IKA KS 130 control Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS 130 control is a compact, microprocessor-controlled orbital shaker engineered for precision, reliability, and long-term stability in life science laboratories. Designed around the principle of consistent circular motion with a fixed 4 mm orbit diameter, it delivers uniform mixing, suspension, and aeration across a wide range of biological and biochemical sample formats—including Eppendorf tubes, culture flasks, multi-well plates, and conical centrifuge tubes. Its brushless DC motor ensures low-vibration operation, minimal acoustic emission (<45 dB(A) at 300 rpm), and extended service life without carbon brush wear or periodic maintenance. Unlike heated or refrigerated shakers, the KS 130 control operates at ambient temperature—making it ideal for applications where thermal stability is not required but mechanical reproducibility and contamination control are critical, such as cell culture passaging, ELISA plate washing pre-incubation, bacterial growth monitoring, and reagent homogenization.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based digital control system with intuitive front-panel interface and real-time LCD display of speed (rpm) and remaining time (min)
• Precise speed regulation from 0 to 800 rpm in 1-rpm increments; minimum stable operating speed: 80 rpm
• Programmable timer with adjustable duration from 1 to 599 minutes; supports both timed and continuous operation modes
• Integrated electronic braking system for rapid, controlled stop upon timer expiration or manual interruption
• RS-232 serial interface and analog output (0–10 V) for external data logging, integration into centralized lab automation systems, or connection to SCADA platforms
• IP21-rated enclosure compliant with DIN EN 60529, ensuring protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for standard laboratory benchtop environments
• Robust aluminum housing with vibration-damped base; total mass of 9.8 kg contributes to operational stability under maximum load (2.0 kg including clamps)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS 130 control accommodates diverse vessel configurations via interchangeable clamps—sold separately—including universal platform adapters, tube holders (for 1.5–50 mL formats), flask clamps (up to 2 L), and microplate carriers. Its 270 mm × 316 mm working surface allows flexible arrangement of multiple small-volume containers. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EMC requirements per EN 61326-1:2013. While not certified for GMP or GLP environments out-of-the-box, its RS-232 interface and deterministic timing behavior support audit-ready integration when paired with validated LABWORLDsoft software (v4.0+), enabling full traceability of run parameters, timestamps, and user IDs—critical for ISO 17025-accredited testing labs and pharmaceutical QC workflows requiring FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records.

Software & Data Management

LABWORLDsoft software serves as the central configuration and monitoring hub for the KS 130 control. Through this Windows-based application, users can define multi-step protocols—including ramp-up profiles, dwell times, and speed transitions—and execute them remotely. All operational logs—including start/stop timestamps, actual vs. setpoint rpm, elapsed time, and error codes—are stored locally with optional export to CSV or XML for LIMS ingestion. Audit trail functionality captures operator login events, parameter changes, and firmware updates—enabling compliance with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Firmware updates are delivered via IKA’s secure download portal and installed through the RS-232 link, ensuring continued alignment with evolving regulatory expectations.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance: gentle resuspension of adherent cells prior to trypsinization or media exchange
• Molecular biology: hybridization buffer mixing, restriction digestion incubation, and plasmid transformation recovery steps
• Clinical diagnostics: uniform mixing of serum/plasma samples prior to immunoassay analysis
• Environmental microbiology: aerobic enrichment of water or soil isolates in liquid broth media
• Quality control: dissolution testing support (e.g., USP auxiliary agitation), particulate dispersion in suspension formulations
• Educational labs: standardized demonstration of kinetic solubility, enzyme reaction rates, and microbial growth dynamics

FAQ

Is the KS 130 control suitable for use inside incubators or cold rooms?
No—it is rated for ambient operation only (5–50 °C). For temperature-controlled shaking, consider IKA’s incubator-compatible models such as the KS 4000 i control or the Hula mixer series.
Can I connect multiple KS 130 control units to one PC?
Yes, using a USB-to-RS232 converter and LABWORLDsoft’s multi-device management module, up to eight units can be daisy-chained or addressed individually via unique COM port assignment.
Does the shaker include clamps or sample holders?
No—clamps are sold separately to ensure optimal fit and safety for specific vessel types. IKA offers over 20 dedicated clamp variants, each validated for max load and orbital resonance characteristics.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
The brushless DC motor and sealed bearing assembly are rated for ≥20,000 hours of continuous duty at nominal load, equivalent to over 2 years of non-stop operation at 800 rpm.
Is calibration documentation provided with the instrument?
Factory calibration certificates (traceable to national standards) are available upon request at time of order; on-site verification services are offered by IKA-certified field engineers globally.