Thermo Fisher Legend X1/X1R & XT/XTR High-Performance Benchtop Centrifuges

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Legend X1/X1R and XT/XTR series represent a generation of high-performance benchtop centrifuges engineered for reproducible, high-throughput sample separation in clinical, pharmaceutical, and life science laboratories. These instruments operate on the principle of sedimentation under controlled gravitational force (RCF), enabling precise separation of biological particles—including cells, organelles, nucleic acids, and proteins—based on differences in density, size, and shape. The X1/X1R models are refrigerated units designed for temperature-sensitive applications such as RNA isolation, plasma processing, and enzyme purification, while the XT/XTR variants deliver enhanced capacity and speed for large-volume workflows without active cooling. Both platforms integrate advanced rotor dynamics, real-time imbalance detection, and fail-safe mechanical interlocks to ensure operational integrity across diverse sample types and protocols.

Key Features

• Auto-Lock® III Rotor Engagement: One-touch, tool-free rotor installation and removal eliminates misalignment risk and reduces setup time by up to 40% compared to manual locking mechanisms.
• SMARTSpin® Intelligent Control System: A proprietary microprocessor-driven architecture that dynamically adjusts acceleration/deceleration profiles, monitors load distribution in real time, and automatically halts operation if imbalance exceeds 5 g·cm threshold—ensuring rotor longevity and user safety.
• ClickSeal® Biocontainment System: Fully sealed, latch-verified bucket lids prevent aerosol release during high-speed runs; validated per ISO 13485 for biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) containment compliance.
• Fiberlite® Carbon-Fiber Rotors: Lightweight, chemically inert rotors resistant to corrosion from organic solvents, acids, and bases; certified for ≥10,000 cycles at maximum rated speed with full traceability per ASTM F2136.
• CFC-Free Refrigeration (X1R/XTR): Environmentally compliant refrigeration system maintains setpoint stability within ±1 °C across full speed range, critical for cold-chain integrity in diagnostic and biobanking workflows.
• GLP/GMP-Ready Software Architecture: Audit-trail enabled method storage supports electronic signatures, version-controlled protocols, and exportable run logs compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Legend platform accommodates a broad spectrum of primary and secondary containers—including conical tubes (15–50 mL), microcentrifuge tubes (0.2–2 mL), deep-well plates, standard and deep-well microplates, blood collection tubes (EDTA, heparin, serum separator), and custom-format vessels up to 1,000 mL. All rotors undergo rigorous validation against ISO 13485 quality management standards and are CE-marked under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). Optional rotors meet CLSI EP05-A3 precision criteria for clinical centrifugation, and the entire system is compatible with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory quality systems. Third-party verification confirms ClickSeal® lid integrity at 25,000 ×g per EN 61010-2-020 Annex BB.

Software & Data Management

The integrated SMARTSpin® interface provides intuitive touchscreen navigation with multilingual support (English, Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Japanese). Users define and store up to 99 protocols—including ramp profiles, hold times, temperature setpoints, and automatic pre-cooling sequences—with five programmable quick-start buttons for routine assays. Data logging captures timestamped RCF, rpm, temperature, elapsed time, energy consumption, and fault codes. Export options include CSV and PDF formats compatible with LIMS integration via RS-232 or USB 2.0. For regulated environments, optional Thermo Fisher Connect™ software enables remote monitoring, centralized fleet management, and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic records with role-based access control and immutable audit trails.

Applications

These centrifuges serve mission-critical functions across multiple domains: clinical diagnostics (serum/plasma separation, PBMC isolation, urinalysis sediment concentration), biopharmaceutical manufacturing (cell harvest, clarification of monoclonal antibody supernatants, viral vector pelleting), academic research (subcellular fractionation, lipoprotein profiling, exosome isolation), and public health laboratories (pathogen concentration from environmental water samples, wastewater surveillance). The XT/XTR’s 4×1000 mL TX-1000 rotor supports scalable process development, while the X1R’s F21-48×2 rotor enables high-density nucleic acid purification in molecular diagnostics labs operating under ISO 15189 accreditation.

FAQ

What distinguishes the Legend X1R from the X1?
The X1R includes a CFC-free refrigeration system and expanded temperature control (–10 °C to +40 °C), whereas the X1 is non-refrigerated and intended for ambient-temperature applications.
Are Fiberlite® rotors autoclavable?
No—carbon-fiber rotors must not be autoclaved. They are cleaned using ethanol, isopropanol, or neutral pH detergents; sterilization is achieved via ethylene oxide or gamma irradiation per manufacturer specifications.
Can the Legend centrifuges be integrated into automated lab workflows?
Yes—RS-232 and USB interfaces support bidirectional communication with robotic liquid handlers and LIMS platforms; optional footswitch and relay I/O modules enable hands-free start/stop in walkaway configurations.
Is SMARTSpin® software validated for GxP environments?
The core firmware meets IEC 62304 Class B software safety requirements; full 21 CFR Part 11 validation packages—including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation—are available upon request through Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Regulatory Support Services.
What safety certifications apply to ClickSeal® rotors?
ClickSeal® buckets and lids are tested per ISO 13485 Annex ZA and EN 61010-2-020 Clause 7.3.2 for aerosol containment at maximum rated RCF, with third-party verification reports available under NDA.