Device built-in

IKA KS 260 Basic Shaker with AS 260.1 Universal Attachment

Introduction to the IKA KS 260 Basic Shaker

The IKA KS 260 Basic Shaker, equipped with the AS 260.1 Universal Attachment, is a fundamental instrument designed for efficient mixing, blending, and homogenization in modern laboratories. It is widely used in research, industrial quality control, and life sciences for applications such as sample preparation, reaction catalysis, and cell culture. With its German-engineered reliability, robust construction, intuitive operation, and exceptional adaptability, it has become an indispensable standard tool in countless laboratories worldwide.

1. Core Design and Working Principle

The IKA KS 260 Basic operates on a reciprocating (horizontal linear shaking) mechanism. Its high-quality motor and precision mechanical system convert rotational motion into smooth, controllable horizontal oscillations. This motion is ideal for gently mixing liquids in flasks, beakers, conical bottles, or microplates without generating violent vortices or foam, ensuring efficient blending, dissolving, suspension, or gas-liquid exchange.

The platform, equipped with the AS 260.1 Universal Attachment, securely holds containers of various shapes and sizes. Once activated, the platform oscillates rhythmically, promoting consistent sample mixing. The shaker operates smoothly with low noise and vibration, even at maximum speed, ensuring a quiet and safe laboratory environment.

2. Key Features and Performance Advantages

1. Exceptional Reliability and Durability:

   Built with robust metal components and long-lasting parts, the KS 260 Basic withstands continuous operation, even under 24/7 demanding conditions, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

2. Unmatched Adaptability (Core Value of the AS 260.1 Attachment):

   The included AS 260.1 Universal Attachment is the heart of this system. Its flexible spring-clamp mechanism easily secures a wide range of containers, from 50 ml to 5 L, including conical flasks, beakers, culture bottles, and even square microplates and multiwell dishes. This eliminates the need for specific clamps for different vessels, significantly improving workflow efficiency and reducing costs.

3. User-Friendly Operation:

   True to its "Basic" name, the shaker features a simple interface, typically with an analog or digital speed knob and an on/off switch. Users can effortlessly adjust the shaking speed (usually 40–500 rpm) to achieve the desired intensity without complex programming, reducing training time and complexity.

4. Smooth and Gentle Processing:

   The precision engineering ensures ultra-smooth operation, critical for handling sensitive samples such as mammalian cell cultures or bacterial fermentations. The gentle shaking prevents shear-induced damage, maintaining cell viability and growth.

5. Safety and Maintenance:

   The shaker includes overload protection, automatically stopping if obstructed or overloaded to prevent motor damage. The stainless steel platform and chemical-resistant coating facilitate easy cleaning and disinfection, meeting laboratory hygiene standards.

3. Typical Applications

The IKA KS 260 Basic is versatile and suitable for various mixing tasks, including:

• Life Sciences: Suspension cultures and fermentation of bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells; hybridization incubations.

• Chemical Synthesis: Facilitating synthesis reactions, catalytic processes, and extractions (often paired with incubators).

• Sample Preparation: Mixing, dissolving, diluting, and homogenizing samples for extraction; pre-analysis preparation for ELISA, immunoassays, etc.

• Quality Control & Routine Analysis: Solution preparation, standard mixing, and extraction shaking for water quality analysis.

• Staining and Destaining: Supporting gel electrophoresis staining and destaining processes.

4. Conclusion

The IKA KS 260 Basic Shaker may not be the most feature-rich or intelligent model, but it excels as a reliable, versatile, and easy-to-use workhorse. By focusing on core performance rather than unnecessary complexities, it delivers time-tested foundational value. Whether for teaching labs, high-volume research tasks, or production-line quality control, the IKA KS 260 Basic with its universal AS 260.1 Attachment consistently performs as a silent yet critical pillar of the laboratory workspace.