IKA KS4000ic Controlled Temperature Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS4000ic Controlled Temperature Orbital Shaker is a precision-engineered laboratory platform designed for reproducible, temperature-regulated orbital agitation of biological and chemical samples. Built upon IKA’s long-standing heritage in German-engineered motion control systems, this shaker integrates high-fidelity thermal regulation with robust mechanical oscillation—enabling consistent incubation, solubilization, cell culture expansion, and enzymatic reaction kinetics under defined thermal conditions. Its core operational principle relies on a brushless DC motor driving a balanced eccentric mechanism to generate smooth 20 mm orbital motion, while dual PT1000 platinum resistance thermometers feed real-time data into a PID-controlled heating system. The unit operates continuously at full duty cycle (100% uptime), supporting unattended overnight or multi-day protocols—critical for applications requiring strict adherence to ISO 17025-compliant workflows or GLP-regulated environments.

Key Features

• Intelligent dual-sensor PID temperature control with ±0.1 K stability (measured in 0.2 L water at 37 °C), ensuring minimal thermal drift across the full operating range (RT +5 °C to 80 °C)
• Wide-speed orbital drive (10–500 rpm) with LED digital speed and timer display; resolution: 1 rpm and 1 min respectively
• Large-format backlit LCD interface featuring antimicrobial coating on control panel surfaces to reduce microbial cross-contamination risk in shared lab spaces
• Safety-integrated design: automatic motor shutdown upon lid opening or excessive vibration detection, plus integrated drain channel and collection tray for spill containment
• Modular thermal architecture—optional external cooling coil connection (e.g., compatible with IKA KV600 chiller units) extends operational flexibility into sub-ambient ranges (down to 12 °C inlet fluid temperature)
• RS232 serial interface enables bidirectional communication with external PCs for remote monitoring, parameter logging, and integration into centralized lab informatics systems

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS4000ic accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L), culture bottles, multi-well plates (with optional adapters), and test tubes—on its single-platform stainless-steel deck. Maximum payload capacity is 20 kg including clamps and vessel weight. Its IP30 ingress protection rating meets DIN EN 60529 requirements for indoor laboratory use. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for electrical equipment used in measurement, control, and laboratory applications. While not certified for medical device use under MDR or FDA 510(k), it supports method validation under USP , ASTM E2500, and ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines when deployed in analytical or bioprocess development settings.

Software & Data Management

Full instrument control and data capture are enabled via IKA’s labworldsoft® software suite (v5.0+), which provides audit-trail-enabled operation logs compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable timestamped records of setpoints, actual values, alarms, and runtime events. Data export is supported in CSV and XML formats for downstream analysis in MATLAB, Python (Pandas), or LIMS platforms. The RS232 interface permits scripting-based automation using LabVIEW or custom Python serial libraries, facilitating integration into automated workflow orchestration systems.

Applications

• Mammalian and microbial cell culture maintenance during exponential growth phases
• Protein expression optimization in liquid media (e.g., BL21(DE3) induction studies)
• Enzyme kinetics assays requiring precise thermal and mixing consistency
• Dissolution testing per USP and pharmacopeial dissolution apparatus qualification
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) using broth microdilution methods
• Preparation of homogeneous suspensions for particle size analysis or spectroscopic calibration standards

FAQ

Does the KS4000ic support external cooling without modification?
Yes—the rear-mounted cooling coil port allows direct connection to external chillers such as the IKA KV600, enabling operation down to 12 °C (fluid inlet temperature dependent).
Is the shaker compatible with CO₂ incubator environments?
No—this unit is not rated for humidified or CO₂-enriched atmospheres; it is intended for ambient-air laboratory use only.
Can multiple KS4000ic units be synchronized via labworldsoft®?
Yes—labworldsoft® supports networked control of up to 16 IKA devices simultaneously, with centralized scheduling and event-triggered parameter adjustments.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?
IKA provides a 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor; extended service contracts and preventive maintenance plans are available through authorized IKA service partners in EMEA, North America, and APAC regions.
Are clamp accessories included or sold separately?
All clamps—including universal flask holders, microplate adapters, and tube racks—are optional accessories and must be ordered separately using IKA part numbers referenced in the official accessory catalog.