IKA C-MAG HP 4 Ceramic Hotplate

Overview

The IKA C-MAG HP 4 is a compact, high-performance ceramic hotplate engineered for precise and reliable conductive heating in routine laboratory workflows. Designed around a monolithic ceramic heating surface, it delivers uniform thermal distribution across its 100 × 100 mm active zone via resistive heating elements embedded beneath a chemically inert, seamless plate. Unlike traditional aluminum or stainless-steel plates, the ceramic surface resists corrosion from common solvents, acids, and bases—making it suitable for applications involving aggressive reagents or prolonged exposure to moisture and vapors. Its operational temperature range spans from 50 °C to 500 °C, with a factory-calibrated accuracy of ±10 K under standard ambient conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % RH). The device employs analog rotary control for intuitive setpoint adjustment and integrates passive thermal safety mechanisms—including an independent overtemperature cut-off at 550 °C—to comply with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and DIN EN 60529 ingress protection requirements (IP21).

Key Features

• Monolithic ceramic heating plate with zero seams—resistant to chemical attack, thermal shock, and mechanical abrasion
• Elevated control panel design minimizes risk of liquid ingress and improves readability of the digital temperature display
• Analog rotary temperature controller enables repeatable manual setpoint selection without software dependency
• Integrated thermal warning system: LED indicator blinks during operation to signal elevated surface temperature (>50 °C)
• Fixed safety cut-off at 550 °C prevents uncontrolled thermal runaway under fault conditions
• Compact footprint (150 × 105 × 260 mm) and lightweight construction (3 kg) facilitate benchtop integration in space-constrained environments
• Configurable input voltage options (230 V / 120 V / 100 V) support global deployment across diverse power infrastructures

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C-MAG HP 4 accommodates vessels up to 5 L in volume—including round-bottom flasks, beakers, crystallization dishes, and reaction vials—provided they maintain stable contact with the ceramic surface. Its flat, rigid plate ensures optimal heat transfer efficiency for glass, metal, and certain polymer containers. The device conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP21) for protection against vertically falling solid objects and limited ingress of moisture, and meets essential safety requirements outlined in IEC 61010-1 for electrical equipment used in laboratory settings. While not certified for use in explosion-proof or Class I Div 1 environments, it is suitable for general-purpose heating under GLP-compliant workflows where traceability of setpoint and duration is maintained manually.

Software & Data Management

The C-MAG HP 4 operates as a standalone analog instrument without onboard data logging, USB connectivity, or PC interface capabilities. Temperature setpoints are manually selected and visually confirmed via a built-in digital display; no firmware updates, calibration certificates, or audit trails are generated. As such, it aligns with laboratories maintaining paper-based or spreadsheet-managed records for heating parameters. For users requiring electronic recordkeeping or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, external temperature dataloggers (e.g., calibrated Pt100 probes with timestamped output) may be deployed in parallel to capture real-time plate surface readings.

Applications

• Controlled evaporation of solvents in sample preparation workflows
• Pre-heating reagents prior to addition in synthesis protocols
• Stabilization of reaction mixtures at constant temperature during kinetic studies
• Drying of filter papers, precipitates, or thin-layer chromatography plates
• Supporting digestion steps in wet chemistry methods (e.g., EPA Method 3050B)
• Heating baths for viscosity measurements using capillary or rotational viscometers

FAQ

Is the C-MAG HP 4 compatible with magnetic stirrers?

No—it is a heating-only hotplate without integrated stirring functionality. For combined heating and stirring, consider the IKA C-MAG HS 4 or RCT basic series.
Can the ceramic plate be cleaned with acetone or nitric acid?

Yes—the monolithic ceramic surface is resistant to most organic solvents and dilute mineral acids; however, prolonged exposure to concentrated HF or molten alkalis should be avoided.
Does the ±10 K temperature accuracy apply across the full 50–500 °C range?

Accuracy is specified per IKA’s factory calibration protocol under controlled ambient conditions; deviation may increase near extremes of the range or under heavy thermal load.
What does the IP21 rating mean for daily use?

It indicates protection against vertically falling drops of water and solid objects >12.5 mm in diameter—suitable for dry lab benches but not recommended for humidified enclosures or splash-prone areas.
Is recalibration possible by the end user?

No field recalibration is supported; verification against a traceable reference thermometer (e.g., NIST-traceable Pt100) is recommended annually or after physical impact.