IKA Plate (RCT digital) Magnetic Stirrer with Heating, Aluminium Work Surface, 20 Litre, 0025004601
€897.00
% Manufacturer's RRP: €1,196.00 25% below manufacturer's RRP
Available, delivery time: 1-3 days
- Heated magnetic stirrer with LCD display, current series of the classic RCT digital
- Stirring capacity up to 20 litres of water, aluminium work surface Ø 135 mm
- Includes PT 1000.60 temperature sensor, ETS-D5/ETS-D6 can also be connected
- Control accuracy in the medium up to ±0.2 K, viscosity trend measurement
- RS232 and USB interface, compatible with Labworldsoft 6
- Degree of protection IP 42
Product information "IKA Plate (RCT digital) Magnetic Stirrer with Heating, Aluminium Work Surface, 20 Litre, 0025004601"
IKA has relaunched the classic RCT digital series under the new product brand IKA Plate with LCD display and digital process control, and the manufacturer continues to use the parenthetical addition RCT digital. The IKA Plate (RCT digital) (0025004601) combines a stirring capacity of up to 20 litres with 600 watts of heating power, a round aluminium work surface and a digital display for setpoint and actual values of speed and temperature.
Round aluminium work surface with fast heat transfer
The work surface with a diameter of 135 millimetres is made of an aluminium alloy that transfers heat to the vessel faster than classic ceramic coatings. The heating power of 600 watts covers a temperature range of 0 to 310 degrees Celsius (room temperature plus the device's self-heating), with a setting accuracy of 1 kelvin at the plate. According to the data sheet, the heating rate is 6.5 kelvin per minute for 1 litre of water.
Digital display and interfaces for documented processes
Speed and temperature are shown on an LCD display as setpoint and actual value. Via the RS232 interface and USB-B connection, the device can be connected to a control system, and the laboratory device software Labworldsoft 6 is listed in the accessory range for this purpose. Automatic reversal of the direction of rotation, interval operation, viscosity trend measurement and a timer with a maximum run time of 143,940 minutes round off the process control.
Stirring up to 20 litres with high repeatability
The speed range extends from 50 to 1500 revolutions per minute with a deviation of only ±2 percent (without load, rated voltage, at 1500 rpm and 25 degrees Celsius), set in steps of 10 revolutions per minute. Stirring bars from 20 to 80 millimetres in length can be used, and the maximum load on the work surface is 25 kilograms. Automatic reversal of the direction of rotation makes it possible to influence vortex formation in the vessel in a targeted way, for example to reduce aerosol formation in sensitive batches.
Precise temperature control directly in the medium
A PT 1000.60 temperature sensor made of stainless steel is already included in the scope of delivery, and ETS-D5 and ETS-D6 contact thermometers can also be connected. The control accuracy in the medium is ±0.5 kelvin each with the PT1000 sensor and the ETS-D5, and ±0.2 kelvin with the ETS-D6 (measured with 500 ml of water, 40 mm stirring bar, 600 rpm, 50 degrees Celsius). A sensor-in-medium detection reports when the sensor is actually immersed.
Typical applications
With digital display, interfaces and precise medium temperature control, the IKA Plate (RCT digital) is technically suited for:
- Syntheses and reactions requiring documented temperature control in the medium
- Stirring processes up to 20 litres with changing viscosity, monitored via viscosity trend measurement
- Automated or software-controlled laboratory workstations via RS232/USB
- Processes with long time intervals thanks to the timer of up to almost 100 days
- Quality control with auditable time and temperature profiles
Selection guide: digital, control or basic
Within the IKA stirrers, the digital level marks the transition from simple analogue operation to a digital display, without yet offering all functions of the control versions:
| Model | Operation | Stirring capacity (H2O) | Heating power | Work surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKA Plate (RCT digital), this device | LCD, RS232, USB-B | 20 l | 600 W | Aluminium, Ø 135 mm |
| C-MAG HS 7 control | LCD, RS232, USB-B | 20 l | 1000 W | Ceramic, 180 x 180 mm |
| RET control-visc white | TFT, RS232, USB, weighing function | 20 l | 600 W | Technical enamel, Ø 135 mm |
Anyone who needs higher heating power in addition to the digital display is better served by the C-MAG-HS-7-control version. Anyone who also wants to record the mass of the sample directly in the stirring process will find this in the RET control-visc.
Differences from comparable IKA stirrers
The IKA C-MAG HS 7 control offers, with the same stirring capacity of 20 litres, a higher heating power of 1000 instead of 600 watts, but a smaller work surface with ceramic coating instead of aluminium. The RET control-visc white shares the stirring capacity and work surface size, and additionally brings an integrated weighing function and a TFT display. For a simpler specification without a digital display, IKA also lists the models RCT basic and RCT basic anodized.
