IKA KS 4000 ic control Orbital Shaking Incubator

Overview

The IKA KS 4000 ic control is a precision-engineered orbital shaking incubator designed for reproducible, long-term cultivation and mixing applications in life science laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled circular motion—20 mm orbit diameter—enabling uniform suspension of microbial cultures, mammalian cells, and biochemical reaction mixtures under precisely regulated thermal conditions. Unlike basic shakers, this unit integrates an air-jacketed heating system with dual PT1000 temperature sensors and PID-based feedback control, delivering exceptional thermal stability (±0.05 K at 37 °C in a single 0.5 L vessel) and spatial uniformity (±0.5 K across five identical vessels). Its modular architecture supports optional external cooling via integrated coil connection (e.g., RC 2 basic/control), extending operational flexibility into sub-ambient regimes when paired with compatible chillers. The system is engineered for continuous 24/7 operation with full safety interlocks—including automatic shutdown upon lid opening or excessive oscillation—and meets international electrical and environmental safety standards (DIN EN 60529 IP30, CE, RoHS).

Key Features

• High-resolution digital control interface featuring dual LED displays for real-time monitoring of speed (10–500 rpm, ±1 rpm accuracy) and timer (1–59,940 min, adjustable in 1-min or 1-h increments)
• PID-controlled temperature regulation with two independent PT1000 sensors ensuring <0.1 K control precision and <0.5 K deviation under standard validation conditions (0.5 L water, 22 °C ambient, 37 °C setpoint)
• Antimicrobial-coated control panel surface inhibiting microbial colonization—a critical consideration for ISO 14644-compliant cleanroom-adjacent workflows and GLP-regulated cell culture environments
• Integrated drain port at rear panel for safe evacuation of condensate or accidental spills from the collection tray—supporting compliance with laboratory biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) containment protocols
• RS232 serial interface enabling bidirectional communication with external lab management systems and automated data logging
• Robust mechanical design: 24 W motor output, 82 W input power, 100% duty cycle rating, and reinforced steel powder-coated housing rated for 20 kg maximum load (including clamps)
• Intelligent safety logic: immediate oscillation halt upon lid actuation; automatic stop if acceleration exceeds preset thresholds—preventing sample loss and equipment damage

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS 4000 ic control accommodates a broad range of vessel formats including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L), deep-well microplates, test tubes, and custom bioreactor vessels—secured via IKA-compatible clamp accessories (sold separately). Its chamber volume (90 L) and internal dimensions (440 × 440 × 352 mm) permit simultaneous processing of multiple parallel cultures without cross-contamination risk. The instrument complies with key regulatory frameworks governing laboratory instrumentation: DIN EN 60529 (IP30 ingress protection), EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC), and 2014/35/EU (LVD). While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its RS232 interface and deterministic timing/logic architecture support integration into validated systems where electronic records and audit trails are implemented at the software layer (e.g., via labworldsoft® or third-party LIMS).

Software & Data Management

Full remote operation and parameter logging are enabled through IKA’s labworldsoft® software platform—compatible with Windows-based laboratory PCs. This application provides real-time graphical visualization of temperature and speed profiles, exportable CSV data logs with timestamps, and configurable alarm thresholds. All settings—including ramp rates, hold times, and multi-step protocols—are programmable and recallable. For quality-critical environments, labworldsoft® supports user access levels, electronic signatures, and change history tracking—facilitating alignment with GLP and GMP documentation requirements when deployed within a validated IT infrastructure.

Applications

• Microbial growth kinetics studies (E. coli, yeast, Bacillus spp.) under controlled aeration and thermal conditions
• Mammalian and insect cell line expansion in serum-containing or serum-free media
• Enzyme activity assays requiring precise thermal homogeneity and gentle agitation
• Protein solubilization and antibody conjugation reactions sensitive to shear stress
• Environmental microbiology: soil suspension preparation, waterborne pathogen enrichment
• Pharmaceutical QC: dissolution testing support, excipient blending validation

FAQ

Is the KS 4000 ic control suitable for sterile cell culture work?
Yes—when used with appropriate vessel closures (e.g., vented caps, filter membranes) and operated within laminar flow hoods or isolators, its antimicrobial panel and sealed chamber design minimize contamination risks. However, it is not a Class II biosafety cabinet and does not provide HEPA-filtered airflow.

Can cooling functionality be added post-purchase?
Yes—the unit ships with a pre-installed cooling coil port. Integration requires a compatible external chiller (e.g., IKA RC 2 basic/control) and professional installation per manufacturer guidelines to maintain thermal calibration integrity.

What clamps are compatible with this shaker?
IKA offers a full suite of universal and application-specific clamps (e.g., flask holders, microplate adapters, tube racks) under part numbers listed in the official KS 4000 accessory catalog. Clamps must be ordered separately and verified for dynamic load compatibility at maximum speed.

Does the timer support countdown-to-end or countdown-to-start modes?
The built-in timer operates exclusively in countdown-to-end mode. For delayed-start protocols, scheduling must be managed externally via labworldsoft® or host PC automation scripts.

How often does the unit require calibration verification?
IKA recommends annual performance verification using NIST-traceable temperature and tachometric standards—particularly before initiating GLP/GMP studies or after relocation or maintenance.