Tell us a bit about your customization needs and a Terra application specialist will contact you within 24 business hours.
Terra's hours are: Monday - Friday, 9:00am-6:00pm PST
Or call for assistance from a Terra Product Specialist: (714) 578-6100
Centrifuges
- Compact Benchtop Centrifuges from Thermo Scientific
- PlateFuge Microplate Micro Centrifuge
- Benchmark MyFuge 12 Mini Centrifuge Quasar Instuments
Print Copy Copied
Swinging Bucket vs. Fixed Angle Rotors
Researchers in biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine and other fields commonly use centrifugation to separate sample components, a technology that relies on gravity and mass: particles in a heterogeneous solution will over time separate based on size and density. Smaller, less-dense particles may also migrate downward, but at a much slower rate; some particles will never settle, but remain suspended in solution. Because centrifuges accelerate and enhance this process, they have found widespread use across the sciences since the late 19th century.
Centrifugation utilizes centripetal force to drive the separation of a heterogeneous solution into supernatant and pellet. The modern centrifuge amplifies the force of gravity by spinning solutions at a high rate of speed to increase the rate of sedimentation. During this process, materials with a high particle density will sediment towards the axis of centrifugation (down the tube), while materials with a lower particle density will sediment away from the axis of centrifugation. For example, bacterial cells in suspension have a high particle density and will tend to settle to the bottom.
A process that normally takes hours or days under the force of normal gravity (1 g) can be shortened to minutes when a force of 10,000 g is applied with a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-use piece of equipment. The faster the centrifuge turns (i.e., the higher the RPM), the faster the faster the sedimentation. Relative centrifugal force (RCF) is another way of expressing the gravitational force (g-force), or the turning of the rotor, which allows researchers to easily separate tissues, cells, organelles, and macromolecules for further investigation.
The centrifuge incorporates one of two types of rotors, which house the tubes where separation occurs. Fixed-angle rotors hold tubes at a stable angle (typically 45°) relative to the axis of rotation. A swinging-bucket rotor swings out when centripetal force is applied and holds the cells at an approximate 90° angle relative to the angle of rotation. Recall that more dense materials will separate towards the angle of the centripetal force. Therefore in swinging-bucket rotors, the pelleted material will form at the bottom of the conical centrifuge tube whereas tubes processed in a fixed-angle rotor will form sedimentation on the side. This could be problematic if the solids get caught in the angle of the tube.
The fact that swinging-bucket rotors offer a superior sedimentation location makes them the obvious choice for centrifuging samples under most conditions; however, fixed-angle rotors offer valuable benefits that often make them a more desirable choice. What are they? First, due to its simple and efficient tube spacing, a fixed-angle rotor can hold a greater quantity of tubes compared to its swinging-bucket counterpart, making it more practical for high-throughput applications. Next, as a result of the rigid design of the metal alloy material, fixed rotors can withstand much higher gravitational forces necessary when separating biological macromolecules such as RNA, DNA and protein. Finally, researchers often wish to wash the pelleted material repeatedly after centrifugation. The placement of the pellet on the side of the tube allows it to be washed with solution more easily without the possibility of disturbing the pellet.
