IKA C-MAG HP 10 Electric Heating Plate

Overview

The IKA C-MAG HP 10 Electric Heating Plate is a precision-engineered laboratory heating device designed for stable, repeatable thermal control in sample preparation, digestion, solvent evaporation, and reaction support applications. Built on IKA’s decades-long heritage in German laboratory instrumentation, the HP 10 employs resistive ceramic heating technology with closed-loop temperature regulation—enabling consistent surface heating across its full 260 × 260 mm ceramic plate. Unlike basic hotplates, the HP 10 integrates microprocessor-based feedback control that continuously monitors both plate surface temperature and, when paired with the optional ETS-D5 external probe, actual medium temperature—ensuring thermal accuracy independent of vessel geometry or heat capacity variations. Its operational range spans 50–500 °C, making it suitable for high-temperature applications such as acid digestion protocols (e.g., EPA Method 3050B), polymer melt conditioning, and controlled drying of refractory samples.

Key Features

• Ceramic heating plate: Seamless, chemically inert surface resistant to strong acids (including HNO₃, HCl, HF up to 60%), alkalis, and organic solvents—compliant with DIN EN 60529 for IP21 ingress protection against vertically falling solids.
• Dual-mode temperature control: Default surface temperature regulation (±3 °C) and optional medium temperature control via ETS-D5 contact sensor (±0.1 °C), supporting ISO/IEC 17025-compliant method validation.
• Elevated control panel: Tilted 15° interface minimizes liquid splash exposure and improves readability under fume hood conditions; LED display provides real-time setpoint and actual temperature values.
• Safety architecture: Overtemperature cutoff at 550 °C, visual thermal warning indicator (flashing LED during operation), and automatic shutdown upon sensor disconnection or thermal runaway detection.
• Robust mechanical design: Die-cast aluminum housing with reinforced ceramic plate mounting; 6 kg mass ensures vibration damping during simultaneous stirring (when used with compatible IKA magnetic stirrers).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HP 10 accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including borosilicate glass beakers (50–2000 mL), PTFE digestion tubes, quartz crucibles, and stainless-steel reaction blocks—without thermal distortion or localized hot spotting. Its uniform ±3 °C temperature distribution across the entire 260 × 260 mm zone meets ASTM E2757–19 requirements for hotplate performance verification. For regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical QC labs operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU GMP Annex 11), the system supports audit-ready documentation when used with ETS-D5 and validated SOPs—though standalone HP 10 does not include electronic signature or data archiving features unless integrated into a compliant LIMS or ELN platform.

Software & Data Management

The HP 10 operates as a stand-alone analog/digital hybrid instrument with no embedded firmware connectivity (no USB, RS232, or Ethernet ports). All parameter settings—including temperature setpoint, ramp rate (manual), and hold time—are configured directly via front-panel membrane keys. While it lacks native PC interfacing, the optional ETS-D5 sensor enables analog voltage output (0–10 V) proportional to measured temperature, permitting integration with third-party DAQ systems (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB) for continuous logging and trend analysis. Users performing GLP/GMP workflows are advised to pair the unit with external calibrated thermocouple loggers (e.g., Fluke 179 or Omega HH309A) for independent traceable records.

Applications

• Acid digestion of environmental soils and sediments per EPA 3050B, 3051A, and ISO 11466.
• Controlled evaporation of HPLC mobile phases and LC-MS sample extracts under nitrogen-assisted conditions.
• Pre-heating of GC inlet liners, autosampler vials, and FTIR ATR crystals prior to analysis.
• Thermal conditioning of rheological test specimens (e.g., polymer melts, bitumen) before viscometry or DSC testing.
• Support heating for reflux, Soxhlet extraction, and Kjeldahl digestion systems where precise bath-level temperature stability is critical.

FAQ

Does the HP 10 support programmable temperature ramps or multi-step profiles?
No—the HP 10 provides only manual setpoint control with no built-in ramping or sequencing functionality. For automated thermal profiles, users must integrate an external controller or use IKA’s RET cordless heating systems with Labworldsoft software.
Can the HP 10 be used under a fume hood without performance loss?
Yes—its IP21-rated enclosure and convection-stable ceramic plate ensure reliable operation in ventilated enclosures; however, airflow >0.5 m/s may reduce effective surface temperature by up to 8 °C and should be compensated via sensor-based medium control.
Is the ceramic plate replaceable if cracked?
No—the plate is permanently bonded to the heating element and chassis; replacement requires factory service or full unit exchange per IKA’s warranty policy.
What calibration standards apply to the HP 10’s temperature readout?
IKA recommends annual verification using NIST-traceable PT100 probes (e.g., Fluke 724) placed directly on the plate center; certificate of conformance (CoC) is supplied with each unit, but full ISO 17025 calibration requires third-party lab accreditation.
Does the HP 10 comply with RoHS and REACH directives?
Yes—all materials and manufacturing processes meet EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS2) and Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH), with full declarations available upon request from IKA Germany.