Hettich ROTOFIX 46 / ROTOFIX 46H Benchtop Centrifuge

Overview

The Hettich ROTOFIX 46 and ROTOFIX 46H are precision-engineered benchtop centrifuges designed for routine separation tasks in industrial laboratories, quality control environments, and applied research settings. Both models operate on the principle of sedimentation under controlled centrifugal force—utilizing rotational motion to separate components based on differences in density, particle size, and molecular weight. The ROTOFIX 46 is optimized for high-capacity, low-speed applications (up to 4000 min⁻¹, 3095 × g), supporting large-volume processing with a maximum load of 4 × 290 mL in swing-out rotors. In contrast, the ROTOFIX 46H integrates a Peltier-based temperature control system enabling continuous regulation from +10 °C to +90 °C—a critical capability for heat-sensitive biological samples, enzymatic reactions, or viscosity-stable suspensions requiring thermal management during centrifugation. Constructed with a robust metal housing, stainless-steel chamber, and maintenance-free frequency-controlled motor, these instruments deliver long-term operational stability and mechanical reproducibility across daily use cycles.

Key Features

• Metal-reinforced construction: Durable steel housing and lid, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel centrifuge chamber for extended service life and chemical resistance.
• Intelligent drive system: Brushless frequency-controlled motor ensures precise speed control, minimal vibration, and zero maintenance over extended duty cycles.
• Comprehensive safety architecture: Integrated lid-locking mechanism with mechanical interlock, emergency manual release, and lid support system preventing uncontrolled descent; automatic rotor identification prevents mismatched operation.
• Dynamic imbalance compensation: Real-time detection of mass asymmetry triggers immediate deceleration and shutdown, protecting both sample integrity and instrument mechanics.
• Thermal management (ROTOFIX 46H only): Solid-state heating/cooling module enables stable, uniform chamber temperature control without refrigerant gases—fully compliant with ISO 13485 and GLP environmental monitoring requirements.
• N-plus control interface: Intuitive membrane keypad with LCD display supports up to 10 user-defined programs, adjustable acceleration/deceleration profiles (1–9 levels), and flexible timing options including continuous mode, timed runs (1 sec–99 min 59 sec), and short-pulse (“soft-stop”) operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ROTOFIX series accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including conical tubes (15–50 mL), centrifuge bottles (up to 290 mL), and custom adapters for specialized containers—via four interchangeable swing-bucket rotors. All rotors are CE-marked and validated per DIN EN 61010-1 for electrical safety and mechanical stability under rated loads. The instruments meet electromagnetic compatibility standards EN/IEC 61326-1 (Class B) for reliable operation in shared laboratory infrastructure. For regulated environments, the programmable memory and audit-ready parameter logging (via optional RS232/USB data export) support alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when integrated into validated workflows. Temperature-controlled operation of the ROTOFIX 46H further facilitates compliance with USP and ISO 15189 for sterile preparation and diagnostic sample handling.

Software & Data Management

While the ROTOFIX 46/46H operates as a standalone instrument with embedded firmware, its N-plus controller provides traceable execution of centrifugation parameters—including speed, time, temperature (46H), acceleration ramps, and rotor ID. All settings are retained after power cycling. Optional serial (RS232) or USB connectivity enables integration with LIMS or ELN systems for automated protocol transfer and result archiving. Exported logs include timestamped start/stop events, actual vs. setpoint deviations, and error codes—supporting root-cause analysis during QA/QC investigations and internal audits.

Applications

• Industrial QC: Clarification of polymer emulsions, separation of catalyst residues from reaction mixtures, and density-based fractionation of mineral slurries.
• Biopharmaceutical processing: Harvesting mammalian cell cultures, pelleting bacterial biomass, and preparative isolation of extracellular vesicles under controlled thermal conditions (46H).
• Food & beverage testing: Fat separation in dairy homogenates, starch sedimentation assays, and particulate removal from juice concentrates.
• Environmental labs: Solid-liquid separation in wastewater sludge analysis and suspended solids quantification per ASTM D5907.
• Clinical diagnostics: Serum/plasma separation from whole blood prior to immunoassay or PCR workflow integration.

FAQ

What is the difference between ROTOFIX 46 and ROTOFIX 46H?
The ROTOFIX 46 is a non-temperature-controlled low-speed centrifuge rated for 4000 min⁻¹ and 4 × 290 mL capacity. The ROTOFIX 46H features integrated heating (no cooling), lower max speed (2000 min⁻¹), reduced max capacity (4 × 100 mL), and continuous temperature regulation from +10 °C to +90 °C.
Does the instrument support regulatory-compliant data recording?
Yes—when connected via RS232 or USB, operational logs including timestamps, parameters, and fault events can be exported for audit trails compatible with GLP, GMP, and 21 CFR Part 11 frameworks.
Can I use non-Hettich rotors with this centrifuge?
No. Rotor auto-recognition requires factory-calibrated Hettich rotors with embedded RFID tags. Use of unauthorized rotors voids certification and disables operation.
Is calibration required before first use?
Factory calibration is performed prior to shipment. Routine verification of speed accuracy and temperature uniformity (for 46H) is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines using accredited third-party services.
What maintenance is needed for long-term reliability?
Beyond periodic cleaning of the chamber and rotor seating surfaces, no scheduled maintenance is required—the brushless motor and electronic controls are designed for >10,000 hours of continuous operation without intervention.