-
Sorvall Stratos Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 5 productsFrom$14,331Some ship in 10 - 20 daysCE Mark Logo
CSA C US Certification
1 Controls2 Maximum Speed2 Temperature Control4 Voltage5 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 22000 rpm, 23300 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: Standard, RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 200 V, 240 V, 208 V, 120 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75005284, 75005289, 75005294, 75005297, 75005293 -
StockedZ36-HK Super Speed Refrigerated Centrifuges by HermleGroup of 2 productsFrom$13,337Some ship in 6 - 8 daysHermle Benchmark
Stocked
1 Controls1 Maximum Speed1 Temperature Control2 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 30000 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: StandardAvailable Voltage: 120 V, 240 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: Z036-HK, Z036-HK-E -
StockedZ32 HK High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuges by HermleGroup of 2 productsFrom$9,602Some ship in 6 - 8 daysHermle BenchmarkStocked1 Controls1 Maximum Speed1 Temperature Control2 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 20000 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 V, 240 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: Z032-HK, Z032-HK-E -
Heraeus Multifuge X3 Free-Standing Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 6 productsFrom$7,444Some ship in 10 - 20 daysCE Mark LogoCSA C US Certification2 Configuration1 Controls1 Maximum Speed2 Temperature Control2 Voltage6 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Configuration: Benchtop, Free-StandingAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 15200 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: Ventilated, RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 V, 240 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75004501, 75004516, 75004531, 75004530, 75004537, 75004536 -
Heraeus Megafuge 40 Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 2 productsFrom$6,548Some ship in 10 - 20 daysCE Mark LogocULus Logo
CSA C US Certification1 Controls1 Maximum Speed2 Temperature Control1 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 15200 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: Ventilated, RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75004504, 75004519 -
StockedZ446 Series High-Capacity Centrifuges by HermleGroup of 2 productsFrom$6,503Some ship in 6 - 8 daysHermle BenchmarkStocked1 Controls1 Maximum Speed2 Temperature Control1 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 16000 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: Standard, RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: Z446, Z446-K -
Heraeus™ Megafuge™ 8 Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 2 productsFrom$6,053Some ship in 10 - 16 days1 Controls1 Maximum Speed1 Temperature Control2 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 17850 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 V, 240 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75007213, 75007214 -
StockedZ366 Mid-Range Capacity Centrifuges by HermleGroup of 2 productsFrom$5,396Some ship in 6 - 8 daysHermle BenchmarkStocked1 Controls1 Maximum Speed2 Temperature Control1 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 16000 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: Standard, RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: Z366, Z366-K -
Heraeus Fresco Microcentrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 6 productsFrom$5,376Some ship in 10 - 20 daysCE Mark LogoCSA C US Certification2 Configuration1 Controls2 Maximum Speed1 Temperature Control2 Voltage6 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Configuration: 1.5/2.0mL Tube Rotor, 1.5/2.0mL and 0.5mL Tube RotorsAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 13300 rpm, 14800 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 240 V, 120 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75002420, 75002421, 75002425, 75002426, 75002476, 75002478 -
Heraeus™ Multifuge™ X1 Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 4 productsFrom$5,369Some ship in 10 - 20 daysCE Mark LogocULus LogoCSA C US Certification1 Controls1 Maximum Speed2 Temperature Control2 Voltage4 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 15200 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: Ventilated, RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 V, 240 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75004211, 75004210, 75004251, 75004250 -
StockedZ326 Universal Centrifuges by HermleGroup of 2 productsFrom$4,884Some ship in 6 - 8 daysHermle BenchmarkStocked1 Controls1 Maximum Speed2 Temperature Control1 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 18000 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: Standard, RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: Z326, Z326-K - Heraeus Megafuge 16 Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 4 productsFrom$4,473Some ship in 10 - 20 daysCE Mark LogocULus LogoCSA C US Certification1 Controls1 Maximum Speed2 Temperature Control2 Voltage4 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 15200 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: Ventilated, RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 V, 240 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75004231, 75004230, 75004271, 75004270
