IKA KS 3000 ic control Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS 3000 ic control is a precision-engineered, microprocessor-controlled orbital shaker designed for demanding life science and bioprocessing applications requiring simultaneous temperature regulation and reproducible agitation. Operating on the principle of orbital motion with a fixed 20 mm diameter orbit, it delivers uniform mixing across heterogeneous biological samples—including microbial cultures, cell suspensions, enzyme assays, and solubility studies—while maintaining tight thermal control from ambient +5 °C up to 80 °C. Its integrated cooling coil enables connection to an external recirculating chiller, extending operational capability down to ambient −10 °C—critical for thermosensitive protein expression or low-temperature fermentation protocols. The system employs a high-stability PID algorithm paired with a factory-calibrated PT1000 sensor mounted directly in the chamber base, ensuring real-time feedback and minimizing thermal lag. Unlike basic shakers, the KS 3000 ic control is engineered for unattended operation in regulated environments: safety interlocks halt motion upon lid opening, condensate is managed via rear-mounted drainage, and continuous-duty rating (100% duty cycle) supports overnight or multi-day incubation workflows.

Key Features

• Orbital shaking platform with precise 20 mm orbit diameter and speed resolution of 1 rpm across 10–500 rpm range
• Dual-parameter LED display showing real-time speed (±1% deviation) and chamber temperature (±0.1 K resolution)
• Integrated PT1000 temperature sensor in chamber floor; additional sensor port allows direct media temperature monitoring in sample vessels
• External cooling interface with built-in copper cooling coil compatible with standard laboratory chillers (e.g., Huber, Julabo)
• RS232 and USB interfaces support bidirectional communication with lab PCs for remote control and audit-trail-capable data logging
• Antimicrobial powder-coated steel housing and PMMA transparent front panel meet ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom-compatible surface requirements
• Automatic motion cutoff upon lid actuation, conforming to IEC 61000-6-2 EMC and EN 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment
• Drainage channel and removable drip tray simplify decontamination after spills—essential for BSL-2 compliance

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS 3000 ic control accommodates diverse vessel formats via interchangeable clamping systems—including universal platform clamps, microplate holders (96-/384-well), flask supports (up to 5 L Erlenmeyer), and custom fixtures for tube racks or bioreactor bags. Its 330 × 330 mm platform and 50 L chamber volume support high-throughput screening setups without compromising thermal homogeneity (±0.5 K across five 0.5 L vessels at 37 °C). The unit complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP30 ingress protection), CE marking per 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive) and 2014/35/EU (LVD Directive), and meets mechanical safety requirements of EN 61010-1:2010. For GLP/GMP environments, its digital interfaces enable integration into validated workflows supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when used with IKA’s labworldsoft® software (sold separately).

Software & Data Management

Control and documentation are enabled via IKA’s labworldsoft® software suite—a Windows-based application supporting real-time parameter visualization, programmable multi-step protocols (e.g., ramp-and-hold temperature profiles synchronized with speed changes), and timestamped export of CSV/Excel datasets. The software logs all user actions, system events (e.g., lid open/close, error codes), and environmental deviations—providing full traceability required under ISO/IEC 17025 and USP . Raw data streams over RS232 or USB include speed, setpoint/actual temperature, elapsed time, and fault flags (e.g., “E05: Overtemperature,” “E12: Communication Timeout”). No cloud dependency: all data resides locally, enabling air-gapped deployment in secure research facilities.

Applications

• Microbial growth kinetics (E. coli, yeast, Bacillus spp.) under controlled thermal and aeration conditions
• Protein solubilization and refolding assays requiring precise sub-30 °C agitation
• Cell culture expansion in suspension bioreactors (e.g., CHO, HEK293) with temperature-triggered differentiation protocols
• ELISA plate washing and incubation steps where uniform mixing prevents edge effects
• Solubility and dissolution testing per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.9.3 guidelines
• Environmental microbiology—BOD incubation, nutrient broth enrichment, and antibiotic susceptibility testing

FAQ

Does the KS 3000 ic control include a built-in refrigeration unit?
No. It features an integrated cooling coil for connection to an external recirculating chiller—enabling sub-ambient operation without internal compressors.
Is labworldsoft® software included with the instrument?
No. labworldsoft® is an optional software package sold separately; the shaker ships with only hardware-level firmware.
Can the unit operate continuously for 72+ hours?
Yes. Rated for 100% continuous duty cycle, with thermal management validated for uninterrupted operation under maximum load (7.5 kg) at 80 °C.
What is the accuracy of temperature control when using an external PT1000 probe in a culture flask?
When configured with an optional immersion probe (e.g., IKA PT1000-F), chamber-setpoint deviation is reduced to ±0.2 K at 37 °C, as verified per ISO 8573-1 Annex B calibration procedures.
Are third-party clamps compatible with the KS 3000 platform?
Only IKA-certified clamps are supported for safety and performance validation; non-OEM fixtures void warranty and may compromise thermal uniformity or mechanical stability.