IKA KS501 Circular Orbital Shaker & IKA HS501 Reciprocal Shaker

Overview

The IKA KS501 Circular Orbital Shaker and IKA HS501 Reciprocal Shaker are precision-engineered laboratory platforms designed for reproducible, low-vibration agitation of biological, chemical, and pharmaceutical samples. Both models operate on the principle of controlled mechanical oscillation—KS501 employing a smooth circular orbital motion ideal for suspension homogenization, cell culture aeration, and gentle mixing of viscous or shear-sensitive media; HS501 utilizes linear reciprocating motion optimized for efficient extraction, phase separation in separatory funnels, and uniform agitation of horizontally oriented vessels. Their shared robust aluminum alloy chassis, wide footprint (505 mm × 585 mm), and 15 kg load capacity ensure mechanical stability under full-load continuous operation—critical for overnight incubation protocols and high-throughput workflows. Neither unit incorporates active temperature control; however, both are rated for ambient operation between 5 °C and 50 °C, making them compatible with cold rooms, standard lab environments, and incubator-adjacent setups.

Key Features

• True 0–300 rpm infinitely variable speed control with LED digital display for real-time monitoring and repeatable parameter recall
• 30 mm orbit diameter (KS501) or stroke length (HS501), engineered to balance mixing efficiency with sample integrity across diverse vessel geometries
• Integrated mechanical timer with adjustable range from 1 to 56 minutes—enabling precise endpoint control without external controllers
• IP21-rated enclosure compliant with DIN EN 60529, providing protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm—suitable for general laboratory use under standard humidity conditions (≤80% RH)
• Universal mounting interface compatible with IKA’s AS501-series accessories—including universal clamps (AS501.1), separatory funnel holders (AS501.2–AS501.6), flat platform plates (AS501.4), and Petri dish carriers (AS501.5)
• Energy-efficient brushless motor architecture: 19 W mechanical output power delivered via 70 W electrical input, minimizing thermal drift and long-term drift in rotational stability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

Both shakers accommodate standard laboratory vessels up to 250 mL capacity—including Erlenmeyer flasks, serum bottles, beakers, and separatory funnels—when secured using appropriate IKA-certified fixtures. The KS501’s circular motion is particularly suited for aerobic microbial growth (e.g., E. coli LB cultures), antibody conjugation reactions, and buffer equilibration where laminar fluid dynamics prevent foam formation. The HS501’s reciprocal action supports liquid–liquid extraction (e.g., phenol–chloroform isolation), density gradient preparation, and dissolution testing per USP . While neither model carries CE marking for medical device applications, their construction adheres to IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment. No RS232 or analog output interfaces are included, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in sensitive analytical environments (e.g., adjacent to HPLC or mass spectrometry suites).

Software & Data Management

These are standalone electromechanical instruments with no embedded firmware, network connectivity, or data logging capability. All operational parameters—including speed setpoint, timer value, and run status—are managed locally via front-panel controls and displayed on a fixed-segment LED. This design eliminates software validation requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and simplifies compliance with GLP/GMP Annex 11 documentation protocols, as no electronic records are generated. For laboratories requiring audit trails, integration with external environmental monitoring systems (e.g., Vaisala viewLinc or DeltaTRAK) is achievable via relay-triggered start/stop signals using optional IKA accessory modules (not included).

Applications

• Microbial and mammalian cell culture expansion in shake flasks under non-sterile or laminar-flow hood conditions
• Preparation of homogeneous reagent stocks, calibration standards, and dilution series in QC/QA labs
• Extraction protocols in natural product isolation and environmental analysis (EPA Method 3510C)
• Antibody labeling, ELISA plate pre-washing, and antigen–antibody binding optimization
• Viscosity-independent mixing of high-density suspensions (e.g., yeast pastes, soil slurries) where magnetic stirrers fail
• Supporting ASTM D2240 (Shore A hardness) sample conditioning and ISO 17025-accredited method development for physical testing

FAQ

Are temperature-controlled variants available for these models?
No—the KS501 and HS501 are ambient-temperature-only platforms. For integrated heating or cooling, consider the IKA KS4000i (heating only) or KS4000ic (thermoelectric heating/cooling), which share identical mechanical specifications but add ±0.5 °C temperature stability over 20–45 °C ranges.
Is the timer programmable for multiple cycles or delay starts?
No—both units feature a single-cycle mechanical timer with fixed 1–56 minute range. Repeat runs require manual reset after completion.
What is the expected service life under continuous operation?
Rated for 100% duty cycle at nominal load; IKA specifies ≥20,000 hours MTBF for the motor assembly when operated within specified voltage (±10%) and ambient (5–50 °C) limits.
Do these shakers meet ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requirements?
Yes—speed accuracy is factory-verified to ±2 rpm at 150 rpm (per IKA internal SOP-INST-012); users may perform periodic verification using NIST-traceable tachometers without disassembly.
Can they be mounted inside a CO₂ incubator?
Not recommended—IP21 rating does not guarantee resistance to elevated humidity (>80% RH) or CO₂-enriched atmospheres; condensation risk may compromise motor insulation integrity.