- Heraeus™ Megafuge™ 8 Stand-Out Package Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 3 productsFrom$4,114Some ship in 10 - 20 daysCE Mark LogocULus Logo3 Configuration1 Controls1 Maximum Speed1 Temperature Control1 Voltage3 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Configuration: Cell Culture, High-Capacity Cell Culture, Routine ClinicalAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 16000 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: VentilatedAvailable Voltage: 120 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75103637, 75100395, 75100102
-
StockedCentrifuge; Z306, Standard, Hermle, Benchmark Scientific, 120 V (2823-60)$3,318Usually ships in 6 - 8 daysHermle BenchmarkStocked -
StockedZ216 Series Microcentrifuges by HermleGroup of 2 productsFrom$2,579Some ship in 6 - 8 daysHermle BenchmarkStocked1 Controls1 Maximum Speed2 Temperature Control1 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 15000 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: Standard, RefrigeratedAvailable Voltage: 120 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: Z216-M, Z216-MK -
Heraeus™ Megafuge™ 8 Benchtop Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 2 productsFrom$2,139Some ship in 10 - 20 daysCE Mark LogocULus Logo1 Controls1 Maximum Speed1 Temperature Control2 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 16000 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: VentilatedAvailable Voltage: 120 V, 240 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75007210, 75007211 -
StockedHeraeus Pico Microcentrifuges by Thermo Fisher ScientificGroup of 8 productsFrom$1,963Some ship in 5 - 7 daysCE Mark LogoCSA C US CertificationStocked3 Configuration1 Controls2 Maximum Speed1 Temperature Control2 Voltage8 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Configuration: 1.5/2.0mL Tube Rotor, 1.5/2.0mL and 0.5mL Tube Rotors, Hematocrit RotorAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 13300 rpm, 14800 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: VentilatedAvailable Voltage: 240 V, 120 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: 75002410, 75002411, 75002415, 75002416, 75002475, 75002477, 75002491, 75002492 -
StockedZ206-A Compact Centrifuges by HermleGroup of 2 productsFrom$1,868Some ship in 6 - 8 daysHermle BenchmarkStocked1 Controls1 Maximum Speed1 Temperature Control2 Voltage2 Manufacturer SKUAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 6000 rpmAvailable Temperature Control: StandardAvailable Voltage: 120 V, 230 VAvailable Manufacturer SKU: Z206-A, Z206-A-E -
StockedMC-24 Touch High Speed MicrocentrifugeGroup of 2 productsFrom$1,730Some ship in 5 - 7 daysStocked1 Configuration1 Controls1 Maximum Speed2 VoltageAvailable Configuration: BenchtopAvailable Controls: DigitalAvailable Maximum Speed: 13500 rpmAvailable Voltage: 115 V, 230 V
Filter Products
See Product(s)
Centrifuges
- Autoclaves & Labware Washers
- Balances
- Baths & Chillers
- Calorimeters
- Centrifuges
- Chromatography
- Cryogenics
- Dispersers
- Electrophoresis Systems
- Evaporators
- Gel Imaging Systems
- Homogenizers & Sonicators
- Hot Plates
- Incubators & Environmental Test Chambers
- Lab Consumables
- Liquid Handlers & Robotics
- Lyophilizers
- Microarray Products
- Microplate Equipment
- Mills
- Mixers & Rockers
- Moisture Analyzers
- Ovens & Furnaces
- Overhead Stirrers
- Pipettes
- Refrigerators & Freezers
- Shakers & Vortexers
- Spectrophotometers & Analytical Equipment
- Thermal Cyclers
- Water Purification
- VentilatedVentilated centrifuges available in mini and benchtop models are suited for a variety of non-temperature sensitive samples. Mini and benchtop models are available with fixed-angle or swing out rotors.
- RefrigeratedRefrigerated centrifuges for use with temperature sensitive samples are available with a wide variety of rotors.
- StandardStandard centrifuges in mini or benchtop designs are economical models ideal for personal use or in low-throughput labs.
MyFugeMyFuge Mini Micro Centrifuges by Benchmark Scientific have an eight-position microtube rotor, spin up to 6000 rpm and handle 0.5 ml and 0.2 ml tubes.
MC-12Ideal for molecular biology and DNA protocols, the MC-12 High Speed Microcentrifuge by Benchmark Scientific reaches up to 16,000 xg, is cold room safe and feature a vibrant LCD display.
myFuge 5Ideal for quick spin downs of 5 ml tubes, the myFuge 5 by Benchmark Scientific has a four position rotor for 5ml test tubes and four additional slots for standard microtubes (1.5/2.0 ml).
myFuge 12myFuge™ 12 Mini Centrifuge by Benchmark Scientific with a COMBI-Rotor for tubes and PCR strips eliminates the need for rotor change.
StripSpin 12Designed for quick spins and easy operation, the StripSpin 12 Mini Centrifuge by Benchmark Scientific with a 5500 rpm holds 4 PCR strips or up to 48 individual 0.2 ml PCR tubes.
PlateFugePlateFuge Microplate Micro Centrifuge by Benchmark Scientific features a swing out rotor for rapid spinning of droplets in PCR tubes, spill prevention and easy access of microplates; open and closed lid starts and stops unit.
