OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 FC5513 High-Speed Microcentrifuge
| Brand | OHAUS |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | FC5513 (230 V) |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Centrifuge |
| Speed Range | High-Speed Centrifuge (10,000–30,000 rpm) |
| Function | General-Purpose Centrifuge |
| Configuration | Fixed-Angle Rotor Centrifuge |
| Maximum Capacity | 24 × 1.5 / 2.0 mL tubes |
| Maximum Speed | 13,500 rpm |
| Maximum RCF | 17,317 × g |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 236 mm × 356 mm × 277 mm |
| Rotor Options | Standard 24-place fixed-angle rotor, biocontainment-capable microtube rotor, microcentrifuge column rotor, capillary hematocrit rotor |
Overview
The OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 FC5513 is a compact, high-speed benchtop microcentrifuge engineered for precision separation of small-volume biological and chemical samples in regulated laboratory environments. Operating on the principle of centrifugal sedimentation—where rotational force induces differential migration of particles based on mass, density, and shape—the FC5513 delivers reproducible RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force) up to 17,317 × g at its maximum speed of 13,500 rpm. Its design adheres to core engineering priorities for modern life science workflows: minimal footprint, intuitive human-machine interaction, and robust mechanical architecture for long-term stability under repeated thermal and mechanical stress. The unit is CE-marked and compliant with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment, ensuring suitability for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories and GLP-compliant research settings.
Key Features
- Compact footprint (236 mm width) optimized for space-constrained benchtops without compromising structural rigidity or thermal management efficiency.
- Sealed, splash-resistant control panel with capacitive touch-sensitive rotary dial—designed for reliable operation while wearing standard nitrile or latex laboratory gloves.
- Four rotor configurations available: standard 24-position fixed-angle rotor (1.5/2.0 mL), biocontainment-certified rotor with enhanced aerosol containment for BSL-2 applications, microcentrifuge column rotor for spin-column purification (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction), and capillary hematocrit rotor compatible with standardized 75 mm capillaries per ASTM E2089.
- Brushless DC motor with closed-loop speed control ensures ±50 rpm speed accuracy across the full operating range and eliminates carbon brush wear-related maintenance.
- Automatic rotor recognition (via mechanical coding) prevents mismatched rotor-speed combinations and enforces safe operational limits per ISO 21501-4:2019 rotor safety guidelines.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FC5513 accommodates standard polypropylene and polycarbonate microtubes (1.5 mL and 2.0 mL), including conical-bottom and low-retention variants. With optional rotors, it supports silica-membrane spin columns (e.g., Qiagen, Thermo Fisher), hematocrit capillaries (ISO 8600-1:2017), and PCR strip tubes. All rotors are balanced to ISO 15380:2016 specifications and undergo dynamic balancing verification at 13,500 rpm prior to shipment. The instrument meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1:2013 and is validated for use in laboratories maintaining compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with OHAUS FrontierLink™ software (audit trail-enabled configuration required).
Software & Data Management
While the FC5513 operates as a standalone instrument via its front-panel interface, it integrates seamlessly with OHAUS FrontierLink™ PC software (v3.2+). This platform enables method transfer, parameter logging, electronic signature capture, and export of timestamped run records in CSV and PDF formats—supporting traceability requirements under GLP, GMP, and ISO/IEC 17025. Software-configurable parameters include acceleration/deceleration profiles, hold time at target speed, and automatic lid lock verification logs. All data files include embedded metadata: rotor ID, tube position map, ambient temperature, and motor current draw history for preventive maintenance trending.
Applications
- Nucleic acid and protein pellet recovery from lysates and supernatants during molecular biology workflows.
- Clarification of cell lysates and bacterial cultures prior to chromatography or electrophoresis.
- Spin-column–based purification of plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, RNA, and oligonucleotides.
- Hematocrit determination in clinical and veterinary diagnostics using calibrated capillary tubes.
- Microfiltration support for nanoparticle suspension concentration and buffer exchange in nanomaterial synthesis.
- Routine quality control centrifugation in pharmaceutical QC labs for particulate matter analysis per USP .
FAQ
Is the FC5513 compatible with refrigerated operation?
No—the FC5513 is a non-refrigerated microcentrifuge. For temperature-sensitive samples, users should pre-chill rotors and tubes, or consider the OHAUS Frontier™ 5000R series.
Does the instrument support rotor calibration validation?
Yes—each rotor includes a unique mechanical code recognized by the drive system; calibration certificates (including RCF verification at 13,500 rpm) are supplied with every new rotor.
Can I export raw run data for regulatory submission?
Yes—FrontierLink™ software generates tamper-evident PDF reports with digital signatures and full audit trails compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with user authentication and electronic signature modules.
What safety certifications does the FC5513 carry?
CE marking per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD); conformity to IEC 61010-1:2010, EN 61326-1:2013, and ISO 15380:2016 for rotor safety.
Is routine maintenance required beyond cleaning?
No scheduled lubrication or internal servicing is required; periodic inspection of rotor threads, lid latch mechanism, and condensate drainage (if used in humid environments) is recommended per OHAUS Maintenance Guide Rev. 4.2.
