IKA Dry Block Heater 2 Metal Bath
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | IKA Werke GmbH & Co. KG |
| Product Type | Imported Laboratory Metal Bath |
| Model | Dry Block Heater 2 |
| Temperature Range | +5 °C to 120 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.3 °C (at 37 °C, typical per IKA specification) |
| Heating Time | ≤15 min (to 100 °C, ambient start) |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 151 × 73 × 304 mm |
| Net Weight | 1.3 kg |
Overview
The IKA Dry Block Heater 2 is a precision-engineered metal bath designed for reliable, uniform, and contact-based thermal control of small-volume laboratory samples. Unlike water baths, it employs solid aluminum heating blocks with precisely machined wells—eliminating evaporation, contamination risk, and maintenance overhead associated with liquid media. Its operation is based on resistive heating of thermally conductive alloy blocks, regulated via a high-stability PID controller and integrated PT-1000 platinum resistance thermometer. This architecture ensures rapid thermal equilibration, minimal temperature gradient across wells (< ±0.5 °C at 37 °C), and long-term stability essential for time-sensitive biochemical protocols. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment and is CE-marked for use in EU-regulated research and quality control environments.
Key Features
- Two independently controllable aluminum heating blocks—enabling simultaneous processing of different sample types or temperatures (e.g., denaturation and annealing steps)
- Integrated PT-1000 sensor with direct immersion capability for real-time, sample-level temperature feedback and closed-loop regulation
- Digital LED display with intuitive push-button interface for precise setpoint entry (0.1 °C resolution) and immediate status feedback
- Overtemperature protection circuitry with automatic shutdown at >130 °C—preventing sample degradation and hardware damage
- Compact footprint (151 × 73 × 304 mm) and lightweight design (1.3 kg) optimized for benchtop use in crowded QC labs, PCR workstations, or teaching laboratories
- Robust anodized aluminum housing with chemical-resistant surface finish—compatible with routine ethanol or isopropanol decontamination
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Dry Block Heater 2 accommodates standardized labware including 0.2 mL and 0.5 mL PCR tubes, 96-well microplates (with optional adapter), Greiner Bio-One polypropylene tubes, cuvettes (10 × 10 mm), and 12–15 mm diameter test tubes. All block inserts are interchangeable and autoclavable (up to 121 °C, 20 min). The instrument meets ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for calibration traceability when used with NIST-traceable reference thermometers. For GLP/GMP applications, its fixed-temperature operation mode supports audit-ready documentation when paired with external data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records and signatures).
Software & Data Management
While the Dry Block Heater 2 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid device without native PC connectivity, its temperature stability profile (±0.3 °C at 37 °C, typical) enables reproducible manual protocols across shifts and operators. For laboratories requiring electronic record retention, third-party USB data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300 series) may be interfaced via the PT-1000 output port (0–1 V analog signal, linearly scaled to 0–150 °C). All firmware and calibration parameters are factory-set and non-user-modifiable—ensuring consistent performance without software version drift or configuration errors.
Applications
- Thermal activation of restriction enzymes and ligases in molecular cloning workflows
- Controlled DNA denaturation and hybridization in Southern/Northern blotting and in situ hybridization assays
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) incubation steps requiring strict thermal consistency (e.g., 37 °C for 60 min)
- Cell culture reagent pre-warming (e.g., trypsin-EDTA, growth media) without condensation or CO₂ loss
- Standardized melting point determination of pharmaceutical excipients per USP
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) assay incubation and coagulation testing (e.g., prothrombin time) per CLSI guidelines
- Thermally induced protein refolding studies and thermal shift assays (TSA) using differential scanning fluorimetry platforms
FAQ
Does the Dry Block Heater 2 support programmable ramping or multi-step temperature profiles?
No—it is designed for static temperature maintenance only. For gradient or time-programmed heating, consider the IKA Thermomixer C or IKA Heatblock series with digital timer and slope control.
Can I calibrate the unit in-house using standard reference materials?
Yes. The PT-1000 sensor allows verification against certified NIST-traceable thermometers (e.g., Fluke 1523) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 Section 6.5. Calibration certificates are issued by authorized IKA service centers.
Are replacement blocks available for non-standard tube formats?
Yes. IKA offers custom-machined blocks for 0.75 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL tubes, as well as deep-well 96-well plate adapters—available under part numbers HB-2-075, HB-2-15, and HB-2-96DW respectively.
What is the maximum recommended continuous operating temperature?
120 °C is the upper operational limit. Prolonged use above 100 °C may accelerate thermal aging of silicone O-rings in certain tube caps; verify cap compatibility per manufacturer datasheets.
Is the device suitable for use in cleanrooms or ISO Class 5 environments?
Yes—the sealed electronics, absence of moving parts or fluid reservoirs, and smooth anodized surface meet ISO 14644-1 particulate emission requirements when operated within specified ambient conditions (15–30 °C, <80% RH).
