IKA KS130 Basic and Control Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS130 is a compact, low-noise orbital shaker engineered for precision and reliability in routine laboratory applications across microbiology, molecular biology, and cell culture workflows. Operating on the principle of controlled orbital motion with a fixed 4 mm diameter trajectory, the KS130 delivers uniform, reproducible agitation essential for suspension cultures, reagent mixing, staining protocols, and incubation-assisted assays. Its robust brushless DC motor architecture ensures stable speed maintenance under variable load conditions and supports continuous operation (100% duty cycle), making it suitable for unattended overnight experiments. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the KS130 adheres to IKA’s stringent quality standards for mechanical durability, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and thermal management—critical attributes for integration into ISO 17025-accredited laboratories and GLP-compliant environments.

Key Features

• Orbital shaking mechanism with precisely calibrated 4 mm orbit diameter for consistent sample homogenization and minimal shear stress on sensitive biological samples.
• Wide speed range (80–800 rpm) adjustable via intuitive front-panel controls; Basic model features LED-based speed indication, while the Control model integrates a high-contrast digital LCD for simultaneous display of speed, elapsed time, and operating mode.
• Programmable timer functionality: Basic version supports fixed intervals (5–50 min) or continuous operation (∞); Control version enables precise timing up to 9 hours 59 minutes, plus ∞ mode—ideal for protocol-driven workflows requiring strict temporal control.
• Built-in end-point detection (Control model only) automatically halts operation upon completion and maintains platform position—ensuring sample integrity during post-shake handling and facilitating seamless integration with downstream automation steps.
• Modular clamp system compatible with universal platforms (e.g., universal plate holders, tube racks, flask clamps); clamps are orderable separately to accommodate diverse vessel geometries including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), microtiter plates, centrifuge tubes, and custom glassware.
• Low acoustic emission (<50 dB(A) at 500 rpm) and vibration-damped chassis design minimize cross-interference in shared benchtop environments and support placement inside refrigerated or CO₂ incubators (subject to ambient temperature and humidity specifications).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS130 accommodates standard laboratory vessels up to 2 kg total mass—including weight of clamps and contents—without compromising speed stability or orbital fidelity. Its open-platform configuration supports rapid reconfiguration between applications, and the absence of enclosed chamber constraints allows direct integration with environmental chambers or glove boxes. The instrument complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and meets CE marking requirements for the European Economic Area. While not certified for use in classified hazardous locations (e.g., ATEX zones), its electrical isolation and thermal cutoff protection align with general-purpose biosafety cabinet (BSC) placement guidelines per NSF/ANSI 49.

Software & Data Management

The KS130 Control model interfaces natively with IKA’s labworldsoft software suite (v4.0+), enabling remote parameter configuration, real-time monitoring of speed and timer status, and timestamped data logging compliant with ALCOA+ principles. Exportable CSV logs include date/time stamps, setpoints, actual measured speeds (via internal tachometric feedback), and operational state transitions—supporting audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–governed quality systems when deployed with appropriate user access controls and electronic signature validation. No proprietary drivers are required; communication occurs over standard USB 2.0 (virtual COM port emulation).

Applications

• Maintenance of bacterial and yeast liquid cultures (e.g., LB, YPD media) at optimized aeration rates.
• Antibiotic susceptibility testing via broth microdilution in 96-well plates.
• Western blot membrane blocking and antibody incubation steps requiring gentle, uniform agitation.
• Enzyme kinetics assays where reagent mixing consistency directly impacts initial rate determination.
• Cell detachment protocols using enzymatic dissociation buffers (e.g., trypsin-EDTA) prior to passaging.
• Preparation of calibration standards and QC reference materials requiring homogeneous suspension of particulates or nanoparticles.

FAQ

Is the KS130 suitable for use inside an incubator?
Yes—its compact footprint (250 × 290 × 140 mm), passive cooling design, and absence of internal fans permit safe operation in static-air or forced-air incubators rated for ambient temperatures up to 40 °C, provided relative humidity remains below 80% non-condensing.
Are clamps included with the KS130?
No—clamps are sold separately to allow users to select configurations matching their vessel types (e.g., IKA part no. 0050000212 for 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask holder). A full clamp catalog is available in the IKA Accessories Guide v2024.
Can the Basic model be upgraded to Control functionality?
No—the Control model incorporates dedicated firmware, an integrated microcontroller with EEPROM storage, and additional hardware interfaces; retrofitting is not supported.
What is the warranty coverage for the KS130?
IKA provides a standard 24-month limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal laboratory use, extendable to 36 months with registration via IKA’s MyIKA portal within 30 days of purchase.
Does the KS130 meet ISO 13485 requirements for medical device manufacturing environments?
While the KS130 itself is not a medical device, its design, documentation traceability, and manufacturing compliance with ISO 9001:2015 enable qualification within ISO 13485 QMS frameworks when used for ancillary process support (e.g., reagent preparation, component cleaning verification).