IKA C-MAG HS 4/7/10 Digital Display Heating Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA C-MAG HS 4/7/10 Digital Display Heating Magnetic Stirrer is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for reliable, repeatable thermal and mechanical agitation of liquid samples in research, quality control, and teaching environments. Based on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath a chemically inert ceramic plate induces rotational motion in a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample—the device delivers consistent torque transmission without mechanical seals or moving external components. Its integrated heating function employs resistive ceramic plate technology, enabling rapid, uniform heat transfer across the working surface. The HS series distinguishes itself through microprocessor-based closed-loop control: real-time feedback from both motor speed sensors and temperature monitoring circuits ensures stable setpoint maintenance under variable load conditions, including viscous media up to 5 L (water-equivalent). Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the unit complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP21 ingress protection) and meets essential safety requirements for Class I electrical equipment per IEC 61010-1.

Key Features

• Ceramic heating plate (100 × 100 mm) — seamless, non-porous, highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents; eliminates risk of liquid infiltration and corrosion-induced failure
• Dual independent control system — graduated analog speed dial (0–6 scale) and digital LED temperature display enable intuitive, reproducible parameter setting
• Active thermal safety architecture — fixed overtemperature cut-off at 550 °C prevents uncontrolled thermal runaway; flashing LED indicator warns users of elevated plate surface temperature during operation
• Elevated control panel design — minimizes exposure to splashes while improving readability and tactile access to controls
• Microprocessor-regulated drive — continuously monitors motor back-EMF and heater resistance to maintain constant rotational speed and target temperature despite viscosity fluctuations or ambient drift
• Optional ETS-D5 contact thermometer integration (HS 7 & HS 10 models) — enables direct solution temperature feedback for enhanced thermal accuracy beyond surface-based control

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C-MAG HS 4/7/10 accommodates standard glassware (e.g., beakers, flasks) up to 5 L volume per stirring position. Its ceramic plate supports compatibility with aggressive reagents—including concentrated HNO₃, NaOH solutions, and acetone—without degradation. The device operates within ambient conditions of 5–40 °C and ≤80 % relative humidity (non-condensing), meeting typical ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory environmental specifications. While not certified for use in explosion-proof or cleanroom-classified areas, its IP21 rating confirms protection against vertically falling solid objects and limited ingress of moisture—suitable for general-purpose wet labs. For regulated environments requiring audit trails, optional IKA Labworld software (via RS232 interface) supports basic data logging compliant with GLP documentation practices.

Software & Data Management

The C-MAG HS 4/7/10 features an RS232 serial interface (standard on HS 7 and HS 10 variants) for connection to external PCs or laboratory information management systems (LIMS). When paired with IKA Labworld software, users can record time-stamped temperature and speed profiles, export CSV-formatted datasets, and generate PDF reports traceable to operator ID and session timestamp. Though not natively 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, the system supports manual audit trail implementation via controlled file naming conventions and versioned log backups—facilitating alignment with internal SOPs for GMP-relevant applications such as raw material dispersion validation or buffer preparation consistency checks.

Applications

• Homogenization of polymer solutions and colloidal suspensions prior to rheological or particle size analysis
• Controlled heating and mixing during titration setup, dissolution testing, or enzymatic reaction incubation
• Preparation of calibration standards and reference solutions requiring precise thermal equilibration
• Accelerated aging studies where temperature-coupled agitation simulates long-term storage dynamics
• Teaching laboratories demonstrating Arrhenius kinetics, solubility curves, or heat transfer fundamentals

FAQ

Is the C-MAG HS 4/7/10 suitable for use with corrosive solvents such as hydrofluoric acid?

No. While the ceramic plate resists most common acids and bases, HF attacks silicon-based ceramics and must be avoided.
Can the unit maintain ±1 °C temperature stability in solution?

Not inherently—surface-based control yields ±10 K accuracy. For tighter solution-level control, integrate the optional ETS-D5 probe with HS 7 or HS 10 models.
Does the device support programmable ramping or multi-step protocols?

No. It provides only manual setpoint control; programmable profiles require external software via RS232.
What is the expected service life of the motor under continuous 1500 rpm operation?

Rated for >10,000 hours at nominal load; lifetime decreases proportionally with sustained high-speed, high-viscosity duty cycles.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?

No. Factory calibration documentation is available upon request; third-party accredited calibration (e.g., DKD/DAkkS) must be arranged separately.