OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Multi Benchtop Centrifuge FC5706P

Overview

The OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Multi Benchtop Centrifuge FC5706P is an engineered solution for routine centrifugation tasks in academic, clinical, and industrial laboratories. Designed around the principles of sedimentation kinetics and radial force generation, this centrifuge applies controlled centrifugal acceleration to separate heterogeneous mixtures—such as cell suspensions, bacterial cultures, serum/plasma fractions, and particulate-laden solutions—based on differences in density, size, and shape. Its operational range (200–6,000 rpm, up to 4,427 × g) positions it optimally for low-speed applications including pelleting mammalian cells, harvesting microorganisms, clarifying crude lysates, and preparing samples for downstream analysis (e.g., ELISA, PCR, or spectrophotometry). The FC5706P is not intended for ultracentrifugation or high-G applications requiring >10,000 × g; rather, it prioritizes reproducibility, ergonomic accessibility, and long-term mechanical stability under daily use.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor architecture ensures consistent torque delivery, reduced maintenance, and acoustically optimized operation (≤56 ± 2 dB[A] at maximum speed), minimizing laboratory ambient noise interference.
• Compact footprint (427 × 271 × 370 mm) maximizes bench space efficiency without compromising structural rigidity—critical in multi-instrument workstations or mobile lab setups.
• Intuitive dual-line backlit LCD interface supports real-time monitoring of speed, RCF, time remaining, and active protocol number; all parameters are adjustable with tactile rotary dial and dedicated function keys.
• Mechanical lid interlock prevents accidental opening during operation and halts rotation immediately upon lid release—compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory equipment.
• Nine programmable acceleration and deceleration profiles (10-step grading) allow fine-tuned control over sample integrity—especially beneficial for fragile pellets or viscous media where abrupt braking may cause resuspension.
• 99 user-defined protocols enable rapid recall of validated methods across shifts or operators—supporting GLP-aligned workflow consistency and audit readiness.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC5706P accommodates a broad spectrum of standard laboratory consumables via interchangeable rotors: angle rotors for high-RCF pelleting (e.g., 6 × 50 mL conical tubes, 12 × 15 mL round-bottom tubes, 18 × 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes) and swing-out rotors for gradient-based separations or larger-volume tubes (4 × 10 mL, 6 × 5 mL). All rotors are manually identified by the operator prior to run initiation—no electronic rotor ID sensors are integrated, aligning with cost-effective design philosophy while maintaining full traceability when paired with lab notebook or LIMS documentation. The instrument meets CE marking requirements per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), and FCC Part 15 Class B emissions standards. It operates within ISO 15195-defined environmental conditions (5–35 °C, ≤80% RH non-condensing), making it suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories performing routine sample preparation.

Software & Data Management

The FC5706P operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded connectivity (USB, Ethernet, or Bluetooth). Data integrity is maintained through local parameter logging: each executed protocol stores speed, RCF, duration, acceleration/deceleration profile, and rotor type in non-volatile memory for up to 99 cycles. While no remote software suite is provided, exported records can be manually transcribed into electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with appropriate institutional validation protocols. For regulated environments, users may implement procedural controls—including operator training logs, calibration verification records (per ASTM E2500), and periodic performance checks using NIST-traceable tachometers—to satisfy GMP/GLP documentation expectations.

Applications

• Routine pelleting of eukaryotic cells (HEK293, CHO, HeLa) and prokaryotes (E. coli, B. subtilis) at 3,000–5,000 rpm for downstream lysis or cryopreservation.
• Clarification of tissue homogenates, blood serum, and urine supernatants prior to HPLC or immunoassay analysis.
• Preparative separation of phase-separated organic/aqueous extracts in analytical chemistry workflows.
• Centrifugal concentration of dilute protein solutions using 50 mL conical tubes with compatible ultrafiltration inserts.
• Quality control centrifugation in pharmaceutical manufacturing support labs—e.g., filter integrity verification, excipient suspension homogeneity assessment.

FAQ

What rotor configurations are supported out-of-the-box?
The FC5706P ships with no pre-installed rotor; users select from five optional rotors: Angle 6×50 mL (P/N 30130878), Angle 12×15 mL (P/N 31013397), Angle 18×1.5/2.0 mL (P/N 83041499), Swing-Out 4×10 mL (P/N 30130877), and Swing-Out 6×5 mL (P/N 30130880).
Is refrigeration available for this model?
No—the FC5706P is a non-refrigerated benchtop centrifuge. For temperature-sensitive samples, users must pre-chill tubes or operate within a climate-controlled room (5–35 °C).
Can this centrifuge be used for clinical diagnostics sample prep?
Yes—its RCF and capacity range meet CLSI GP44-A4 guidelines for serum/plasma separation and comply with ISO 15189 preanalytical requirements when operated under documented SOPs.
How often does the centrifuge require calibration?
OHAUS recommends annual verification of rotational speed accuracy using an external optical tachometer traceable to national standards; no internal recalibration is user-serviceable.
Does the FC5706P support regulatory audit trails?
It maintains local run history but lacks electronic audit trail functionality. Full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires integration with validated third-party ELN or LIMS systems.