Microspin 12 Desktop Mini High-Speed Centrifuge
| Origin | UK |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Microspin 12 |
| Price | Upon Request |
| Max RCF | 12400 × g |
| Speed Range | 100–14500 rpm |
| Capacity | 12 × 1.5/2.0 mL tubes (with optional 0.2 mL & 0.5 mL adapters) |
| Timer | 1–30 min with auto-stop |
| Operating Temp | +4 °C to +25 °C |
| Acceleration Time | 20 s |
| Deceleration Time | 10 s |
| Display | 2-line 16-character LCD |
| Power Supply | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 60 W |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 240 × 200 × 125 mm |
| Weight | 3.2 kg |
| Rotor Material | Anodized Aluminum |
| Safety | Interlocked metal lid, automatic imbalance detection & shutdown, rotor recognition-free fixed-angle design |
Overview
The Microspin 12 is a compact, benchtop high-speed centrifuge engineered for precision and reliability in demanding life science laboratories. Utilizing fixed-angle rotor dynamics based on the principles of sedimentation equilibrium and differential centrifugal force, it delivers reproducible separation of biomolecular species—including nucleic acids, proteins, cellular organelles, and microbial pellets—within microliter-scale sample volumes. Its optimized aerodynamic chamber design ensures uniform convective airflow around the rotor, minimizing thermal drift during extended runs—a critical factor for heat-sensitive samples such as plasmid DNA, enzymatic lysates, or primary cell suspensions. Designed for compliance with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment, the Microspin 12 integrates mechanical and electronic safeguards without requiring rotor identification protocols, simplifying daily operation while maintaining ISO 13485-aligned quality assurance rigor.
Key Features
- Fixed-angle aluminum rotor (12-position, 30° angle) supporting standard 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, with field-replaceable adapters for 0.2 mL and 0.5 mL PCR tubes
- Wide speed range (100–14,500 rpm) and high relative centrifugal force (RCF) up to 12,400 × g, enabling rapid pelleting of subcellular particles and viscous biological matrices
- Intelligent auto-balancing shutdown system that halts rotation within 10 seconds upon detecting >0.5 g mass asymmetry—no manual balancing required
- Low-noise brushless DC motor (<52 dB(A) at maximum speed), engineered for continuous-duty operation in shared lab environments
- Two-line alphanumeric LCD display showing real-time RPM, RCF, remaining time, and elapsed run duration—calibrated per EN 61000-6-3 EMC requirements
- Compact footprint (240 × 200 × 125 mm) and lightweight construction (3.2 kg) facilitate placement inside cold rooms or biosafety cabinets (validated for stable operation at +4 °C)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Microspin 12 accommodates common polypropylene and polyethylene microtubes compliant with ASTM D4169 shipping integrity standards. Its rotor geometry supports consistent wall-to-bottom pellet formation across tube types, reducing inter-run variability in downstream quantification (e.g., Nanodrop A260/A280 assays). The instrument meets essential regulatory expectations for GLP-compliant workflows: audit-trail-capable timer logging (via external USB data logger interface), mechanical lid interlock conforming to EN 61010-2-020, and CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its deterministic timer logic and non-volatile parameter retention support validation protocols for QC/QA applications in pharmaceutical development labs.
Software & Data Management
The Microspin 12 operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded firmware-based software—eliminating cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with networked controllers. All operational parameters (speed, time, acceleration/deceleration profiles) are stored in EEPROM with write-cycle endurance exceeding 100,000 cycles. Optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapter modules enable integration with LIMS platforms for automated run logging; ASCII-formatted output includes timestamp, setpoint, actual RCF, and end-of-run status flag. Calibration certificates traceable to NPL (UK National Physical Laboratory) are provided with each unit, including rotor inertia verification and speed accuracy testing per ISO 21501-4.
Applications
- DNA/RNA purification workflows: rapid clarification of lysates prior to column binding or ethanol precipitation
- Microbial pelleting: efficient recovery of E. coli, yeast, or clinical isolates from low-volume broth cultures
- Protein fractionation: isolation of membrane fractions or ribosomal subunits from tissue homogenates
- Diagnostic sample prep: concentration of exosomes, viral particles, or circulating tumor cells from plasma or CSF
- Quality control in molecular diagnostics: normalization of template concentrations prior to qPCR or NGS library preparation
- Teaching laboratories: robust platform for introducing centrifugation theory, sedimentation coefficients, and RCF calculations
FAQ
Can the Microspin 12 be operated inside a refrigerated environment?
Yes—it is rated for continuous operation between +4 °C and +25 °C ambient temperature, with validated thermal stability across its full speed range.
Is rotor calibration required before first use?
No. The anodized aluminum rotor is factory-balanced and does not require user recalibration; however, a baseline performance verification report is included with shipment.
Does the instrument support programmable multi-step protocols?
No—it features single-parameter timing and speed control only; advanced gradient protocols require external automation interfaces.
What safety certifications does the Microspin 12 hold?
CE-marked per EN 61010-1:2010 and EN 61010-2-020, RoHS 2011/65/EU compliant, and tested to IEC 60068-2 environmental stress standards.
Are replacement rotors and adapters available separately?
Yes—genuine OEM parts (P/N MS12-ROTOR, MS12-ADAP02, MS12-ADAP05) are stocked globally through authorized distribution channels with 24-month warranty coverage.
