IKA HS 501 digital Reciprocating Platform Shaker

Overview

The IKA HS 501 digital Reciprocating Platform Shaker is an engineered laboratory shaker designed for precise, low-profile horizontal agitation of samples in flat-bottomed or wide-mouth containers—particularly suited for applications involving separatory funnels, Petri dishes, staining trays, and shallow culture vessels. Its reciprocating motion follows a linear back-and-forth trajectory with a fixed stroke amplitude of 30 mm, enabling uniform mixing without vortex formation or excessive splashing. Unlike orbital or rotary shakers, this platform-based design ensures mechanical stability and minimal sample displacement during operation, making it ideal for protocols requiring gentle yet consistent agitation over extended durations. Built to DIN EN 60529 standards with an IP21 ingress protection rating, the unit operates reliably under standard laboratory environmental conditions (5–50 °C, ≤80 % RH) and supports uninterrupted 100 % duty-cycle operation—even at maximum load (15 kg inclusive of clamps). Its compact footprint (505 × 120 × 585 mm) and low center of gravity facilitate integration into crowded benchtop environments while maintaining structural rigidity and vibration damping.

Key Features

• Digitally controlled reciprocating motion with continuous speed adjustment from 0 to 300 rpm, displayed via high-contrast 7-segment LED readout
• Programmable electronic timer with adjustable range from 1 to 55 minutes; supports both timed and continuous operation modes
• Robust brushless DC motor delivering 19 W mechanical output power and optimized thermal management for long-term reliability
• Integrated RS232 and USB interfaces enable direct connection to laboratory PCs for remote parameter control, data logging, and firmware updates
• Compliance with international safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards (IEC 61000-6-3, IEC 61000-6-2, EN 61326-1)
• Modular platform design accommodates custom clamp configurations; standard configuration supplied without clamps (clamps sold separately)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HS 501 digital is optimized for flat-surface sample containment systems—including glass and plastic separatory funnels, multi-well staining racks, agar plates, and shallow bioreactor trays. Its 30 mm stroke amplitude generates laminar shear profiles suitable for cell suspension maintenance, immunoassay incubation, blotting membrane washing, and solvent extraction workflows. The shaker meets essential regulatory prerequisites for GLP-compliant laboratories: full audit trail capability via connected software, timestamped parameter logging, and user-accessible calibration records. While not intrinsically compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its digital interface architecture supports integration with validated LIMS or ELN platforms that enforce electronic signature and data integrity requirements. Electrical safety conforms to EN 61010-1 for laboratory equipment, and mechanical construction adheres to ISO 14001 environmental manufacturing practices at IKA’s German production facility.

Software & Data Management

IKA’s proprietary Labworldsoft™ software (v5.0 or later) provides full bidirectional communication with the HS 501 digital via RS232 or USB. Users can define multi-step agitation protocols—including ramping sequences, pause intervals, and conditional triggers—while capturing real-time speed, timer status, and runtime diagnostics. All session logs are exportable in CSV or XML format for traceability and quality assurance documentation. Firmware updates preserve backward compatibility and include enhanced error-handling routines for motor stall detection and thermal overload mitigation. Audit-ready metadata includes operator ID, timestamp, protocol version, and system health flags—supporting internal SOP enforcement and external inspection readiness per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Applications

• Phase separation and liquid–liquid extraction using separatory funnels
• Western/Northern blot membrane washing and antibody incubation
• Cell suspension homogenization in suspension cultures and transfection workflows
• Staining and destaining of electrophoresis gels and histological sections
• Pre-analytical sample preparation for clinical chemistry and microbiology assays
• Environmental testing of sediment resuspension kinetics and leaching studies

FAQ

Is the HS 501 digital compatible with third-party clamp systems?
Yes—its standardized M6 threaded mounting pattern allows integration with commercially available universal clamps, though IKA-certified accessories are recommended for load-rated performance.
Does the shaker support external trigger input for synchronized operation?
No—this model lacks hardware-triggered start/stop functionality; synchronization must be achieved via software-level command sequencing through Labworldsoft™.
Can the timer be disabled for indefinite continuous operation?
Yes—the “Continuous” mode bypasses the timer circuit entirely, allowing unattended operation until manually interrupted.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine cleaning of the platform surface and periodic inspection of motor coupling integrity are sufficient; no lubrication or recalibration is required under normal use conditions.
Is the unit certified for use in cleanroom environments?
While not ISO Class 5–8 certified, its sealed electronics, non-shedding housing, and absence of exposed belts or gears make it suitable for ISO Class 7 cleanrooms when operated within specified ambient humidity limits.