The Hermle Z216-MK Refrigerated Microcentrifuge combines high-speed centrifugation with compressor-driven temperature control for laboratories that need to manage sample temperature during centrifugation. The Z216-MK operates from 200 to 15,000 rpm, generates up to 21,631 × g, and supports a maximum capacity of 44 × 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, depending on the installed rotor.
A key distinction of the Z216-MK is its integrated refrigeration system. The centrifuge provides a temperature-control range of -20°C to +40°C and can pre-cool from room temperature to +4°C in less than 10 minutes. Hermle's product literature also states that the refrigeration system can keep samples as low as 4°C during continuous operation at approximately 20,000 × g.
The Z216-MK can be configured for a broad range of tube formats through its interchangeable rotor system. Hermle specifies compatibility with tubes from 0.2 mL through 5.0 mL, including standard microcentrifuge tubes, PCR strips, spin-column configurations, and other rotor-specific formats. The available Z216-4420 rotor provides capacity for up to 44 × 1.5/2.0 mL tubes, while the Z216-2420S COMBI-Rotor accommodates both standard microtubes and PCR strips.
Microprocessor controls allow speed to be set and displayed in either rpm or RCF, with adjustable acceleration and deceleration profiles, stored programs, temperature selection, and short-run operation. The Z216-MK is supplied without a rotor, allowing the rotor to be selected separately according to tube format, required capacity, and centrifugal force.
Key Features
- Maximum speed: 15,000 rpm
- Maximum RCF: 21,631 × g
- Speed range: 200–15,000 rpm
- Maximum capacity: 44 × 1.5/2.0 mL
- Temperature range: -20°C to +40°C
- Pre-cooling from room temperature to +4°C in less than 10 minutes
- Compressor-driven refrigeration system
- Supports tube formats from 0.2 mL to 5.0 mL, depending on rotor and adapter
- Multiple interchangeable Z216 rotor configurations
- Speed selection/display in rpm or RCF
- 10 acceleration and deceleration rates
- Unbraked deceleration option
- Storage for up to 99 programs including rotor
- Quick-key for short runs
- Temperature display selectable in °C or °F
- Motor-driven lid lock
- Active imbalance identification and cut-off
- Maintenance-free induction drive
-
Rotor sold separately
Refrigeration and Temperature Control
The Z216-MK uses a compressor-driven refrigeration system with an adjustable temperature range from -20°C to +40°C. A dedicated pre-cooling program can bring the system from room temperature to +4°C in under 10 minutes.
PLEASE NOTE: the chamber's -20°C setting should not be confused with the actual sample temperature achievable during maximum-speed centrifugation. Hermle specifically states that the Z216-MK can keep samples at approximately 4°C during continuous operation at 20,000 × g
Compatible Z216 Rotors
The Z216-MK is sold without a rotor. The appropriate rotor should be selected according to tube format, capacity, speed, and centrifugal-force requirements.
Key configurations include:
| Rotor |
Capacity / Format |
Maximum Speed |
Maximum RCF |
| Z216-2420S |
24 × 1.5/2.0 mL + 4 × PCR strips |
15,000 rpm |
21,631 × g* |
| Z216-2420 |
24 × 1.5/2.0 mL |
15,000 rpm |
21,379 × g |
| Z216-3020H |
30 × 1.5/2.0 mL |
13,500 rpm |
19,151 × g |
| Z216-4420 |
44 × 1.5/2.0 mL |
15,000 rpm |
21,379 × g |
| Z216-24SC |
Spin-column configuration |
13,500 rpm |
17,317 × g |
| Z216-1205 |
12 × 5.0 mL |
14,500 rpm |
19,978 × g |
| Z216-3202 |
4 PCR strips / 32 × 0.2 mL |
15,000 rpm |
15,343 × g |
