IKA C-MAG HS 7 control Magnetic Stirrer with Heating

Overview

The IKA C-MAG HS 7 control is a high-performance, single-position magnetic stirrer with integrated ceramic-glass heating plate, engineered for precision, safety, and long-term reliability in demanding laboratory environments. Based on Couette-type rotational mixing 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 robust ceramic-glass top plate (180 × 180 mm) offers exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance to common solvents and acids (e.g., HCl, HNO₃, NaOH up to 30%), and mechanical resilience against thermal shock and accidental impact. Unlike conventional metal or enamel plates, this design eliminates corrosion pathways and ensures consistent heat distribution across the entire surface. The unit operates across a wide thermal range—from ambient temperature up to 500 °C—with independent digital control of both speed and temperature via intuitive rotary dials and dual-line LCD displays showing setpoint and real-time values. Designed for continuous operation under GLP-compliant workflows, the C-MAG HS 7 control supports traceable process documentation through its RS232 and USB interfaces.

Key Features

• Single-position magnetic stirring platform with ceramic-glass heating surface (180 × 180 mm), rated IP21 per DIN EN 60529 for dust protection and limited drip resistance
• Speed control from 50 to 1500 rpm with ±2% deviation at nominal load and 1500 rpm; resolution of 10 rpm; reversible rotation mode for improved suspension stability
• Heating power output of 1000 W; temperature control range from ambient to 500 °C with 5 K resolution on plate, and 1 K resolution in medium when using external sensors
• IKA SmartTemp® technology continuously monitors surface temperature and dynamically adjusts power delivery to prevent overheating—even during rapid ramping or low-volume conditions
• Integrated safety systems include adjustable overtemperature cutoff (100–650 °C), automatic stir bar detection (Error 5 alert), and intermittent stirring mode for controlled reaction kinetics
• Dual LCD display shows both setpoint and actual values for speed and temperature; real-time firmware updates supported via USB connection
• External temperature sensor compatibility with PT1000, ETS-D5, and ETS-D6 probes—enabling closed-loop medium temperature control with ±0.2 K accuracy (ETS-D6, 500 mL water, 600 rpm)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The C-MAG HS 7 control accommodates standard laboratory glassware including beakers (up to 2 L), round-bottom flasks (up to 3 L), and custom reaction vessels, supporting stir bar lengths from 30 mm to 80 mm. It is validated for use with aqueous solutions, organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, THF), and mildly aggressive reagents under ambient pressure. While not designed for sealed high-pressure reactors or highly viscous polymer melts (>5000 mPa·s), it maintains stable performance across pH 1–13 and temperatures up to 500 °C on the plate surface. The device complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets EMC requirements per EN 61326-1. Its digital interface architecture supports audit-ready data logging when integrated into validated systems adhering to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines—particularly when paired with compliant LIMS or ELN platforms via RS232/USB serial communication.

Software & Data Management

Although the C-MAG HS 7 control does not feature onboard programmable methods or graphical plotting, its RS232 and USB interfaces enable seamless integration with third-party control software (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python-based DAQ systems) for automated parameter logging, remote operation, and synchronized multi-instrument protocols. Firmware updates are delivered directly by IKA and applied via USB—ensuring ongoing support for evolving compliance standards and enhanced thermal algorithm tuning. All operational parameters—including speed setpoint, actual RPM, plate temperature, medium temperature (with external probe), error states (e.g., Error 5 for stir bar loss), and timer status—are accessible as ASCII-encoded serial messages. This architecture facilitates GMP-aligned record retention where electronic signatures and change-control logs are managed externally by the host system.

Applications

This instrument serves critical roles in synthetic chemistry (e.g., Grignard reactions, esterifications), pharmaceutical QC (dissolution testing, buffer preparation), materials science (nanoparticle dispersion, precursor mixing), and environmental analysis (extraction, digestion). Its precise thermal control and SmartTemp® logic make it suitable for temperature-sensitive enzymatic assays and kinetic studies requiring reproducible ramp-and-hold profiles. The intermittent mode supports stepwise addition protocols in catalysis research, while auto-reversal minimizes vortex formation during heterogeneous slurry mixing. In teaching laboratories, its intuitive interface and durable construction reduce training overhead and maintenance frequency—supporting ISO/IEC 17025-accredited educational workflows.

FAQ

Does the C-MAG HS 7 control support external temperature feedback for closed-loop control?

Yes—it accepts PT1000, ETS-D5, and ETS-D6 sensors for direct medium temperature measurement and dynamic power adjustment.
What is the maximum recommended vessel size for stable operation?

For optimal thermal uniformity and stirring efficiency, use vessels ≤2 L volume with appropriate stir bar geometry (e.g., 40 mm cross-shaped bar for 600 mL beaker).
Is the device compatible with GLP/GMP documentation requirements?

When connected to a validated data acquisition system with electronic signature capability, all operational parameters—including timestamps, setpoints, and error events—can be captured in an auditable format.
How does SmartTemp® improve thermal safety compared to conventional heating plates?

SmartTemp® continuously compares surface thermistor readings with predictive thermal models to preemptively limit power before localized hotspots exceed safe thresholds—reducing risk of glassware fracture or sample decomposition.
Can the unit operate continuously for extended periods (e.g., overnight)?

Yes—designed for unattended 24/7 operation under ambient conditions of 5–40 °C and ≤80% RH, provided proper ventilation and load limits are observed.