IKA C-MAG HP 4 Electric Heating Plate

Overview

The IKA C-MAG HP 4 is a compact, single-position electric heating plate engineered for precise and reproducible thermal control in analytical, quality control, and research laboratories. Designed according to DIN EN 60529 standards with an IP21 ingress protection rating, it delivers robust performance under typical laboratory environmental conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80 % relative humidity). Its operating principle relies on resistive heating elements embedded beneath a monolithic ceramic top plate, enabling rapid thermal response and stable plateau temperatures across the entire 100 × 100 mm heating zone. Unlike open-coil or aluminum-surface heaters, the seamless ceramic surface resists corrosion from common acids (e.g., HNO₃, HCl), bases, and organic solvents—making it suitable for sample preparation workflows involving digestion, evaporation, and solvent removal where chemical exposure is routine. The unit operates without stirring functionality; it is strictly a temperature-controlled heating platform, optimized for compatibility with external temperature sensors (e.g., IKA ETS-D5 contact probe) for closed-loop solution temperature regulation.

Key Features

• Ceramic heating surface: Fully fused, pore-free structure providing exceptional resistance to chemical attack and thermal shock
• Digital LED display: Enables accurate setting and real-time monitoring of surface temperature with 1 °C resolution
• Safety-limited thermal cutoff: Automatic deactivation at 550 °C prevents overheating and safeguards both samples and equipment
• Elevated control panel design: Minimizes risk of liquid splashes contacting electronics while improving ergonomics for parameter readout and adjustment
• Microprocessor-based temperature regulation: Delivers consistent thermal output by continuously comparing sensor feedback against setpoint, compensating for ambient load variations
• Compliance-ready architecture: Supports integration with external calibrated probes (e.g., IKA ETS-D5) to meet GLP/GMP documentation requirements for temperature traceability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C-MAG HP 4 accommodates standard round-bottom flasks (up to 1 L), beakers, crucibles, and digestion vessels placed directly on its 100 × 100 mm ceramic surface. Its uniform ±10 K temperature distribution ensures minimal thermal gradients across small- to medium-volume samples during controlled heating protocols. While not certified for use in explosive atmospheres, the device conforms to IEC/EN 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment. Its IP21 rating confirms protection against vertically falling solid objects and limited ingress of moisture—sufficient for general lab bench deployment but not recommended for high-humidity or wash-down environments. For applications requiring regulatory-compliant temperature validation (e.g., USP , ISO/IEC 17025), pairing with a traceable Pt100 probe and logging software enables audit-ready calibration records.

Software & Data Management

The C-MAG HP 4 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no built-in data logging or PC interface. However, when used in conjunction with the optional IKA ETS-D5 electronic temperature sensor and IKA Labworldsoft™ (v4.0+), users can achieve full digital temperature profiling, setpoint scheduling, and exportable CSV data files. This configuration satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records—including user authentication, audit trails, and immutable timestamped logs—when deployed in regulated pharmaceutical or clinical testing labs. All firmware updates and configuration backups are managed via USB connection using IKA’s official configuration utility.

Applications

• Controlled evaporation of solvents in sample concentration prior to GC, HPLC, or ICP-MS analysis
• Acid digestion of biological, environmental, or geological matrices using closed-vessel systems placed atop the plate
• Pre-heating reagents and reaction mixtures to defined initiation temperatures in synthetic chemistry workflows
• Stabilizing incubation temperatures for enzymatic assays where water baths are impractical
• Calibration verification of thermocouples and RTDs using NIST-traceable reference standards
• Low-risk thermal treatment of calibration standards (e.g., melting point references) within validated temperature bands

FAQ

Can the C-MAG HP 4 be used for reflux or distillation setups?
Yes—its stable 50–500 °C range and chemical-resistant ceramic surface support glassware-based reflux condensers and simple distillation assemblies, provided mechanical stability and vapor containment are ensured externally.
Is external temperature feedback required for accurate solution temperature control?
Yes. The unit displays and regulates surface temperature only. To control actual solution temperature (e.g., in a flask), a compatible contact probe such as the IKA ETS-D5 must be connected and configured in “solution mode” via the rear port.
Does the device support programmable ramp-soak temperature profiles?
No—ramp/soak functionality is not natively available. Such profiles require integration with Labworldsoft™ and an external temperature sensor.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine cleaning with non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaners; inspection of ceramic surface for micro-cracks before each use; annual verification of temperature accuracy using a calibrated reference thermometer.
Can multiple C-MAG HP 4 units be daisy-chained or networked?
No—each unit operates independently with no communication interface. Centralized control requires third-party SCADA or PLC integration via analog 0–10 V or 4–20 mA signal adapters (not supplied).