Microcentrifuges | High-Speed & Refrigerated Laboratory Centrifuges

Microcentrifuges for Molecular Biology and Small-Volume Laboratory Samples

Shop microcentrifuges from Benchmark Scientific and Hermle USA for small-volume laboratory centrifugation. Available systems include compact high-speed microcentrifuges, refrigerated microcentrifuges, and models designed for common microtube formats.

Microcentrifuges are typically used with smaller sample tubes such as 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes. Depending on the model and rotor configuration, selected systems can also accommodate 0.2 mL and 0.5 mL tubes, PCR strips, 5 mL tubes, hematocrit tubes, and other small laboratory vessels.

High-Speed Microcentrifuges

High-speed microcentrifuges provide greater relative centrifugal force than basic mini centrifuges and are designed for applications requiring controlled speed, higher RCF, timed operation, and more advanced rotor options.

The Benchmark Scientific MC-12, for example, provides up to 16,100 × g with a 12-place rotor for 1.5/2.0 mL tubes.

Hermle’s Z216-M and Z216-MK high-speed microcentrifuges provide speeds up to 15,000 RPM and maximum RCF values above 21,000 × g, depending on the published model specification. The Z216 series also supports multiple rotor options and capacities up to 44 × 1.5/2.0 mL tubes.

Depending on the model, available features may include:

• Adjustable RPM and RCF
• High relative centrifugal force
• 1.5/2.0 mL microtube rotors
• Adapters for smaller tube sizes
• Multiple rotor options
• Programmable run times
• Quick-spin or short-run functions
• Adjustable acceleration and deceleration
• Refrigerated operation
• Compact benchtop designs

Refrigerated Microcentrifuges

Refrigerated microcentrifuges combine high-speed centrifugation with temperature control for applications that require controlled sample temperatures.

The Hermle Z216-MK is a refrigerated high-speed microcentrifuge with a temperature range of -20°C to 40°C. Hermle states that the system can maintain samples at 4°C during a continuous run at 20,000 × g.

Hermle also specifies a pre-cooling program for the Z216-MK designed to reach 4°C from room temperature in less than 10 minutes.

Benchmark Scientific also offers refrigerated microcentrifuge models, allowing laboratories to compare refrigerated systems based on capacity, maximum RCF, rotor configuration, temperature range, and control features.

Hermle Z216 High-Speed Microcentrifuges

The Hermle Z216 series provides a broader range of rotor configurations than many traditional fixed-rotor microcentrifuges.

Hermle states that the series accepts common tube formats including:

• 0.2 mL microtubes
• 0.5 mL microtubes
• 1.5 mL tubes
• 2.0 mL tubes
• PCR strips
• Hematocrit tubes
• 5.0 mL centrifuge tubes

The series offers multiple rotor options, including a 44-position 1.5/2.0 mL rotor, allowing higher sample capacity than conventional lower-capacity microcentrifuges.

Benchmark Scientific Microcentrifuges

Benchmark Scientific offers compact microcentrifuges ranging from simple personal centrifuges to higher-speed models with digital controls.

The MC-12 C1612 is a 12-place high-speed microcentrifuge designed for 1.5/2.0 mL tubes and provides up to 16,100 × g. Optional adapters allow smaller 0.5 mL and 0.2 mL tubes to be used.

Benchmark’s microcentrifuge lineup also includes refrigerated and higher-capacity configurations, providing options for laboratories that require greater control or temperature management.

Microcentrifuges for 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL Tubes

Standard 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL tubes are among the most common formats used with microcentrifuges.

Both Benchmark Scientific and Hermle offer models designed around these tube sizes. Depending on the centrifuge and rotor selected, smaller tubes can often be accommodated with adapters.

When comparing systems, consider:

• Maximum RCF
• Maximum RPM
• Tube size
• Tube capacity
• Rotor configuration
• Adapter availability
• Refrigerated or non-refrigerated operation
• Speed and time controls
• Acceleration and deceleration options
• Instrument dimensions

RPM vs. RCF

RPM and RCF describe different centrifuge performance parameters.

RPM indicates rotor speed.

RCF, expressed as × g, indicates the centrifugal force applied to the sample.

Because RCF depends on both speed and rotor radius, two centrifuges operating at the same RPM can generate different centrifugal forces. When a laboratory protocol specifies a required × g value, the centrifuge’s RCF capability is therefore an important specification to compare.

Microcentrifuge or Mini Centrifuge?

Mini centrifuges and microcentrifuges can both accommodate small tubes, but they generally serve different levels of centrifugation.

A mini centrifuge is commonly designed for simple quick spin-downs and usually operates at a fixed speed with relatively modest RCF.

A high-speed microcentrifuge typically offers:

• Higher RCF
• Adjustable speeds
• Timed operation
• More precise controls
• Larger rotor capacity
• Optional refrigeration
• Additional rotor and adapter choices

For example, Benchmark’s MyFuge mini centrifuges operate around 2,000 × g, while Benchmark’s MC-12 reaches 16,100 × g and Hermle’s Z216 series exceeds 21,000 × g.

Choosing the Right Microcentrifuge

The right microcentrifuge depends on the required centrifugal force, sample format, number of samples per run, and whether temperature control is required.

Before choosing a system, consider:

• Required RCF
• Required RPM
• 1.5/2.0 mL tube capacity
• Compatibility with smaller tubes
• PCR strip compatibility
• Rotor options
• Refrigeration requirements
• Timer and quick-spin functions
• Available bench space

Transilluminators.com offers microcentrifuges from Benchmark Scientific and Hermle USA, providing options ranging from compact 12-place high-speed systems to higher-capacity and refrigerated microcentrifuges.