IKA KS 3000 i control Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS 3000 i control is a precision-engineered, microprocessor-controlled orbital shaker designed for reliable, unattended operation in demanding life science and bioprocessing environments. Utilizing a robust brushless DC motor and a precisely balanced 20 mm orbit drive mechanism, it delivers stable, low-vibration motion across its full speed range of 10–500 rpm—optimized for applications requiring gentle yet effective mixing, suspension, or aeration of biological samples. Integrated Peltier-free resistive heating and a high-resolution PID temperature control system—calibrated with an included PT1000 sensor—enable accurate thermal regulation from ambient +5 °C up to 80 °C within the 50 L stainless-steel chamber. Its compact footprint (465 × 430 × 695 mm), IP30-rated enclosure, and powder-coated steel housing ensure compatibility with standard laboratory benchtops while maintaining structural integrity under continuous 100% duty-cycle operation.

Key Features

• Intelligent PID temperature control with real-time feedback via integrated PT1000 sensor—achieving ±0.1 K accuracy and ±0.05 K stability (measured in a single 0.5 L aqueous load at 37 °C)
• High-contrast LED display showing simultaneous readouts of speed (1 rpm resolution), temperature (0.1 °C increments), and remaining time (1 s minimum setting)
• Dual communication interfaces (RS232 and USB) enabling bidirectional control and audit-ready data logging via optional labworldsoft® software
• Safety-certified operational logic: automatic motor shutdown upon lid opening, integrated liquid drainage channel with rear-mounted drain port, and error-code diagnostics for rapid troubleshooting
• Chemically resistant PMMA front panel and antimicrobial-coated metal housing—designed to minimize microbial adhesion and simplify decontamination in GLP/GMP-aligned workflows
• Modular clamp system supporting universal vessel compatibility—from microtiter plates and test tubes to Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L) and culture bottles—without mechanical recalibration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS 3000 i control accommodates diverse sample formats through interchangeable platform inserts and universal clamping solutions—including spring-loaded, screw-tight, and magnetic variants—ensuring secure retention of vessels ranging from 0.2 mL PCR tubes to 5 L baffled flasks. Its temperature uniformity profile (±0.5 K across five 0.5 L loads at 37 °C) meets common validation benchmarks for cell culture and enzyme kinetics studies. The instrument complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP30 ingress protection), IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for laboratory equipment), and supports traceability frameworks aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when used with validated labworldsoft® configurations. It is suitable for ISO 13485–certified quality systems where documented thermal performance and operational repeatability are required.

Software & Data Management

While labworldsoft® is not supplied as standard, its integration transforms the KS 3000 i control into a fully networked, data-integrated workstation. Through either RS232 or USB, users can remotely configure setpoints, initiate/abort runs, monitor real-time parameter trends, and export timestamped CSV logs—including speed deviation history, thermal drift profiles, and fault event timestamps. Audit trails generated by the software include operator ID, parameter changes, and system status flags—enabling compliance with GLP documentation standards and internal QA review protocols. All firmware updates and configuration backups are managed directly through the software interface, eliminating manual terminal commands.

Applications

This shaker is routinely deployed in upstream bioprocess development (e.g., seed train expansion, media optimization), microbiological assays (e.g., bacterial growth curves, antibiotic susceptibility testing), molecular biology workflows (e.g., plasmid extraction, hybridization incubations), and pharmaceutical stability studies (e.g., accelerated degradation testing per ICH Q1A). Its precise thermal homogeneity and low-speed resolution make it especially suited for sensitive applications such as mammalian cell suspension culture, protein solubilization, and immunoassay plate washing steps where mechanical shear must be minimized without compromising mixing efficiency.

FAQ

Is labworldsoft® included with the instrument?
No—labworldsoft® is an optional software package sold separately. It is required for remote control, automated data export, and electronic recordkeeping.
Can the shaker operate continuously for extended periods?
Yes—the unit is rated for 100% continuous duty cycle and has been validated for uninterrupted operation over 72-hour intervals under nominal load conditions.
What safety certifications does the KS 3000 i control hold?
It conforms to IEC 61010-1 (Edition 3.1) for electrical safety and DIN EN 60529 for mechanical ingress protection (IP30). CE marking indicates compliance with EU Machinery and EMC Directives.
How is temperature accuracy verified during operation?
The built-in PT1000 sensor provides primary chamber monitoring; users may add secondary PT1000 probes (via dedicated sensor ports) to directly measure medium temperature inside vessels—enabling closed-loop correction against thermal lag.
What maintenance is required to sustain long-term performance?
Routine cleaning of the chamber and platform surfaces is recommended. No lubrication or belt replacement is necessary—the brushless motor and sealed bearing assembly require zero scheduled mechanical maintenance over its service life.