IKA RCT digital Magnetic Stirrer with Heating
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | RCT digital |
| Max. Stirring Volume (H₂O) | 20 L |
| Motor Output Power | 9 W |
| Speed Range | 50–1500 rpm |
| Speed Setting Accuracy | ±10 rpm |
| Stir Bar Length Compatibility | 30–80 mm |
| Heating Power | 600 W |
| Heating Temperature Range | Ambient + Self-Heating to 310 °C |
| Temp. Setting Range | 0–310 °C |
| Temp. Setting Accuracy | ±1 K |
| External Temperature Sensor Interface | PT1000, ETS-D5, ETS-D6 |
| Safety Temp. Limit Range | 50–370 °C |
| Plate Material | Anodized Aluminum |
| Plate Diameter | Ø 135 mm |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 160 × 270 × 85 mm |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Ambient Operating Conditions | 5–40 °C, ≤80% RH |
| Protection Rating | IP42 |
| Interfaces | RS232, USB |
| Voltage | 220–230 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Total Input Power | 650 W |
| Standby Power | 1.6 W |
| Auto Reverse Rotation | Yes |
| Intermittent Mode | Yes |
| Viscosity Trend Monitoring | Yes |
| Timer Range | 1 s – 143940 min |
| Timer Display | LCD |
| Media Detection Sensor (Error 5) | Yes |
| No-Load Speed Deviation | ±2 % (at 1500 rpm, 25 °C, nominal voltage) |
| Heating Rate (1 L H₂O in H1500 vessel) | 6.5 K/min |
| Plate Temp. Control Accuracy (at 100 °C) | ±5 K |
| External PT1000 Temp. Control Accuracy (500 mL H₂O, 600 mL beaker, 40 mm stir bar, 600 rpm, 50 °C) | ±0.5 K |
| ETS-D5 Temp. Control Accuracy (same conditions) | ±0.5 K |
| ETS-D6 Temp. Control Accuracy (same conditions) | ±0.2 K |
Overview
The IKA RCT digital Magnetic Stirrer with Heating is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for reproducible mixing and temperature-controlled reaction management in research, quality control, and production environments. Based on the principle of magnetic coupling—where a rotating permanent magnet beneath the heated plate induces rotation of a magnetic stir bar immersed in the sample—the RCT digital delivers robust torque transfer across wide viscosity ranges while maintaining thermal uniformity and mechanical stability. Its integrated heating system employs high-efficiency resistive elements embedded within an anodized aluminum plate, enabling rapid thermal response and precise setpoint adherence. The device conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP42) for protection against solid objects ≥1 mm and vertically falling water droplets, ensuring operational safety in standard laboratory settings. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the RCT digital reflects IKA’s long-standing commitment to engineering integrity, traceable calibration pathways, and compliance-ready functionality for regulated workflows.
Key Features
- High-performance aluminum heating plate (Ø 135 mm) with optimized thermal mass and rapid heat-up rate (6.5 K/min for 1 L H₂O)
- Dual-display LCD interface showing real-time speed and temperature values alongside user-defined setpoints
- Intelligent SmartTemp® technology providing dynamic overtemperature protection and adaptive thermal feedback
- Auto-reversing rotation mode to prevent vortex formation and improve homogenization in viscous or heterogeneous media
- Intermittent stirring function for controlled pulse-based mixing protocols
- Viscosity trend monitoring via real-time motor load analysis—enabling detection of gelation, precipitation, or polymerization events
- Integrated timer with programmable duration from 1 second to 99 days (143940 minutes), supporting kinetic studies and unattended operation
- Comprehensive sensor diagnostics including media detection (Error 5) and continuous motor performance verification
- Support for external temperature probes: PT1000, ETS-D5, and ETS-D6—with ETS-D6 delivering ±0.2 K accuracy under standardized test conditions
- RS232 and USB interfaces for firmware updates, remote parameter configuration, and data logging in accordance with GLP/GMP documentation requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RCT digital accommodates vessels up to 20 L capacity (water-equivalent), compatible with glass, stainless steel, and chemically resistant polymer containers. Stir bar length support spans 30–80 mm, enabling optimal coupling across low- to high-viscosity samples—from aqueous buffers to silicone oils and molten polymers. Its anodized aluminum plate resists corrosion from common solvents and acids, eliminating risks associated with ceramic or coated surfaces. The unit meets essential electrical safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directives (2014/30/EU). While not intrinsically rated for hazardous areas, its IP42 ingress protection and thermal cut-off safeguards align with general laboratory safety best practices. For regulated environments, audit-trail-capable software integration supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with validated data acquisition systems.
Software & Data Management
Firmware updates are delivered via USB or RS232 using IKA’s official Labworldsoft platform, ensuring version traceability and secure patch deployment. Logged parameters—including speed, temperature, time, error codes, and motor load history—can be exported in CSV format for downstream statistical analysis or LIMS integration. The device stores up to 10 user-defined method presets, each retaining independent speed ramp profiles, temperature gradients, and timer configurations. All critical operational events (e.g., overtemperature alerts, sensor disconnection, or power interruption) are timestamped and retained in non-volatile memory, facilitating root-cause analysis during QA investigations.
Applications
This instrument serves diverse applications requiring simultaneous agitation and thermal control: dissolution testing per USP , buffer preparation in biopharmaceutical upstream processing, catalyst activation in synthetic chemistry, nanoparticle dispersion in colloidal science, and enzymatic reaction kinetics under isothermal conditions. Its high-resolution temperature control (±0.2 K with ETS-D6) makes it suitable for calorimetric pre-equilibration steps, while viscosity trend monitoring supports real-time rheological assessment without external instrumentation. Academic labs utilize its programmable intermittent mode for simulating shear-thinning behavior in food emulsions or sediment resuspension studies in environmental microbiology.
FAQ
Does the RCT digital support external temperature feedback for closed-loop control?
Yes—it accepts PT1000, ETS-D5, and ETS-D6 probes, with ETS-D6 achieving ±0.2 K accuracy under defined test conditions.
Can the device operate unattended for extended periods?
Yes—the integrated timer supports durations up to 99 days, and automatic safety cutoffs prevent thermal runaway.
Is firmware update capability built-in?
Yes—updates are performed locally via USB or remotely via RS232 using IKA-certified Labworldsoft software.
What is the maximum recommended vessel diameter?
For optimal magnetic coupling and thermal uniformity, vessels up to 150 mm in diameter are recommended when using standard stir bars.
How does SmartTemp® enhance process safety?
SmartTemp® continuously monitors plate surface temperature and adjusts power delivery in real time, enforcing user-defined safety limits and preventing overheating even during prolonged operation.