Technical details
| Number of stirring positions | 1 |
| Max. stirring capacity (H2O) | 20 l |
| Maximum load | 25 kg |
| Motor power output | 9 W |
| Direction of rotation | clockwise / anticlockwise, automatic reversal possible |
| Speed range | 50 to 1500 rpm, setting accuracy 10 rpm, deviation ±2 % |
| Stirring bar length | 20 to 80 mm |
| Heating power | 600 W |
| Heating temperature range | 0 to 310 °C (room temperature plus self-heating), setting accuracy 1 K |
| Connection for external temperature sensor | PT1000, ETS-D5, ETS-D6 |
| Control accuracy in the medium (PT1000/ETS-D5 / ETS-D6) | ±0.5 K / ±0.2 K |
| Safety circuit adjustable | 50 to 370 °C |
| Further functions | Interval operation, viscosity trend measurement, timer (1 s to 143,940 min), sensor-in-medium detection |
| Interfaces | RS232, USB-B |
| Work surface material / dimensions | Aluminium alloy, Ø 135 mm |
| Standby power consumption | 1.6 W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 160 x 85 x 270 mm |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Degree of protection | IP 42 (DIN EN 60529) |
| Mains connection | 220 to 230 V, 50/60 Hz, 650 W (further voltage variants 115 V / 100 V available) |
Scope of delivery
- 1 x IKA Plate (RCT digital) magnetic stirrer with heating (0025004601)
- 1 x PT 1000.60 temperature sensor, stainless steel
- 1 x IKAFLON 30 magnetic stirring bar
- 1 x IKAFLON 40 magnetic stirring bar
- 1 x screwdriver
- 1 x USB-A-B cable
Use, installation, maintenance and disposal
With degree of protection IP 42, the IKA Plate (RCT digital) is protected against the ingress of foreign bodies larger than 1 millimetre and against dripping water when tilted up to 15°, which also allows operation under somewhat more demanding laboratory conditions than with simpler IP 21 devices. The self-heating of the work surface rises by up to 17 kelvin after one hour of continuous stirring, which must be taken into account when assessing the actual plate temperature, particularly in processes close to the lower setpoint temperature. Before cleaning and maintenance, the device should be allowed to cool and be disconnected from the mains. At the end of its service life, the device does not belong in household waste as electrical equipment but in separate waste electrical equipment collection; the manufacturer's WEEE registration number is DE 66784213.
Investment logic: when the digital version pays off
The digital version is worthwhile when documented setpoint and actual values and a connection via RS232 or USB are required, without the need for additional functions such as a weighing function. For processes that additionally require a heating power higher than 600 watts, the C-MAG HS 7 control with 1000 watts is the more suitable choice, even though its work surface is somewhat smaller and made of ceramic instead of aluminium. If a reproducible sample mass during stirring is also required, this justifies the extra cost of the control-visc version with weighing function.
Individual requirements & procurement service
For the IKA Plate (RCT digital), additional original accessories such as ETS-D5 or ETS-D6 contact thermometers, carrier plates, reaction blocks, oil bath attachments and the Labworldsoft software are available on request. Through our procurement service we also support you with spare parts, calibrations and the uniform equipping of several workstations. Further information and contact options can be found at lt-laborhandel.com/service.
Frequently asked questions
Is "IKA Plate" a new product name or a typing error?
IKA Plate is the official, current product brand for the classic RCT digital series, and the manufacturer continues the parenthetical addition RCT digital, so that the device can also be found under its previous name.
Is a temperature sensor included in the scope of delivery?
Yes, a PT 1000.60 temperature sensor made of stainless steel is part of the scope of delivery. ETS-D5 and ETS-D6 sensors can also be connected, but must be procured separately.
How does the IKA Plate (RCT digital) differ from the C-MAG HS 7 control?
Both offer an LCD display and interfaces, but the C-MAG HS 7 control has a higher heating power of 1000 instead of 600 watts and a ceramic instead of aluminium work surface.
How accurately can the temperature in the medium be controlled?
With the PT1000 sensor supplied, the IKA Plate (RCT digital) controls to an accuracy of ±0.5 kelvin, and with the optional ETS-D6 sensor even to ±0.2 kelvin, in each case according to the data sheet under defined measurement conditions.
Can the device be controlled via software?
Via the RS232 and USB interface, a connection to the Labworldsoft 6 software listed in the IKA accessory range is provided, which allows process data to be logged centrally.
How is the IKA Plate (RCT digital) disposed of properly?
As electrical equipment, it belongs at a waste electrical equipment collection point instead of in household waste, and the manufacturer's WEEE registration number is given in the section Use, installation, maintenance and disposal.
