IKA KS 260 control NOL Orbital Shaker System

Overview

The IKA KS 260 control NOL is a precision-engineered orbital shaker system designed for consistent, low-shear mixing in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled circular orbital motion—generating uniform agitation via a 10 mm diameter orbit—optimized for suspension culture, solubilization, staining, washing, and incubation protocols requiring gentle yet reproducible fluid dynamics. Unlike reciprocating or vortex shakers, its orbital architecture minimizes shear stress on sensitive biological samples such as mammalian cells, bacterial cultures, and enzyme assays while ensuring homogeneity across multi-well plates, flasks, and tubes. The system features a robust brushless DC motor with 10 W mechanical output and 45 W electrical input, engineered for continuous-duty operation (100% duty cycle) and long-term thermal stability within ambient conditions of 5–50 °C. Its compact footprint (360 × 98 × 420 mm) and low-profile design facilitate integration into biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, and modular lab benches without compromising accessibility or airflow.

Key Features

• Digitally controlled orbital motion with precise speed regulation from 10 to 500 rpm, displayed in real time on an integrated LCD panel
• Programmable timer with adjustable range from 1 minute to 599 minutes (9 h 59 min), plus continuous-run mode for extended incubation workflows
• RS-232 serial interface and analog output (0–10 V) enable bidirectional communication with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and supervisory control software
• IP21-rated enclosure ensures protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for general laboratory environments per DIN EN 60529
• Modular platform compatibility: ships standard with AS 260.3 Petri dish platform; supports optional clamps, tube holders, and flask adapters for vessels ranging from microcentrifuge tubes to 5 L Erlenmeyer flasks
• Labworldsoft®-compatible architecture allows remote configuration, parameter logging, and audit-trail generation—supporting GLP-compliant documentation requirements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS 260 control NOL accommodates heterogeneous sample formats through interchangeable mounting accessories, including universal spring-loaded clamps, silicone-coated platforms, and custom-machined fixtures for irregular geometries. Its 7.5 kg maximum load capacity (including fixture mass) ensures stable operation under full loading conditions—critical for high-throughput screening where multiple deep-well plates or stacked flasks are processed simultaneously. The device complies with key international safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards, including DIN EN 61326-1 (electrical equipment for laboratory use) and DIN EN 61000-6-3 (EMC emission limits). While not intrinsically temperature-controlled, its operational envelope (5–50 °C ambient) permits deployment inside refrigerated incubators or climate-controlled rooms, provided external thermal management maintains condensation-free conditions per IEC 60068-2-30 testing guidelines.

Software & Data Management

Integration with IKA’s labworldsoft® software transforms the KS 260 control NOL into a networked, traceable instrument. Users can define multi-step shaking protocols—including ramp profiles, pause intervals, and conditional triggers—and execute them remotely via Ethernet or USB-to-RS232 bridges. All parameter changes, start/stop events, and runtime logs are timestamped and stored locally or exported in CSV/Excel format for regulatory review. Audit trail functionality satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable log archiving—making it suitable for quality control labs operating under ISO 17025 or GMP frameworks.

Applications

• Molecular biology: hybridization buffer mixing, membrane washing in Western blotting, and probe incubation
• Cell culture: suspension maintenance of insect or yeast cells during expression studies
• Clinical diagnostics: reagent homogenization in ELISA plate preparation and automated immunoassay workflows
• Pharmaceutical QA/QC: dissolution testing support, excipient blending validation, and stability study sample agitation
• Environmental microbiology: soil slurry homogenization and waterborne pathogen enrichment protocols

FAQ

Does the KS 260 control NOL include temperature control capability?
No—the “NOL” designation indicates a non-temperature-controlled (ambient-only) version. For thermostatic operation, consider the KS 4000i control or KS 8000 series with integrated Peltier or water-jacketed platforms.
Can the shaker be operated inside a CO₂ incubator?
Only if the incubator maintains ambient humidity below 80% RH and prohibits condensation buildup; the unit lacks IP54+ ingress protection and is not rated for high-humidity enclosed environments.
Is labworldsoft® software included with purchase?
Yes—licensed labworldsoft® Basic Edition is bundled; advanced modules (e.g., multi-instrument synchronization, PDF report generation) require separate activation.
What is the warranty coverage for this instrument?
IKA provides a standard 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship under normal laboratory use conditions.
Are third-party clamps or platforms compatible?
Mechanically, yes—if they conform to the M6 threaded mounting pattern and remain within the 7.5 kg total load limit; however, IKA does not validate performance or safety of non-OEM accessories.