IKA KS 4000 ic control Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS 4000 ic control is a high-precision, refrigerated/heated orbital shaker engineered for demanding life science applications requiring simultaneous temperature control and reproducible agitation. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, it employs a robust Peltier-free cooling architecture—featuring an integrated copper cooling coil compatible with external chillers (e.g., IKA RC 2 series)—to deliver stable sub-ambient operation down to −10 °C while maintaining precise heating up to 80 °C. Its core motion system utilizes a brushless DC motor coupled with a mechanical eccentric drive, ensuring low-vibration, maintenance-free orbital motion at a fixed 20 mm orbit diameter. The unit implements dual PT1000 platinum resistance thermometers and a PID-based digital temperature controller, enabling real-time thermal feedback across the entire chamber volume. Unlike ambient-only shakers, the KS 4000 ic control supports true incubation-grade performance: validated temperature stability of ±0.05 K (single 0.5 L vessel) and uniformity of ±0.5 K (five 0.5 L vessels), meeting critical requirements for microbial culture, protein expression, and cell-based assays under GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• Integrated cooling coil interface for connection to external recirculating chillers—enabling reliable sub-ambient operation without internal compressor complexity or condensation risk
• Dual PT1000 temperature sensors with independent calibration paths, supporting redundant thermal monitoring and enhanced traceability per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines
• Full-range electronic speed control (10–500 rpm) with 1 rpm resolution and ±5 rpm accuracy, verified under load conditions up to 20 kg
• Intelligent safety architecture: automatic motor shutdown upon lid opening, overload detection, and excessive oscillation interruption
• Chemically resistant polyester membrane keypad with antimicrobial coating (ISO 22196:2011 tested), reducing biofilm formation in shared lab environments
• Front-access drain port with integrated drip tray—designed to capture accidental spills and prevent liquid ingress into electronics
• RS232 serial interface for bidirectional communication with lab automation systems and compliance-ready data logging

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS 4000 ic control accommodates standard multi-well plates (up to 96-well), Erlenmeyer flasks (50–2000 mL), test tubes, and custom-sized vessels via interchangeable IKA clamp systems (sold separately). Its 440 × 440 × 352 mm stainless-steel-lined chamber provides unobstructed access and supports heterogeneous load configurations without compromising thermal homogeneity. The device complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP30 enclosure rating), CE marking per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, and meets essential requirements of IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety. Temperature validation protocols align with ASTM E2573–18 (Standard Practice for Performance Verification of Incubators) and support IQ/OQ documentation for regulated environments operating under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 expectations.

Software & Data Management

All operational parameters—including speed, temperature setpoint, elapsed time, and real-time sensor readings—are accessible via the front-panel LED display or remotely through IKA’s labworldsoft® software suite (v5.0+). labworldsoft® enables full parameter scripting, time-stamped event logging (start/stop, lid open/close, error flags), and export of CSV-formatted datasets compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). Audit trails are retained locally on the host PC with user-level access controls, facilitating review during internal quality audits or regulatory inspections. RS232 communication supports integration into LIMS or MES platforms via standard SCPI command sets.

Applications

• Recombinant protein expression in E. coli and yeast cultures requiring tight temperature control during induction (e.g., 16–30 °C)
• Aerobic bacterial growth kinetics studies under controlled hypothermic or thermophilic conditions
• Enzyme activity assays where reaction rates are highly sensitive to thermal drift
• Suspension cell culture expansion (e.g., CHO, HEK293) with oxygen transfer optimization via orbital agitation
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) using broth microdilution formats with continuous agitation
• Sample equilibration prior to downstream analysis (e.g., HPLC sample prep, ELISA plate washing)

FAQ

Does the KS 4000 ic control include a built-in refrigeration compressor?

No. It uses an external-chiller-compatible copper cooling coil design, eliminating compressor noise, vibration, and maintenance while enabling precise sub-ambient control.
Is the RS232 interface capable of remote start/stop and real-time parameter adjustment?

Yes—labworldsoft® supports full bidirectional control, including dynamic setpoint changes, timer override, and immediate emergency stop via serial command.
What validation documentation is provided with the instrument?

Each unit ships with a Factory Calibration Certificate covering speed and temperature performance at three points (20 °C, 37 °C, 60 °C), traceable to national standards.
Can the shaker operate continuously for extended periods (e.g., 72+ hours)?

Yes—rated for 100% duty cycle; thermal management and motor design ensure stable performance under uninterrupted operation.
Are clamps and flask holders included in the base configuration?

No—clamping accessories (e.g., universal platform clamps, flask holders, microplate adapters) are optional and ordered separately to match application-specific vessel geometry.