IKA KS501 Digital Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS501 Digital Orbital Shaker is a compact, benchtop laboratory shaker engineered for precision and reliability in routine cell culture, solubility studies, extraction protocols, and general mixing applications. It operates on the principle of orbital motion—generating a consistent 30 mm circular trajectory—to ensure homogeneous suspension and gentle yet effective agitation of liquid samples. Designed with a low-profile chassis and an oversized platform (505 × 585 mm), the KS501 provides exceptional stability during operation, even under full load conditions. Its robust brushless motor delivers smooth acceleration and deceleration across the full 0–300 rpm speed range, while maintaining thermal efficiency and long-term mechanical integrity. The unit is rated for continuous 100% duty cycle operation, making it suitable for unattended overnight incubation or extended assay workflows without performance degradation.

Key Features

• Digitally controlled orbital motion with LED-displayed speed (0–300 rpm) and timer (1–56 min), enabling precise parameter replication across experiments.
• Stable, low-center-of-gravity design supports uniform oscillation and minimizes vibration transmission to adjacent instrumentation.
• Large platform surface accommodates standard culture vessels—including Erlenmeyer flasks (250 mL and larger), Fernbach flasks, and multi-well plates—without requiring specialized fixtures.
• IP21-rated enclosure ensures protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm, meeting basic laboratory environmental safety requirements.
• Universal voltage compatibility (100–230 V, 50/60 Hz) enables seamless deployment in global research facilities without external transformers.
• No analog output or RS232 interface is integrated—consistent with its role as a dedicated, stand-alone shaking platform optimized for simplicity and operational robustness.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS501 is validated for use with common glass and plastic labware up to 15 kg total mass (including clamps and vessels). It supports standard microbiological and biochemical containers such as 500 mL conical flasks, 1 L baffled flasks, and stacked microtiter plate carriers when secured with optional universal clamps (sold separately). While not a temperature-controlled incubator shaker, its specified operating ambient range (5–50 °C) allows integration into cold rooms or warm-room environments where external temperature control is managed independently. The device complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP21), IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits), and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity standards), ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in shared laboratory infrastructure. It is not certified for use in explosion-proof or cleanroom-classified environments.

Software & Data Management

The KS501 operates as a standalone hardware device with no embedded firmware-based data logging, network connectivity, or software interface. All operational parameters are set manually via front-panel controls and displayed in real time on the integrated LED screen. As such, it does not generate electronic records, audit trails, or timestamped event logs. This architecture aligns with GLP-compliant workflows where manual entry into bound lab notebooks or LIMS-integrated procedural documentation suffices. For laboratories requiring 21 CFR Part 11 compliance or automated data capture, integration with external monitoring systems (e.g., via external sensors and DAQ units) is feasible but requires third-party configuration—not native functionality.

Applications

• Maintenance of aerobic microbial cultures in shake flasks for bioprocess development and strain propagation.
• Solubility and dissolution testing of pharmaceutical compounds under standardized agitation conditions.
• Antibiotic susceptibility assays requiring uniform suspension of bacterial inocula prior to plating.
• Protein expression workflows involving E. coli or yeast cultures in baffled flasks.
• Sample homogenization prior to centrifugation, filtration, or analytical measurement (e.g., HPLC, UV-Vis).
• Environmental microbiology protocols including water quality assessment and nutrient broth enrichment.

FAQ

Is the KS501 compatible with temperature-controlled enclosures?
Yes—the shaker’s ambient operating range (5–50 °C) permits safe installation inside refrigerated cabinets or warming chambers, provided airflow and clearance requirements are met.
Are clamps included with the standard unit?
No—universal flask clamps, microplate holders, and tube racks are optional accessories and must be ordered separately.
Can the KS501 be used for high-viscosity solutions?
It is optimized for low-to-medium viscosity liquids (e.g., LB broth, PBS, saline); sustained operation above 200 rpm with viscosities >500 mPa·s may reduce speed stability and increase motor thermal load.
Does the timer support auto-restart after power interruption?
No—the timer resets upon power loss; manual reinitialization is required post-recovery.
What maintenance is recommended for long-term reliability?
Periodic inspection of platform leveling, cleaning of ventilation grilles, and verification of motor mounting bolts every 6 months—no lubrication or calibration is required.