IKA RCT classic package Magnetic Stirrer

Overview

The IKA RCT classic package is a benchtop magnetic stirrer with integrated heating, engineered for precision, repeatability, and long-term reliability in routine laboratory environments. Based on Couette flow principles, it employs a rotating magnetic field to drive PTFE- or glass-coated stir bars within vessels—enabling homogeneous mixing without mechanical shaft penetration. Its temperature-controlled aluminum heating plate delivers stable thermal conditions across aqueous and organic media, supporting applications from buffer preparation to reaction monitoring. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the unit complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP42) for protection against solid ingress and splashing water, and meets IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment. The RCT classic package integrates core functionality—stirring, heating, and digital feedback—into a compact, single-point operation platform suitable for QC labs, academic teaching laboratories, and R&D workflows requiring traceable thermal-mechanical control.

Key Features

• Chemical-resistant, explosion-proof tempered glass surface—facilitates rapid decontamination and withstands accidental solvent exposure
• High-contrast LED display with dedicated status icons for real-time monitoring of setpoint vs. actual speed and temperature
• Dual independent control systems: analog rotary dials for intuitive manual adjustment of speed (50–1500 rpm, ±2% deviation at full load) and temperature (0–310 °C)
• Integrated RS232 and USB interfaces enabling bidirectional communication with host PCs for remote parameter setting, data logging, and firmware updates
• Full compatibility with IKA labworldsoft®—a validated laboratory software platform supporting 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails, user access levels, and electronic signatures
• QR code label on housing provides instant access to product documentation, calibration certificates, and service bulletins via mobile device
• Front-mounted power switch and ergonomic layout minimize operational fatigue during extended use
• Configurable safety temperature cutoff (50–360 °C) prevents overheating during unattended operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RCT classic package accommodates standard laboratory glassware up to 20 L capacity (e.g., beakers, flasks, crystallization dishes), with optimal performance observed using stir bars 20–80 mm in length. It supports both direct plate heating and external temperature feedback via PT1000, ETS-D5, or ETS-D6 sensors—enabling closed-loop control with ±0.2 K accuracy (ETS-D6, under defined test conditions). The system conforms to ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for equipment suitability in accredited testing laboratories and aligns with ASTM E2915-21 guidelines for thermal stability assessment of heated stirrers. All electrical design and thermal management comply with EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and the unit carries CE marking for sale within the European Economic Area.

Software & Data Management

Through its native RS232 and USB interfaces, the RCT classic package enables seamless integration into networked laboratory infrastructures. When paired with IKA labworldsoft®, users can schedule multi-step protocols (e.g., ramp-to-target temperature → hold → initiate stirring → log every 5 s), export timestamped CSV datasets, and generate PDF reports with embedded metadata (operator ID, instrument serial number, environmental logs). Audit trail functionality records all parameter modifications—including who changed what, when, and why—meeting GLP and GMP documentation expectations. Raw sensor data (speed, plate temp, medium temp via external probe) is time-synchronized and stored locally on the host PC, ensuring full traceability without cloud dependency.

Applications

• Preparation of standardized buffers, culture media, and reagent solutions under controlled thermal conditions
• Kinetic studies requiring simultaneous heating and agitation (e.g., hydrolysis, polymer dissolution, catalyst activation)
• Quality control testing per USP and for compounded sterile/non-sterile preparations
• Method development for extraction and leaching procedures (e.g., EPA Method 1311 TCLP)
• Teaching laboratories demonstrating thermodynamic equilibration, viscosity-temperature relationships, and mass transfer phenomena
• Supporting ISO 5725-2 precision validation experiments where inter-operator consistency must be maintained across shifts

FAQ

Does the RCT classic package support external temperature probes?
Yes—it features dedicated inputs for PT1000, ETS-D5, and ETS-D6 sensors, enabling precise medium temperature regulation independent of plate surface readings.
Can multiple RCT units be controlled simultaneously via labworldsoft®?
Yes—the software supports concurrent configuration and monitoring of up to 32 IKA devices on a single network segment.
What is the maximum recommended vessel diameter for stable operation?
For optimal magnetic coupling and thermal uniformity, vessels with base diameters ≤120 mm are recommended when using the standard Ø135 mm heating plate.
Is calibration documentation included with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to DKD/DAkkS-accredited standards; optional UKAS-certified recalibration services are available through authorized IKA service centers.
How does the safety temperature limit function during unattended operation?
The adjustable overtemperature cutoff interrupts heating if the selected sensor input exceeds the preset threshold—while maintaining stirring until manually reset or power cycled.