IKA C-MAG HS 4 Digital Heating Magnetic Stirrer S025

Overview

The IKA C-MAG HS 4 Digital Heating Magnetic Stirrer S025 is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible heating and stirring of laboratory samples under controlled thermal conditions. Designed around a robust ceramic heating plate and a high-efficiency brushless motor, this device operates on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating magnetic field generated beneath the plate induces rotation in a PTFE- or glass-coated magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample. The integrated digital control system enables independent adjustment of rotational speed and heating temperature, with real-time dual-channel LCD feedback for both setpoint and measured values. Its seamless ceramic surface resists aggressive chemicals—including strong acids, bases, and organic solvents—ensuring long-term stability in demanding analytical, synthetic, and quality control workflows. The unit complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP21) for protection against solid ingress and limited vertical dripping, supporting safe operation in standard laboratory environments (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH).

Key Features

• Ceramic heating plate (100 × 100 mm) with exceptional chemical resistance and uniform thermal distribution
• Dual LCD display showing both set temperature and real-time medium temperature (when using PT1000 sensor)
• Integrated PT1000 temperature sensor included as standard for closed-loop medium temperature control
• Three operational modes: Standard (free parameter adjustment), Safety (prevents accidental changes), and Lock (full keypad lock)
• Fixed safety cut-off at 550 °C with visual thermal warning—flashing LED indicates elevated plate surface temperature
• Elevated control panel design minimizes risk of liquid ingress during splashing or condensation
• Continuous (stepless) heating control with 5 K resolution; heating rate of 2.5 K/min (measured in 1 L H₂O in H1500 vessel)
• Motor output: 1.5 W; max. load capacity: 7.5 kg; max. stir bar length: 30 mm

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C-MAG HS 4 Digital accommodates vessels up to 5 L volume (water-equivalent), compatible with standard round-bottom flasks, beakers, and reaction vials made of borosilicate glass, stainless steel, or chemically resistant polymers. Its ceramic surface remains inert toward common reagents used in synthesis (e.g., concentrated HCl, NaOH, acetone, DMF), eliminating corrosion-related calibration drift or surface degradation over time. The device meets essential electrical safety standards per EN 61010-1 and carries CE marking for use in EU laboratories. While not intrinsically rated for explosion-proof environments, its design supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with external data loggers and validated PT1000 probes. It does not include FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trail functionality natively but can be integrated into validated systems via analog/digital output interfaces (optional accessories).

Software & Data Management

This standalone instrument features no embedded PC software or wireless connectivity. All configuration and monitoring occur via the front-panel interface. However, the analog output (0–10 V) for temperature and speed signals—available through optional adapter modules—enables connection to third-party data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW, SCADA, or LIMS platforms) for automated logging and traceability. When used with calibrated PT1000 sensors, temperature measurements achieve ±0.5 K accuracy relative to the medium (not the plate), supporting method validation under ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Users are advised to perform periodic verification using NIST-traceable reference thermometers and certified stir bar performance tests.

Applications

• Controlled heating and homogenization in synthetic organic chemistry (e.g., Grignard reactions, esterifications)
• Buffer preparation and pH adjustment requiring stable thermal conditions
• Dissolution testing in pharmaceutical QC labs (aligned with USP dissolution apparatus auxiliary use)
• Enzyme activity assays where precise temperature maintenance between 37–65 °C is critical
• Sample pre-treatment for ICP-OES, AAS, or HPLC analysis requiring complete matrix digestion or extraction
• Education labs: Demonstrating Arrhenius kinetics, solubility curves, or heat transfer principles

FAQ

Does the C-MAG HS 4 Digital support external temperature feedback from sources other than PT1000?
No—the device accepts only PT1000-class resistance temperature detectors via its dedicated analog input port.
Can it maintain temperature stability within ±0.1 K in the solution?
Display resolution is 0.1 K, but control accuracy is specified as ±0.5 K under optimal conditions (using supplied PT1000, proper immersion depth, and low thermal mass vessels).
Is the heating plate surface temperature actively regulated?
No—plate temperature is controlled open-loop; only the medium temperature (via PT1000) enables closed-loop regulation.
What is the maximum recommended viscosity for reliable stirring at 1500 rpm?
For Newtonian fluids up to ~500 mPa·s (e.g., 40% glycerol/water), full speed is achievable with appropriate stir bar geometry; higher viscosities require lower speeds and larger stir bars.
Does IKA provide IQ/OQ documentation for this model?
Yes—factory-issued Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols are available upon request for GxP-regulated environments.