for suspension cultures and low-viscosity media.
• Dual PT1000 sensor architecture enables real-time internal temperature feedback and dynamic PID correction, delivering ±0.05 K stability (single-vessel) and ±0.5 K uniformity (multi-vessel) at 37 °C.
• Intelligent safety logic: automatic shutdown upon lid opening or mechanical disturbance; integrated drip tray with rear drain hose prevents liquid ingress into electronics.
• Full digital control interface with RS232 and USB ports supports bidirectional communication with Labworldsoft software for remote configuration, data logging, and audit-trail generation compliant with GLP/GMP workflows.
• Modular platform design accommodates universal clamps (sold separately) for flasks (50–5000 mL), microtiter plates, and custom vessels—max load capacity of 7.5 kg including fixtures.
• Continuous-duty rated motor (10 W output, 45 W input) with 1 rpm resolution and <1% speed deviation ensures reproducible agitation across extended runs up to 999 hours.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS 3000 ic control supports standard laboratory vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (50–2000 mL), baffled flasks, deep-well plates, and tube racks—compatible with both aqueous and mildly corrosive media. Chamber dimensions (330 × 330 × 258 mm) and 50 L internal volume allow flexible multi-vessel arrangements. Temperature performance is validated per ISO 17025 traceable protocols using calibrated PT1000 probes. Electrical safety complies with IEC 61010-1; electromagnetic compatibility meets EN 61326-1. The device supports 21 CFR Part 11–ready data export when used with Labworldsoft v4.0+, enabling electronic signatures, user access levels, and immutable audit trails required for regulated QC/QA environments.

Software & Data Management

Labworldsoft serves as the primary control and documentation platform for the KS 3000 ic control. Through USB or RS232 connection, users can configure ramp profiles, define multi-step protocols (e.g., temperature ramp + speed gradient), trigger alarms on deviation thresholds, and export timestamped CSV logs containing speed, temperature, elapsed time, and error codes. Software-generated reports include operator ID, instrument serial number, and environmental metadata—facilitating compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, USP , and FDA validation requirements. Firmware updates are delivered via secure download and installed through the same interface, ensuring long-term regulatory alignment.

Applications

• Mammalian and insect cell culture under controlled O₂/CO₂-compatible conditions (when paired with gas-controlled incubators).
• Bacterial and yeast fermentation kinetics, including induction-phase optimization and metabolite profiling.
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) using broth microdilution in 96-well plates.
• Protein solubilization, antigen-antibody binding assays, and ELISA plate incubation with gentle agitation.
• Environmental microbiology: soil slurry extraction, biodegradation studies, and wastewater treatment simulations.
• Method development for dissolution testing (USP Apparatus I/II analogs) where orbital agitation mimics physiological fluid dynamics.

FAQ

Does the KS 3000 ic control support cooling below ambient temperature?

Yes—when connected to an external recirculating chiller (e.g., IKA RC 2 basic/control) via the integrated cooling coil port, the system achieves stable operation from 12 °C to 80 °C.
Is the temperature calibration traceable to national standards?

Temperature sensors are factory-calibrated against PT1000 reference standards; users may perform field verification using accredited secondary probes per ISO/IEC 17025 procedures.
Can multiple units be synchronized via Labworldsoft?

Labworldsoft supports networked control of up to 16 KS-series devices on a single PC, enabling parallel protocol execution and centralized data aggregation.
What safety certifications does the unit hold?

It conforms to IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and carries CE marking under the EU Low Voltage and EMC Directives.
Are clamps and flask holders included in the base delivery?

No—universal clamps, microplate adapters, and specialized fixtures are optional accessories ordered separately to match specific vessel configurations.