IKA HS 260 control NOL Reciprocal Shaker

Overview

The IKA HS 260 control NOL is a precision-engineered reciprocal shaker designed for reproducible, low-shear mixing in life science and bioprocessing laboratories. It operates on a linear reciprocating motion with a fixed stroke diameter of 20 mm, delivering consistent orbital displacement ideal for cell culture maintenance, solubility studies, immunoassay plate washing, and gentle suspension of sensitive biological samples. Unlike rotary or orbital shakers, the HS 260 control NOL’s back-and-forth motion minimizes vortex formation and shear stress—critical for adherent cell lines, protein aggregates, and fragile microbial cultures. Its compact footprint (360 × 100 × 420 mm) and robust aluminum housing support integration into biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, and shared core facilities. The device is CE-marked and conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP21), ensuring safe operation under standard laboratory environmental conditions (5–50 °C ambient, ≤80% relative humidity).

Key Features

• Microprocessor-controlled speed regulation with digital LCD display for real-time monitoring of rpm (10–300) and elapsed/remaining time (1–599 min)
• Dual operating modes: programmable timer mode (1–599 min) and continuous run mode for extended incubation protocols
• High-stability mechanical drive system engineered for minimal vibration transmission and long-term operational reliability
• RS232 serial interface and analog output (0–10 V) enable external data logging and integration into centralized lab automation systems
• Labworldsoft®-compatible architecture supports remote parameter configuration, event-triggered logging, and audit-ready session export
• IP21-rated enclosure provides protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for non-hazardous, general-purpose lab environments
• Energy-efficient design: 45 W nominal input power, 10 W motor output, rated for 100% duty cycle without thermal derating

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HS 260 control NOL accommodates a wide range of vessel formats—including flasks (up to 2 L), multi-well plates (6–96-well), test tubes, and custom bioreactor vessels—via interchangeable clamps (sold separately). Clamp selection must account for load distribution and center-of-gravity alignment to maintain mechanical stability at maximum speed (300 rpm) and full load (7.5 kg including clamp mass). The shaker complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. While not a regulated medical device, its traceable parameter control and Labworldsoft®-enabled data handling support GLP-compliant workflows where electronic records are required per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 guidelines.

Software & Data Management

Labworldsoft® serves as the primary control and documentation platform for the HS 260 control NOL. Through the RS232 interface, users can define multi-step shaking protocols—including ramp-up/down profiles, pause intervals, and conditional triggers—directly from a Windows-based workstation. All executed parameters (setpoints, actual rpm, timer status, error codes) are timestamped and stored locally or exported as CSV/Excel files for quality assurance review. Audit trails include operator ID (when integrated with domain authentication), session start/stop timestamps, and modification history—facilitating internal process validation and regulatory inspections. Analog output allows connection to standalone chart recorders or PLC-based facility monitoring systems for uninterrupted environmental correlation.

Applications

• Maintenance of suspension mammalian and insect cell cultures requiring low-shear agitation
• Hybridization and washing steps in ELISA, Western blotting, and nucleic acid hybridization assays
• Solubility and dissolution testing of biopharmaceutical formulations under controlled temperature (5–50 °C when used inside an incubator or climate chamber)
• Preparation of homogeneous bacterial inocula for MIC/MBC assays and growth curve analysis
• Extraction optimization in natural product chemistry and metabolomics sample prep
• Calibration and validation of secondary shaking platforms using reference-standard motion profiles

FAQ

Is the HS 260 control NOL suitable for use inside a CO₂ incubator?

No—the unit is not rated for humidified, high-CO₂, or elevated-temperature incubator environments. It is designed for ambient lab use; temperature control (5–50 °C) refers to external environmental limits, not active chamber heating/cooling.
Can multiple HS 260 control NOL units be synchronized via Labworldsoft®?

Yes—Labworldsoft® supports networked control of up to 32 compatible IKA devices; synchronization requires individual RS232-to-USB adapters and proper COM port allocation.
What clamp types are officially supported by IKA for this model?

IKA offers standardized clamps for Erlenmeyer flasks (100–2000 mL), universal plate holders (6–96-well), tube racks (13–50 mL), and custom-machined fixtures; all are listed in IKA’s accessory catalog under “HS 260 control NOL mounting kits.”
Does the analog output provide real-time rpm feedback or only setpoint signals?

The 0–10 V analog output reflects the actual measured motor speed (closed-loop feedback), not the user-defined setpoint—enabling third-party verification of performance consistency.
Is firmware update capability available through Labworldsoft®?

Yes—firmware updates are distributed via IKA’s official support portal and applied through Labworldsoft®’s device management module; version history and release notes are provided in English with ISO/IEC 17025-aligned validation documentation.