IKA HS 501 Digital Reciprocal/Circular Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA HS 501 Digital Reciprocal/Circular Orbital Shaker is an engineered laboratory platform designed for precise, reproducible agitation of samples in life science and bioprocessing workflows. Its dual-mode drive mechanism supports both reciprocal (linear back-and-forth) and circular orbital motion—enabling method flexibility across diverse sample formats including separatory funnels, culture flasks, beakers, and multi-well plates. The shaker employs a robust brushless DC motor coupled with a precision-machined eccentric drive system to deliver stable, low-vibration oscillation at speeds ranging from 0 to 300 rpm. With a fixed 30 mm orbit diameter and a maximum load capacity of 15 kg (including clamps), the HS 501 maintains mechanical integrity and speed accuracy under full-load conditions. Its low-profile, wide-base chassis (505 mm × 585 mm footprint) ensures high stability on standard laboratory benches while accommodating large-diameter vessels. Designed for uninterrupted operation, the unit meets 100 % duty cycle requirements and complies with DIN EN 60529 for IP21 ingress protection—suitable for controlled indoor lab environments with ambient temperatures between 5 °C and 50 °C.

Key Features

• Dual-operation mode: Selectable reciprocal or circular orbital motion via front-panel toggle switch
• Digitally controlled speed regulation (0–300 rpm) with real-time LED display for traceable parameter verification
• Integrated analog-scale timer with adjustable range from 1 to 56 minutes; supports both timed and continuous run modes
• High-torque, low-noise brushless DC motor delivering 19 W mechanical output from 70 W electrical input
• Stable aluminum-alloy platform with reinforced support structure optimized for uniform load distribution up to 15 kg
• Universal voltage compatibility (230 / 115 / 100 V, 50/60 Hz) enabling deployment across North American, European, and Asian laboratory power infrastructures
• Compliance with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) standards for electromagnetic compatibility

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HS 501 accommodates flat-bottomed and conical vessels commonly used in microbiology, cell culture, extraction, and reagent preparation—including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L), separatory funnels (up to 4 L), Petri dishes, and deep-well microplates. Its 30 mm orbit diameter provides optimal mixing efficiency for viscous or density-stratified solutions without splashing or foaming. While the shaker itself does not include clamps, it is fully compatible with IKA’s standardized clamp systems (e.g., universal platform clamps, flask holders, and multi-position adapters), all sold separately and certified for ISO 9001-manufactured traceability. The device adheres to general-purpose laboratory safety standards per EN 61010-1 and carries CE marking for conformity with EU Machinery and Low Voltage Directives. It is routinely validated in GLP-compliant labs for routine QC applications involving buffer equilibration, solubility testing, and microbial suspension homogenization.

Software & Data Management

The HS 501 operates as a standalone instrument without embedded software or digital connectivity interfaces. It features no RS-232, USB, or analog output ports—intentionally designed for simplicity, reliability, and minimal maintenance in regulated environments where data integrity is maintained through procedural documentation rather than electronic records. All operational parameters (speed, time, mode) are manually set and visually confirmed via LED and analog scale displays—eliminating firmware dependencies and reducing validation burden under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11 frameworks. For laboratories requiring audit-trail capability, external logging devices (e.g., calibrated data loggers connected to the timer output relay, where available on custom configurations) may be deployed in accordance with internal SOPs.

Applications

• Microbial and mammalian cell culture agitation in non-CO₂ incubators or ambient benchtop settings
• Solvent extraction and phase separation using separatory funnels
• Precipitation and crystallization kinetics studies requiring gentle, consistent mixing
• Antibody conjugation, ELISA plate coating, and immunoassay buffer equilibration
• Soil/water suspension homogenization for environmental microbiology assays
• Pre-analytical sample preparation for HPLC, GC, and spectrophotometric analysis

FAQ

Is the HS 501 suitable for use inside incubators or cold rooms?

No—the unit is rated for ambient operation only (5–50 °C) and lacks environmental sealing beyond IP21; it must be operated in temperature- and humidity-controlled laboratory spaces.
Can clamps be retrofitted after purchase?

Yes—standardized IKA clamp sets (e.g., KS 125, KS 4000) are mechanically and dimensionally compatible and may be ordered separately at any time.
Does the timer support auto-restart or repeat cycles?

No—the analog timer is single-cycle only; once elapsed, the unit stops unless manually reset or switched to continuous mode.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?

Annual inspection of drive belt tension (if applicable), cleaning of ventilation grilles, and verification of motor mounting integrity are recommended per IKA Technical Bulletin TB-HS501-Rev.3.
Is the HS 501 compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requirements?

While the instrument itself is not a measuring device, its speed and timer functions may be verified using NIST-traceable tachometers and stopwatch calibrators during laboratory equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ).