About IKA Works
IKA Laboratory Heating & Mixing Solutions
IKA Works is a global leader in laboratory and pilot-scale process equipment, manufacturing magnetic stirrers, hotplates, overhead stirrers, rotary evaporators, heating/cooling baths, calorimeters, and mixing systems for chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and material science. Their product portfolio emphasizes precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and reliable vessel agitation across volumes from micro-scale (5 mL) to large-batch (100+ L) applications.
IKA's magnetic hotplate-stirrer series (C-MAG HP 4, HP 7, HP 10) combines glass-ceramic heating surfaces rated to 500°C with integrated magnetic-field generation for stirring up to 30 L vessels. Non-heating magnetic stirrers (IKAMAG series) deliver faster stirring speeds (up to 3000 rpm) for volatile solvents or reactions where external heat is controlled separately. All models accept optional digital thermometer probes (PT100 or PT1000) for feedback-regulated temperature hold within ±2°C.
Overhead stirrers (RH basic, RH Digital) are purpose-built for viscous materials, emulsions, and slurries that exceed magnetic-stirrer capability. Their variable-speed motors (0–2000 rpm) and exchangeable stirrer shafts (paddle, anchor, spiral geometries) enable tailored mixing for polymer synthesis, cement formulation, and food-science research. The RH Digital variant includes touchscreen controls and programmable ramp sequences.
IKA also manufactures heating/cooling baths (Immersion Circulator, LabStar), rotary evaporators (RV series) for solvent recovery and concentration, and high-shear homogenizers (Ultra-Turrax T-series) for emulsification and particle-size reduction. Integrated digital controllers on modern equipment support multiple heating algorithms, safety interlocks, and data logging via USB or Ethernet.
ChatMRO connects your laboratory process requirements—vessel size, target temperature, viscosity range, heating time—to the ideal IKA stirrer, hotplate, or mixer. Whether you're running a single 500 mL synthesis or batch-processing pilot-plant scale, ChatMRO delivers specifications, energy ratings, and availability instantly.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the maximum batch size and temperature for IKA's C-MAG HP hotplate-stirrer series?
The C-MAG HP 10 handles vessels up to 30 L (open beakers) or 20 L (closed reactors) with heating to 500°C; smaller variants (HP 4 and HP 7) cover 10 L and 20 L respectively. Temperature control is ±2°C at setpoint via optional PT100/PT1000 probe inserted into the liquid; the glass-ceramic heating surface distributes heat evenly and resists thermal shock from solvent additions.
Can IKA magnetic stirrers handle viscous materials like polymer melts?
Magnetic stirrers are limited to low-viscosity fluids (up to ~100 cP) before magnetic coupling fails. For higher-viscosity materials (polymer pastes, adhesives, emulsions), IKA's overhead stirrers (RH series) with variable-speed motors (0–2000 rpm) and high-torque outputs are the correct choice. Their exchangeable stirrer shafts (paddle, anchor, turbine) optimize flow patterns for your specific fluid type.
What's the difference between IKA's C-MAG and IKAMAG non-heating magnetic stirrers?
The C-MAG series includes heated hotplate surfaces (up to 500°C) combined with stirring, suited for reactions requiring both temperature control and mixing. IKAMAG is a non-heating, stirring-only version with faster maximum speeds (up to 3000 rpm) for cold reactions, volatile solvent work, or cases where external heating baths provide temperature. IKAMAG is more compact and energy-efficient when heating is not needed.
Do IKA hotplates and stirrers support remote monitoring or data logging?
Modern IKA equipment (C-MAG digital, RH Digital, LabStar baths) include Ethernet/USB connectivity for real-time temperature logging, recipe programming, and integration with LIMS or lab automation platforms. Older models require manual monitoring via analog gauges or optional external thermometer probes; retrofit digital controllers are available for some units.
What's the typical lead time and power requirement for an IKA lab setup?
Stock items (IKAMAG non-heating, basic C-MAG) ship within 2–3 weeks in most regions; custom-configured systems or larger batches may require 6–8 weeks. Most models run on 120 VAC, 60 Hz (US) or 230 VAC, 50 Hz (EU); power consumption ranges 200–1500 W depending on size and heating element. ChatMRO can verify availability and regional power specs during sourcing.