MC-24 TouchMC-24 Touch High Speed Microcentrifuge by Benchmark Scientific features a full color touch screen and a combination rotor for tubes and PCR strips.
mySPIN 12Compact mySPIN 12 Mini Centrifuge Series by Thermo Fisher Scientific with a backlit display, adjustable speed and safety features have a max capacity of 12 x 2 mL.
mySPIN 6Lightweight, economic and ergonomic mySPIN 6 Mini Centrifuge by Thermo Fisher Scientific is ideal for left or right-handed users; maximum capacity of 6 x 2mL.
SorvallSorvall Stratos Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific available in continuous flow and refrigerated models with 9 pre-saved programs deliver high-speed separations, eliminate imbalances, and simplify operation in high throughput environments.
HeraeusHeraeus Series Centrifuges by Thermo Fisher Scientific are available in various capacities and configurations. Models are compatible with a wide range of fixed-angle, swing-out and biocontainment rotors.
HermleHermle centrifuges are available in compact, universal, mid-range capacity, high-capacity and high-speed models. Various rotor options make Hermle models an excellent choice for budget conscious labs that do not want to sacrifice quality.
Try before you buy!
DEMO MODELS AVAILABLE
Contact us for Demos, Samples, Brochures and more.
EMAILMon - Fri, 5:30am - 5:30pm PST
Features and Benefits
Dozens of Rotor Types
Heraeus Megafuge and Multifuge Centrifuges are compatible with dozens of fixed-angle and swing-out rotors; select rotors are biocontainment certified
Microprocessor Control
Ventilated and refrigerated centrifuges by Thermo Fisher, Benchmark Scientific and Hermle feature a microprocessor control for setting and storing programs
Applications Packages with ClickSeal Biocontainment Lids
Clinical Application Stand-Out Packages feature ClickSeal biocontainment lids ideal for use in blood collection; includes centrifuge, rotor bucket and adapters
Centrifuges
Thermo Fisher Scientific Sorvall Stratos Continuous Flow Centrifuge- Thermo Scientific Hereaus Pico 21 Ventilated and Fresco 17 Refrigerated Microcentrifuges
- Compact Benchtop Centrifuges from Thermo Scientific
- Benchmark MyFuge 12 Mini Centrifuge Quasar Instuments
- Mini/Micro Centrifuges by Benchmark Scientific and Thermo Fisher
Sorvall Stratos Centrifuge in continuous flow and refrigerated models for cell culture, vaccine production, plankton enrichment and sediment extraction | 3617-PP-01 displayed Thermo Fisher Scientific Sorvall Stratos Continuous Flow Centrifuge Continuous flow and refrigerated models with 9 pre-saved programs deliver high-speed separations, eliminate imbalances, and simplify operation in high throughput environments
Heraeus Pico 21 and Fresco 17 Microcentrifuges meet complex micro-volume protocol for ventilated or refrigerated centrifugation | 1108-PP-02 displayed Thermo Scientific Hereaus Pico 21 Ventilated and Fresco 17 Refrigerated Microcentrifuges Heraeus Pico and Fresco Microcentrifuges speed up micro-volume sample preparation processes; ideal for routine lab work or high-end research applications
Thermo Fisher Scientific general product manager, John Collings on the compact benchtop centrifuges Compact Benchtop Centrifuges from Thermo Scientific Short video demonstrating the benefits of the compact benchtop centrifuge
Benchmark My Fuge 12 Mini Centrifuge being shown in a short video demonstration Benchmark MyFuge 12 Mini Centrifuge Quasar Instuments Short video demonstrating how the Benchmark 12 mini centrifuge works
Choose from a wide range of microcentrifuges ideal for quick spin down of tubes, PCR tubes and microplates; rotors and adapters sold separately | 2812-PP-01 displayed Mini/Micro Centrifuges by Benchmark Scientific and Thermo Fisher myFuge Mini centrifuge (shown) includes rotors for microtube and PCR tube/strip; MyFuge 5, 12, StripSpin 12, PlateFuge MC-12 High-Speed and mySPIN models also available from Benchmark Scientific