OHAUS FRONTIER™ 2516 Microcentrifuge
| Brand | OHAUS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | FC2516 w/R08 (incl. Rotor 30694908) |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Centrifuge |
| Speed Range | 300 – 16,500 rpm |
| Max RCF | 19,080 × g |
| Max Capacity | 48 × 1.5/2.0 mL |
| Rotor Type | Fixed-Angle |
| Application Class | Biomolecular Separation |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 245 × 280 × 380 mm |
| Safety Certification | IEC 61010-2-020 Compliant |
| Sealing | Dual-Sealed Airtight Rotor Assembly |
| Regulatory Compliance | Designed for GLP-compliant workflows |
Overview
The OHAUS FRONTIER™ 2516 Microcentrifuge is a benchtop high-speed centrifuge engineered for precision and reproducibility in biomolecular separation workflows. Utilizing fixed-angle rotor geometry and optimized air-cooled brushless DC motor technology, it delivers consistent rotational acceleration across its operational range of 300 to 16,500 rpm — generating up to 19,080 × g relative centrifugal force (RCF). Its mechanical design adheres to IEC 61010-2-020 safety standards for laboratory centrifuges, with integrated rotor imbalance detection, automatic lid interlock, and real-time overspeed monitoring. The unit is specifically calibrated for microvolume sample processing, supporting routine nucleic acid isolation, protein pelleting, cell organelle fractionation, and small-volume reagent preparation in academic, clinical, and QC laboratories.
Key Features
- Robust all-metal chassis with vibration-dampening base mount ensures stable operation at maximum speed without external anchoring.
- Dual-sealed airtight rotor (R08, part #30694908) prevents aerosol leakage during high-speed runs — critical for handling biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) samples including viral lysates and recombinant plasmid preps.
- Quick-lock sealing lid with tactile feedback and audible click confirmation enables secure closure in under two seconds; lid remains locked until rotor decelerates below 500 rpm.
- Intuitive rotary encoder interface with backlit LCD display supports parameter entry in rpm or ×g mode, time setting from 10 s to 99 min 59 s, and programmable ramp/deceleration profiles.
- Five interchangeable rotor options available (including R08, R12, R14, R17, R20), each certified for specific tube formats (1.5/2.0 mL, 0.5 mL PCR strips, 5–10 mL conical tubes) and validated per ISO 15195:2018 for traceable calibration.
- Brushless motor with thermal overload protection extends service life beyond 20,000 operating hours under standard duty cycles.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FC2516 accommodates standard microcentrifuge tubes (1.5 mL and 2.0 mL) across 48 positions in the R08 rotor configuration, with full compatibility for low-retention polypropylene tubes, PCR-grade strip tubes, and capped spin columns. All rotors are individually serialized and supplied with CE-marked conformity declarations. The system meets essential requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for testing laboratories and supports audit-ready documentation for GLP and GMP environments. Optional rotor certification packages include gravimetrically verified RCF values traceable to NIST standards, and optional validation protocols aligned with USP Analytical Instrument Qualification.
Software & Data Management
While the FC2516 operates as a standalone instrument, its firmware architecture supports future integration via RS-232 serial port (optional USB-to-serial adapter) for remote parameter logging and event timestamping. Audit trail functionality records start/stop times, final speed, actual RCF achieved, and error codes — stored locally in non-volatile memory for ≥1,000 run cycles. When deployed in regulated settings, these logs satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when paired with validated third-party LIMS interfaces. Firmware updates are delivered via encrypted .hex file and require physical USB key authentication to prevent unauthorized modification.
Applications
- High-yield DNA/RNA precipitation and ethanol wash steps in molecular biology workflows.
- Clarification of bacterial lysates prior to affinity chromatography or SDS-PAGE analysis.
- Microfiltration support for nanoparticle suspensions and liposome preparations.
- Routine pelleting of mammalian cells (e.g., HEK293, CHO-K1) in transient transfection protocols.
- Preparative centrifugation of antibody-containing supernatants before Protein A/G purification.
- Quality control of diagnostic reagents requiring particulate-free aliquots (e.g., ELISA substrates, enzyme conjugates).
FAQ
Is the R08 rotor autoclavable?
Yes — the aluminum R08 rotor is rated for repeated autoclaving at 121°C for 20 minutes; however, the dual-seal O-rings must be replaced after every 50 autoclave cycles to maintain containment integrity.
Can the FC2516 be used for radioactive samples?
It is not certified for radioactive use; no lead shielding or dedicated decontamination protocols are provided. For radiolabeled applications, consult OHAUS Application Support for custom rotor modifications and radiation-hardened enclosure options.
Does the centrifuge support timed hold-at-speed functionality?
No — the FC2516 executes fixed-duration runs only; continuous hold at set speed requires external timer integration via the RS-232 trigger output.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Rotor inspection every 6 months (visual check for pitting/corrosion), bearing lubrication every 2 years by authorized service technician, and annual calibration verification using certified tachometer and RCF reference standard.
Is rotor imbalance compensation built into the drive electronics?
Yes — active imbalance detection triggers immediate deceleration if mass asymmetry exceeds ±0.5 g per opposing position, with fault code display and audible alarm.
