ZiQi ZLC-6K / ZLC-7K / ZLC-10K Benchtop Microcentrifuge

Overview

The ZiQi ZLC-6K, ZLC-7K, and ZLC-10K benchtop microcentrifuges are compact, high-efficiency centrifugal instruments engineered for routine nucleic acid, protein, and cell pellet recovery in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and quality control laboratories. These palm-sized centrifuges operate on the principle of radial acceleration—generating centrifugal force (RCF) proportional to rotational speed squared and rotor radius—to separate suspended particles based on density, size, and shape within small-volume samples. Designed for rapid spin-down of microtubes and PCR strips without requiring bench space or external cooling, each model delivers precise, repeatable performance at fixed speeds optimized for common low-speed applications: ZLC-6K (6000 rpm / 2000 × g), ZLC-7K (7000 rpm / 2300 × g), and ZLC-10K (10000 rpm / 5000 × g). Their brushless DC motor architecture ensures stable torque delivery across the full speed range, minimal thermal drift, and extended service life—critical for labs performing hundreds of daily spin-down cycles under GLP-aligned workflows.

Key Features

• Intuitive lid-interlock system: Automatic rotor stop upon lid opening; seamless resumption at original set time upon closure—eliminating manual timer reset and reducing procedural error.
• Ergonomic one-hand operation: Protruding tactile lid release button enables effortless single-handed access, supporting high-throughput sample handling in glove-compatible environments.
• Multi-format compatibility: Standard angular rotor accepts 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes; optional adapters support dual 8-position 0.2 mL PCR strip configurations (2 × 8 strips per run).
• Acoustic and mechanical stability: Optimized rotor-balancing and vibration-dampening chassis yield noise levels below 45 dB(A) at maximum speed—suitable for open-plan labs and laminar flow hoods.
• Durable construction: Impact-resistant polycarbonate transparent lid and reinforced composite housing meet IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for Class II laboratory equipment.
• Electronic timer with 1-second resolution: Programmable range from 1 second to 99 minutes 59 seconds, with audible end-of-run alert and auto-stop functionality.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZLC series accommodates standard polypropylene and polyethylene microcentrifuge tubes (including certified DNase/RNase-free variants) and rigid PCR strip formats used in qPCR, RT-PCR, and library preparation workflows. All rotors are statically balanced and calibrated per ISO 15195:2019 guidelines for microcentrifuge verification. The instrument complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards EN 61326-1 and electrical safety standard EN 61010-1. While not refrigerated, its low-power consumption (<40 W max) and thermally isolated motor prevent significant sample temperature rise during typical 30–60 s spins—validated per ASTM E2915 for short-duration thermal stability assessment.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone analog-timed microcentrifuge, the ZLC series does not incorporate embedded firmware, network connectivity, or digital data logging. Its operational integrity is maintained through hardware-based timing circuits and mechanical interlocks, ensuring deterministic behavior without software dependencies—a design choice aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 “non-electronic record” exemptions for simple, non-critical lab devices. For labs requiring audit trails, users may integrate external timestamped logbooks or LIMS entries referencing batch-specific run parameters (speed, duration, rotor ID). Calibration records—including speed verification via certified tachometer and RCF validation using reference standards—are recommended annually per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.5.

Applications

• Routine pelleting of DNA, RNA, and plasmid preparations post-extraction or column elution
• Quick-spinning of enzymatic reaction mixtures prior to thermal cycling or electrophoresis
• Centrifugation of blood microsamples in point-of-care testing workflows
• Consolidation of lysates and supernatants in ELISA and immunoassay prep
• Micro-volume solvent extraction and phase separation in analytical chemistry screening
• Preparatory spinning of chromatography columns and filtration devices

FAQ

What tube volumes are supported without adapters?
The standard rotor accepts 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes directly. Adapters for 0.2 mL and 0.5 mL tubes are included as standard accessories.
Is the rotor autoclavable?
No—the aluminum rotor is anodized for corrosion resistance but not rated for repeated autoclaving; wipe disinfection with 70% ethanol is recommended.
Can the ZLC-10K be used for virus pellet concentration?
It is not suitable for ultracentrifugal virus pelleting; its 5000 × g maximum RCF falls significantly below the ≥100,000 × g typically required for enveloped or non-enveloped viral particle sedimentation.
Does the unit include a calibration certificate?
Factory calibration data (speed accuracy ±2%, timer accuracy ±0.5%) is provided with each unit; formal ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration must be performed externally.
What maintenance is required?
None beyond periodic cleaning of the rotor chamber and lid seal; the brushless DC motor requires no lubrication or brush replacement over its rated service life (>10,000 hours).