Benchmark StripSpin12 Compact Microcentrifuge
| Brand | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | StripSpin12 |
| Centrifuge Type | Benchtop Microcentrifuge |
| Speed Range | 5500 rpm |
| Max RCF | 2000 × g |
| Capacity | 4 × PCR 12-tube strips (or 4 × PCR 8-tube strips / 48 × 0.2 mL tubes) |
| Dimensions | 5.5 × 7.9 × 4.4 in (14 × 20 × 11.2 cm) |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| Power Supply | 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz |
| Noise Level | <45 dB(A) |
| Rotor Type | Fixed-angle, strip-compatible |
| Compliance | CE, RoHS, IEC 61010-1 |
Overview
The Benchmark StripSpin12 Compact Microcentrifuge is an engineered solution for rapid, low-footprint centrifugation of PCR tube strips in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and point-of-use laboratory workflows. Designed specifically for compatibility with standard 12-well PCR strips (and optionally 8-well strips or individual 0.2 mL tubes), it operates on a fixed-angle rotor architecture optimized for uniform sedimentation force distribution across all wells in a strip. Its core principle relies on rotational acceleration to generate radial centrifugal force (RCF), enabling efficient pelleting of nucleic acids, enzymes, or particulates from small-volume samples without vortexing or manual tapping. With a maximum speed of 5500 rpm and a peak RCF of 2000 × g, the StripSpin12 delivers sufficient separation power for routine DNA/RNA purification, enzyme reaction termination, and sample clarification—while remaining well below thresholds requiring biosafety containment or specialized vibration damping. Its compact form factor (under 6 inches in width) allows integration into biosafety cabinets, PCR workstations, or crowded benchtop environments where space and acoustic profile are critical constraints.
Key Features
- Intelligent lid-actuated operation: Motor initiates automatically upon lid closure and decelerates fully within seconds after lid opening—eliminating manual start/stop buttons and reducing cross-contamination risk.
- Ultra-quiet operation (<45 dB[A] at full speed): Achieved via precision-balanced rotor, brushless DC motor, and integrated acoustic shielding—suitable for open-plan labs and laminar flow hoods.
- Dedicated strip-optimized rotor geometry: Fixed-angle aluminum rotor with four recessed slots precisely sized for 12-well PCR strips; ensures consistent orientation, minimal tube tilt, and repeatable RCF delivery across all positions.
- Universal input power supply (100–240 V, 50–60 Hz): Enables seamless deployment across global laboratories without voltage converters or regional variants.
- Robust thermal management: Passive cooling design prevents overheating during extended use cycles; no internal fan required, further contributing to low noise and long-term reliability.
- CE-marked and compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment, including protection against electric shock, mechanical hazards, and abnormal temperature rise.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The StripSpin12 accommodates standard polypropylene PCR strips (12-well or 8-well) and individual 0.2 mL thin-wall PCR tubes—compatible with most commercially available master mixes, restriction enzymes, and purification kits. It supports protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments when operated within defined procedural controls. While not classified as a GLP/GMP-grade instrument per se, its consistent RCF output, lid-interlock safety mechanism, and traceable operational parameters (speed, run time, RCF) support documentation requirements for audit-ready workflows in regulated diagnostic labs. The device meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restrictions and carries full CE conformity for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low-voltage directive compliance.
Software & Data Management
The StripSpin12 is a standalone, microprocessor-controlled instrument with no embedded software interface, cloud connectivity, or data logging capability. All operational parameters are hardware-defined and non-adjustable—ensuring deterministic behavior, eliminating firmware update dependencies, and minimizing validation burden in regulated settings. Run duration is controlled manually via lid actuation only; no timer or programmable presets are provided. This minimalist architecture enhances reproducibility, reduces failure modes, and aligns with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate) when paired with lab notebook entries or electronic lab notebook (ELN) annotations documenting run conditions and sample identifiers.
Applications
- Routine spin-down of PCR reaction mixtures prior to thermal cycling.
- Quick pelleting of enzymatic reaction components (e.g., restriction digests, ligations, phosphorylations) before electrophoresis or cleanup.
- Clarification of crude lysates or dilute nucleic acid solutions in pre-sequencing workflows.
- Centrifugation of qPCR plates post-setup to eliminate bubbles and ensure uniform meniscus height.
- Field-deployable or mobile lab use where portability, low power draw, and silent operation are essential.
- Teaching laboratories requiring intuitive, safe, and maintenance-free centrifugation tools for undergraduate molecular biology instruction.
FAQ
Is the StripSpin12 compatible with 0.5 mL or 1.5 mL microtubes?
No—the rotor is mechanically constrained to accept only PCR strips (12- or 8-well) and 0.2 mL tubes. Adapters for larger tubes are not available or supported.
Does the instrument include a calibration certificate or service documentation?
Benchmark provides factory calibration verification at time of manufacture. Routine recalibration is not required under normal use; however, users may perform periodic speed/RCF verification using an external tachometer or certified reference centrifuge.
Can the StripSpin12 be used inside a Class II biosafety cabinet?
Yes—its dimensions (14 × 20 × 11.2 cm), low heat dissipation, and absence of exhaust airflow make it suitable for placement inside most standard biosafety cabinets without compromising containment integrity.
What safety certifications does the StripSpin12 hold?
It bears CE marking per Directive 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive) and 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive), and complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for safety requirements of electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use.
Is rotor balancing required before each run?
No—the fixed-angle rotor is dynamically balanced at the factory and designed for symmetrical loading only (i.e., 1–4 strips). Asymmetric loading (e.g., one strip in slot 1 only) is not permitted and will trigger automatic shutdown via imbalance detection circuitry.
