IKA C-MAG HS10 Heating Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA C-MAG HS10 is a high-capacity, microprocessor-controlled heating magnetic stirrer engineered for precision temperature regulation and robust mechanical mixing in demanding laboratory environments. Designed around Couette flow principles, it utilizes a rotating magnetic field to drive PTFE- or glass-coated stirring bars within vessels—enabling homogeneous dispersion, dissolution, and reaction kinetics control across viscous and low-viscosity media. Unlike basic stirrers, the HS10 integrates independent thermal and rotational feedback loops: real-time plate temperature monitoring via thermistor-based sensing and closed-loop motor speed stabilization ensure consistent agitation even under variable load conditions. Its ceramic IKAFLON® 40 heating plate delivers uniform thermal distribution and exceptional resistance to strong acids, alkalis, and organic solvents—making it suitable for applications ranging from buffer preparation and catalyst synthesis to polymerization initiation under controlled thermal profiles.

Key Features

• High-power 1500 W ceramic heating plate with precise 50–500 °C range and ±3 K stability when used with optional ETS-D5 external contact thermometer
• Microprocessor-based dual-loop control system: maintains set speed (100–1500 rpm) and plate temperature independently, minimizing drift during extended operation
• Elevated control panel design reduces risk of liquid ingress and improves ergonomics for reading digital displays and adjusting parameters
• Integrated safety architecture includes automatic cut-off at 550 °C, visual thermal warning LED (flashing during active heating), and IP21-rated enclosure for protection against vertically falling droplets and solid objects ≥12.5 mm
• IKAFLON® 40 seamless ceramic surface resists chemical etching, thermal shock, and mechanical abrasion—validated per DIN EN ISO 17872 for long-term performance in corrosive workflows
• Compatibility with standardized IKA stirring bars (e.g., 80 × 8 mm dual-magnet configuration) ensures reliable coupling up to 15 L (H₂O equivalent) without “jumping” or decoupling

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HS10 accommodates round-bottom flasks, beakers, and jacketed reactors up to 15 L volume (water-equivalent), with optimal performance observed in vessels with diameters between 80 mm and 280 mm—matching its 280 × 280 mm heating surface. It supports both open-vessel heating/stirring and closed-system configurations when paired with IKA’s H-series support stands (e.g., H16V, H38, H44). The unit complies with IEC/EN 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EMC requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, audit-ready data logging is achievable via optional RS232/USB interface and IKA Labworldsoft™ software—supporting GLP/GMP-aligned documentation including timestamped parameter changes, temperature ramps, and error logs.

Software & Data Management

When connected to a PC via USB or RS232, the HS10 interfaces with IKA Labworldsoft™ v5.x—a validated platform enabling remote parameter setting, real-time graphing of temperature and speed profiles, and export of CSV-formatted datasets. The software supports method storage with user-defined naming conventions, password-protected access levels, and electronic signature capture for critical process steps. All parameter modifications are automatically time-stamped and archived in an immutable log file—facilitating traceability during regulatory audits. For standalone use, the device retains last-used settings after power cycling and provides visual confirmation of active modes (heating/stirring/on-hold) through intuitive LED indicators.

Applications

• Controlled synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) requiring prolonged heating (up to 500 °C) and uniform suspension of precipitates
• Preparation of high-concentration polymer solutions (e.g., PVDF in NMP) where shear-sensitive viscosity management is critical
• Standardized dissolution testing per USP , particularly for extended-release formulations using elevated bath temperatures
• Buffer equilibration and reagent aging protocols in QC laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems
• Inorganic nanoparticle nucleation studies involving rapid thermal ramping (5 K/min for 1 L water) and simultaneous agitation to suppress agglomeration

FAQ

Does the HS10 support external temperature feedback for solution temperature control?
Yes—the HS10 features an ETS-D5-compatible analog input port, enabling direct connection to IKA’s contact thermometer probes for medium-temperature regulation with ±3 K accuracy.
What is the maximum recommended vessel diameter for stable stirring at 1500 rpm?
For optimal magnetic coupling and vortex stability, use vessels with base diameters ≤220 mm at full speed; larger diameters (up to 280 mm) are supported at speeds ≤1000 rpm.
Can the HS10 be operated in a fume hood with continuous duty cycle?
Yes—its IP21 rating, convection-cooled housing, and thermal cutoff circuitry permit uninterrupted operation in ventilated enclosures, provided ambient temperature remains within 5–40 °C and relative humidity ≤80 %.
Is calibration documentation available for metrological traceability?
IKA provides factory calibration certificates (traceable to DAkkS-accredited standards) upon request; field recalibration of temperature and speed sensors follows procedures outlined in IKA Technical Bulletin TB-HS10-REV4.
How does the HS10 differ from the HS7 in terms of thermal performance?
The HS10 offers 1500 W heating power vs. 1000 W on the HS7, resulting in faster ramp rates (5 K/min for 1 L water) and improved thermal recovery after sample addition—critical for high-throughput reaction screening.