Matching accessories
The new IKA ETS-D5 electronic contact thermometer (MPN 0025008371) completely redefines precision, safety and ease of use in laboratory thermal analysis. Developed as a high-performance mechatronic control unit for demanding laboratory processes, this instrument takes over active, direct temperature control of the medium once connected. It controls the heating power of a coupled magnetic stirrer by intelligently switching the heating plate on and off, whilst the stirrer itself acts as a redundant monitoring unit for the preset safety limits. The ETS-D5 thus transforms any compatible workstation into a future-proof, high-precision control centre for reproducible experimental series. Integrated safety architecture for risk-free processes From a process engineering perspective, the ETS-D5 offers a comprehensive range of sophisticated protective functions that contribute significantly to laboratory safety and risk minimisation. The system features an adjustable sensor timeout, which is triggered immediately if the probe is inadvertently outside the liquid medium. Precise temperature drop detection reacts dynamically to unexpected thermal gradients, whilst setpoint monitoring (Delta T) immediately stops temperature control if the target value is exceeded by a critical margin. To prevent operator errors in multi-user operation, the maximum settable temperature can be strictly limited via a setpoint limit. In the event of a transient fault, the heating circuit remains permanently switched off to protect personnel and the sample matrix. Optimised PID control and application-specific modes The instrument’s control technology ensures absolutely stable temperature control without thermal overshoot. Coupled with a high-precision, interchangeable PT1000 temperature sensor of tolerance class A, the system covers a wide operating range from –20 °C to +400 °C. Three application-specific temperature control modes ensure maximum flexibility in day-to-day laboratory work: ‘Fast’ for ultra-fast heating cycles, ‘Precise’ for working at the minimum tolerance limit, and a specialised synthesis block mode that is perfectly tailored to the thermodynamic requirements of chemical syntheses. For highly sensitive organic or biological sample structures, the heating rate can also be precisely reduced in percentage increments. Ergonomic touch-screen control concept and documentation The instrument’s exterior breaks away from complicated analogue designs and features a user-friendly, clear touchscreen display for intuitive parameter configuration during continuous operation. The almost completely enclosed system reliably protects the internal electronic components from aggressive vapours and liquids in the harsh everyday laboratory environment. A future-proof, integrated USB-C interface also enables the rapid, error-free export of all transient measurement data to a PC, thereby ensuring seamless documentation, validation and traceability of your processes in accordance with modern GLP standards. Technical details Measurement system & control characteristics Sensor type: PT1000 (DIN IEC 751 Class A), easily replaceable Temperature measurement range: –20 °C to +400 °C Measurement and setpoint resolution: 0.1 K Temperature measurement accuracy: ±0.2 K + tolerance of the PT1000 sensor Control accuracy in the medium: ±0.5 K (validated with 500 ml of water in a 600-ml beaker) Temperature control modes: Fast, Precise (highest accuracy), Synthesis block-optimised Heating rate: Individually adjustable in percentage steps for sensitive samples Control algorithm: Optimised PID control to prevent overshoot Safety & monitoring functions Sensor timeout: Detects the absence of the sensor in the medium (time-adjustable) Temperature drop detection: Automatic response to unexpected temperature drops Setpoint monitoring (Delta T): Shuts off the heating function if the Delta T limit is exceeded Setpoint Limitation: Software-based limitation of the maximum settable temperature Safe-Temp & Emergency Protection: Immediate safety shutdown of the heating circuit in the event of a fault; the stirrer remains deactivated Operation, Interfaces & Geometry Display technology: User-friendly, flat touchscreen for intuitive operation Digital interface: USB-C for direct data transfer and software connection to a PC Connector to the main unit: DIN 45322 (MAS6 standard) Dimensions (width x height x depth): 52 x 36 x 385 mm Minimum probe insertion depth: 20 mm Net weight: 0.156 kg (156 grams) Environmental data & electrical specifications Protection class according to DIN EN 60529: IP 54 (dust- and splash-proof) Operating voltage / DC voltage: 8 to 16 V= Current consumption: 100 mA Permissible ambient temperature: +5 to +40 degrees Celsius Permissible relative humidity: Up to 80 per cent Contents of the package 1 x IKA ETS-D5 electronic contact thermometer (MPN: 0025008371) 1 x PT1000 temperature probe (standard version) 1 x USB-C connection cable 1 x Detailed operating instructions / safety guide Individual Requirements & Accessories To ensure optimal utilisation of the intelligent ETS-D5 control centre, we offer a complementary range of original system peripherals: Specialised probes for corrosive media: Optional interchangeable sensors made from robust special-purpose glass (H66.51) or featuring a highly chemically resistant protective coating (H66.53) for safe operation in acids and alkalis. Mechanical mounts: Precisely fitting extension cables for flexible spatial extension of the measuring station, as well as sturdy IKA support rods and cross-couplings for vibration-free stand locking above the sample point. Compatible stirring systems: Ideal as a metrological upgrade for IKA magnetic stirrers without integrated primary temperature control, to establish a redundant, independent medium safety circuit. Use our technical B2B procurement service to configure your measuring stations.