IKA KS 4000i Controlled Temperature Orbital Shaker
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | KS 4000i Controlled |
| Timing Range | 1–59940 min |
| Oscillation Speed | 10–500 rpm |
| Orbit Diameter | 20 mm |
| Temperature Range | RT +5 °C to 80 °C |
| Platform Quantity | 1 |
| Heating Power | 1000 W |
| Input Power | 1120 W |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 580 × 525 × 750 mm |
| Weight | 50 kg |
| Protection Class | IP 30 |
| Interface | RS 232 |
| Compliance | DIN EN 60529 |
Overview
The IKA KS 4000i Controlled Temperature Orbital Shaker is an engineered platform for precise, reproducible incubation and mixing of biological samples under tightly regulated thermal and mechanical conditions. Designed for continuous operation in demanding laboratory environments—including microbiology, molecular biology, cell culture, and bioprocess development—the instrument combines orbital shaking mechanics with integrated PID-controlled heating and high-resolution digital monitoring. Its 20 mm orbit diameter ensures uniform agitation across a wide range of vessel formats while minimizing shear stress on sensitive cells or protein solutions. Unlike ambient-only shakers, the KS 4000i maintains temperature stability within ±0.1 K (measured in 0.2 L water at 37 °C), enabling applications requiring strict thermal consistency—such as enzyme kinetics, bacterial growth profiling, and solubility studies.
Key Features
- Orbital motion with 20 mm diameter orbit for homogeneous mixing and minimal sample foaming
- Dual PT1000 temperature sensors with adaptive PID control for rapid thermal equilibration and long-term stability
- Wide operational temperature range from ambient +5 °C to 80 °C, supported by 1000 W heating capacity
- Adjustable speed range of 10–500 rpm with LED-displayed real-time feedback and ±1 rpm resolution
- Extended timer functionality: programmable from 1 minute to 999 hours (59940 minutes), selectable in minute/hour increments
- Safety-integrated design: automatic motor shutdown upon lid opening or excessive oscillation amplitude detection
- Antimicrobial-coated control panel surface to reduce microbial colonization in shared lab environments
- Rear-mounted drainage port for containment and removal of spilled liquids from the collection tray
- RS 232 interface for external communication and remote parameter logging
- Full 100% duty cycle rating—designed for uninterrupted 24/7 operation in validated workflows
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The KS 4000i accommodates standard laboratory vessels including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 5 L), test tubes, deep-well plates, and custom夹具 (sold separately). With a maximum load capacity of 20 kg—including fixtures—the shaker supports multi-vessel configurations without compromising orbital fidelity. Its IP 30 ingress protection rating meets DIN EN 60529 requirements for indoor laboratory use, while electrical safety complies with IEC 61010-1 standards for laboratory equipment. The instrument is suitable for GLP-compliant environments when used with labworldsoft® software for audit-trail generation, and its temperature and timing parameters are traceable via RS 232 output—supporting alignment with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices.
Software & Data Management
The KS 4000i integrates seamlessly with IKA’s labworldsoft® software suite (v5.0+), enabling centralized configuration, real-time parameter monitoring, and automated data export in CSV or XML format. Users can define multi-step protocols—including ramped temperature profiles, staggered speed changes, and conditional start/stop triggers—while maintaining full version history and user-access logs. All time-stamped events—including lid-open alerts, thermal deviations >±0.5 K, and emergency stops—are recorded with timestamps compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with appropriate system validation and electronic signature modules. Local display retains independent functionality, ensuring uninterrupted operation during network outages.
Applications
- Microbial cultivation: E. coli, yeast, and bacillus expansion under controlled aeration and thermal conditions
- Protein expression systems: Induction-phase shaking in LB or TB media at 30–37 °C with precise rpm tuning
- Biochemical assays: Enzyme activity measurements requiring simultaneous temperature maintenance and gentle agitation
- Solubility and dissolution testing: API suspension homogenization across pharmacopeial temperature gradients (USP <711>)
- Cell-based assays: Suspension culture of insect or mammalian cells in serum-free media with low-shear orbital motion
- Environmental microbiology: Soil slurry extraction and nutrient leaching studies under standardized thermal agitation
FAQ
Is the KS 4000i compatible with microtiter plates?
No—the unit is not optimized for microplate formats; it is designed for flask- and bottle-based agitation. Microplate-specific orbital shakers (e.g., IKA MTS 4000) are recommended for such applications.
Can the shaker operate without the labworldsoft® software?
Yes—full local control is retained via the front-panel interface. Software is optional for advanced automation and data archiving.
What is the temperature uniformity across the platform surface?
Measured uniformity is ±0.3 K across the central 80% of the platform area under steady-state conditions at 37 °C (water load).
Does the instrument support cooling functionality?
No—this model provides only heating capability. For active cooling, consider the IKA KS 8000i COOL series.
Are clamps and adapters included with the base unit?
No—universal clamps, flask holders, and plate carriers are available as optional accessories and must be ordered separately.
