IKA KS130 Basic Orbital Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS130 Basic Orbital Shaker is a compact, microprocessor-controlled laboratory shaker engineered for reliable, low-noise orbital motion in non-temperature-controlled environments. It operates on the principle of circular oscillation—driven by a brushless DC motor—to generate uniform, reproducible mixing across culture flasks, test tubes, microplates, and other standard lab vessels. Designed for benchtop use in life science laboratories, quality control units, and academic research settings, the KS130 Basic delivers consistent performance in applications requiring gentle to vigorous agitation without thermal regulation. Its robust mechanical architecture, combined with a 4 mm orbit diameter and precise speed control over an 80–800 rpm range, ensures high repeatability in cell suspension, reagent homogenization, staining protocols, and enzymatic reaction mixing. The unit complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), and meets essential safety requirements per EN 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-based speed control with LED digital display for real-time monitoring of rotational speed (rpm) and elapsed or set timer duration
• Stable, low-vibration orbital motion with a precisely engineered 4 mm orbit diameter—optimized for uniform sample agitation and minimal cross-contamination risk
• Continuous or programmable timed operation (5–50 minutes) with automatic shutdown upon completion
• High-efficiency brushless DC motor delivering 10 W mechanical output from 45 W electrical input—designed for continuous duty cycle (100 % uptime)
• Compact footprint (270 × 316 × 98 mm) and lightweight construction (8.8 kg) for flexible placement in biosafety cabinets, cold rooms, or shared lab benches
• IP21-rated enclosure providing protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for standard dry laboratory environments
• Universal voltage compatibility (100–120 V / 220–240 V, 50/60 Hz) enabling seamless deployment across global laboratory infrastructures

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KS130 Basic supports a wide range of vessel formats—including Erlenmeyer flasks (up to 2 L), centrifuge tubes, PCR strips, deep-well microplates, and custom glassware—when used with separately ordered IKA-compatible clamps (e.g., universal platform clamps, microplate holders, or tube racks). Maximum load capacity is 2.0 kg including clamp mass. While the shaker itself does not incorporate temperature control (operating at ambient conditions only), its mechanical stability and speed accuracy make it suitable for workflows aligned with ISO 15190:2020 (laboratory safety) and CLSI EP25-A (verification of mixing performance in clinical labs). It is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant environments where instrument calibration records, operational logs, and maintenance history are retained per internal SOPs—though it lacks built-in audit trail or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance features due to absence of data logging or network interface.

Software & Data Management

The KS130 Basic operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid device with no embedded software, cloud connectivity, or external control interface. All parameters are configured locally via front-panel push-button controls; no drivers, firmware updates, or PC-based configuration tools are required. Speed and timer values are displayed on dual-line LED indicators, supporting visual verification during operation. For laboratories requiring integration into centralized monitoring systems, third-party data acquisition modules (e.g., USB-to-RS232 adapters with custom LabVIEW or Python scripts) may be employed—though such configurations fall outside IKA’s validated scope. Calibration verification can be performed using traceable tachometers and mechanical timers per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.

Applications

• Cell culture maintenance: Suspension of adherent and non-adherent mammalian cells during passaging and media exchange
• Molecular biology workflows: Hybridization, washing steps in blotting procedures (Western, Southern, Northern), and probe incubation
• Clinical microbiology: Uniform resuspension of bacterial pellets prior to Gram staining or MALDI-TOF target spotting
• Immunology assays: Agitation during ELISA plate coating, blocking, and antibody binding steps
• Environmental testing: Extraction and homogenization of soil or water samples prior to nutrient analysis
• Educational labs: Teaching fundamental principles of fluid dynamics, mixing efficiency, and rotational mechanics

FAQ

Does the KS130 Basic include a platform clamp?
No—the shaker base is supplied without any clamps or accessories. Compatible clamps must be selected and ordered separately based on vessel type and quantity.
Can this shaker be used inside a CO₂ incubator?
No—it is rated for ambient operation only (5–50 °C) and lacks ingress protection beyond IP21; internal use in humidified, elevated-CO₂ environments is not supported.
Is speed calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes—users may perform periodic verification using NIST-traceable handheld tachometers; calibration certificates can be maintained internally per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine cleaning of the platform surface and inspection of motor housing vents for dust accumulation are recommended; no scheduled lubrication or consumable replacement is specified by IKA.
Is the KS130 Basic compatible with Labworldsoft®?
No—Labworldsoft® integration is available only on higher-tier models (e.g., KS4000i, KS501 digital) equipped with RS232 or Ethernet interfaces.