IKA C-MAG HS 7 control Heating Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA C-MAG HS 7 control is a high-performance, microprocessor-controlled heating magnetic stirrer engineered for precision, reproducibility, and long-term operational stability in demanding laboratory environments. Designed around Couette flow principles, it employs a rotating magnetic field to drive PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars within vessels—enabling homogeneous mixing of low-to-medium viscosity liquids without mechanical shaft penetration. Its integrated ceramic-glass heating plate delivers rapid, uniform thermal energy transfer, while the dual-sensor SmartTemp® system continuously monitors both plate surface temperature and, optionally, media temperature via external probes (PT1000, ETS-D5, or ETS-D6), enabling closed-loop feedback control with sub-degree accuracy under defined experimental conditions. The unit complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP21) for protection against vertically falling drips and solid objects >12.5 mm, and meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1 for use in regulated analytical laboratories.

Key Features

• Robust 180 × 180 mm ceramic-glass heating plate offering exceptional chemical resistance, thermal shock tolerance, and scratch resistance—eliminating corrosion risks common with stainless-steel or aluminum surfaces.
• Microprocessor-based speed and temperature control with dual-line LCD displays showing real-time setpoints and actual values for both rpm and °C.
• Reversible rotation mode and programmable intermittent stirring support complex reaction kinetics, crystallization studies, and sedimentation prevention protocols.
• SmartTemp® technology provides dynamic safety interlocks: if media temperature exceeds user-defined limits—or if probe disconnection or dry-run conditions are detected—the system automatically reduces power or halts heating to prevent sample degradation or equipment damage.
• Integrated timer supports precise time-gated experiments from 1 second to 99 days, with automatic shutdown and audible alert upon completion.
• Firmware upgradability via USB or RS232 ensures long-term compatibility with evolving laboratory informatics systems and regulatory documentation requirements.
• Viscosity trend monitoring function detects changes in motor load during stirring, providing qualitative insight into polymerization, gelation, or phase separation events without requiring additional instrumentation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C-MAG HS 7 control accommodates standard laboratory glassware up to 20 L capacity (e.g., beakers, flasks, jacketed reactors) using stir bars ranging from 30 to 80 mm in length. Its non-porous ceramic-glass surface resists attack from strong acids (e.g., concentrated HNO₃, H₂SO₄), bases (e.g., 50% NaOH), and organic solvents—supporting applications under ISO 17025-accredited quality systems. When configured with an ETS-D6 external temperature sensor, the system achieves ±0.2 K temperature control stability in aqueous media (500 mL in 600 mL beaker, 600 rpm), meeting performance benchmarks referenced in ASTM E2465 and USP for thermal validation in dissolution and stability testing. Device firmware supports audit-trail generation for GLP/GMP environments when connected to compliant LIMS or ELN platforms.

Software & Data Management

Communication via RS232 or USB enables bidirectional parameter exchange with third-party control software (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python scripts). All critical operational parameters—including speed, temperature setpoints, timer status, error logs (e.g., Error 5: media detection failure), and SmartTemp® event timestamps—are accessible via ASCII command protocol. Data export formats include CSV and plain-text log files, facilitating integration into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant documentation workflows when paired with appropriate identity verification and electronic signature infrastructure.

Applications

• Controlled heating and mixing in synthetic chemistry (Grignard reactions, esterifications, catalytic hydrogenations).
• Dissolution testing per USP apparatus II, including temperature ramping and rotational consistency validation.
• Cell culture media preparation requiring sterile, particle-free homogenization and precise thermal conditioning.
• Standardization of reference materials where traceable temperature and agitation profiles are mandated (e.g., ISO Guide 34).
• Quality control of adhesives, coatings, and suspensions where viscosity evolution must be correlated with thermal history.
• Method development for accelerated stability studies (ICH Q1A) under defined thermal stress conditions.

FAQ

What external temperature sensors are compatible with the C-MAG HS 7 control?
The unit natively supports PT1000 resistance thermometers, as well as IKA’s ETS-D5 and ETS-D6 digital temperature probes—each offering distinct accuracy profiles depending on vessel geometry and thermal mass.
Does the device support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
While the hardware itself does not embed electronic signatures or role-based access control, its data export capabilities and audit-ready event logging enable integration into validated 21 CFR Part 11 systems when deployed with compliant software and procedural controls.
Can the stirrer operate without heating enabled?
Yes—temperature control and stirring functions are fully independent; the unit may be used as a high-torque magnetic stirrer (50–1500 rpm) with zero heating output.
What is the warranty coverage for the C-MAG HS 7 control?
IKA provides a 10-year limited warranty (2 years statutory + 8 years extended), reflecting the unit’s industrial-grade construction and rigorous factory calibration protocols.
Is the ceramic-glass plate resistant to thermal shock?
Yes—the plate is manufactured from tempered borosilicate-based glass-ceramic with a coefficient of thermal expansion matched to underlying heating elements, permitting direct transition from ambient to 500 °C without cracking under normal operating conditions.