IKA RCT basic Magnetic Stirrers

The new Benchmark for Laboratory Safety and Efficiency
The new RCT basic magnetic stirrer sets a new industry standard: currently the smallest magnetic stirrer with a heating capacity of 800 W, it combines uncompromising safety, exceptional robustness, and maximum efficiency with intuitive and easy handling.

Solid and compact design – manufactured for process reliability
The high IP54 protection class and the solid die-cast aluminum housing reliably protect the device from liquids, aggressive vapors, and mechanical influences – for trouble-free continuous operation even under harsh laboratory conditions. The compact design (only 160 x 200 x 100 mm) saves valuable space in the fume hood, fits on almost any laboratory lifting platform, and enables flexible, parallel test setups. This means users benefit from greater safety, greater efficiency, and more freedom in their everyday laboratory work.

Made in Germany
RCT is manufactured in Germany in a fully automated production facility using state-of-the-art robot systems. This guarantees the highest quality and absolute reliability for maximum safety and a long service life.

New heating plate, more functionality
The RCT is optionally available with a coated (anodized) heating plate. The high-quality anodized coating provides reliable protection against scratches and a wide range of chemicals. This means that the heating plate remains in perfect condition, both visually and functionally, even after prolonged use. The aluminum substrate ensures homogeneous temperature distribution and rapid energy transfer to the sample vessel.

For the first time, the RCT basic comes with integrated menu functionality, which significantly expands the range of functions— for example with timer functionality. This also enables the integration of wireless temperature sensors (accessories required).

The freely programmable timer starts either immediately or after the target temperature has been reached and signals the end of the process with an acoustic signal. You decide whether the heating and/or stirring should be switched off.

Performance and Efficiency
The brushless EC motor and high-quality magnets ensure excellent magnetic coupling at up to 1500 rpm. The insulated and thus energy-optimized heating plate has an output of 800 W and enables heating rates of up to 9 K/min. The heating rate can be adjusted in four stages – for slow, gentle, or fast heating depending on the application.

The user determines what is safe
For decades, IKA has followed the approach that the safety temperature specified by the user must be set consciously and independently of setpoints using a tool. A new feature is the monitoring of the medium temperature.

IKA is thus one of the few manufacturers that not only fully complies with the EN IEC 61010-2-010 laboratory equipment standard for heated devices, but even exceeds it in many respects. Safety is not only certified by a CE declaration, but also independently tested and certified by TÜV Süd according to the internationally recognized NRTL standard – the same safety standard followed by UL and CSA.

The customizable 14-segment glass display gives the user complete freedom: you decide which parameters are relevant for your application and can display them permanently – whether speed, temperature, pH value, or timer. In combination with the PT.Wireless and ETS-D7 wireless sensors, the RCT/RET even becomes a fully-fledged pH meter. This saves space, reduces investment, and simplifies the test setup.

Safety through networking and digitization
IKA takes safety to a new level – beyond pure device safety. In addition to the option of monitoring and controlling the RCT via software (e.g. IKA Labworldsoft®) via the integrated RS232 or USB interface (communication via ASCII-based commands (Namur standard)), direct communication with IKA devices, e.g.  the overhead stirrers (EUROSTAR), is now possible.

This can be a decisive safety advantage when tempering and mixing viscous samples using the RCT as a pure heating plate, enabling unmonitored 24/7 operation. In this case, the RCT automatically detects when the stirring speed of the stirrer falls below a critical value and switches off the heating in this case. This actively protects not only the individual device, but the entire test setup.

Intelligent safety for the laboratory of the future
The new IKA RCT basic offers a sophisticated, multi-level safety concept, innovative operation, and maximum flexibility—all with minimal space requirements and maximum "Made in Germany" quality. IKA takes safety one step further: intelligent networking and digitalization make not only individual devices but entire laboratory processes safer, more efficient, and more future-proof.
 

Safety features at a glance
Independent safety circuit according to EN IEC 61010-2-010
Monitoring the temperature in the medium with the Delta-T safety function
Detection of sudden temperature drop
Detection of failure to increase temperature
Dual sensors for medium and carrier medium
Temperature limits for medium and carrier
Warning of hot surface (> 50 °C)
Combination with IKA contact thermometer (ETS-D5)
Combination with IKA wireless temperature sensors PT.Wireless and ETS-D7
Networked safety through communication with other IKA devices
Safe monitoring in the laboratory with the IKA Lab Assistant (app) – coming soon
"Always Stir" – stirring remains active in the event of a fault
Robust, closed design (IP54) & die-cast aluminum housing
Mechanical safety & construction
Operating modes with access protectio