OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Multi Benchtop Centrifuge FC5706P+R97

Overview

The OHAUS Frontier™ 5000 Multi Benchtop Centrifuge FC5706P+R97 is a precision-engineered, low-speed centrifuge designed for routine separation tasks in academic, clinical, and industrial laboratories. Operating on the principle of sedimentation under controlled centrifugal force, this instrument delivers consistent, reproducible results across a wide operational range—200 to 6,000 rpm—with a maximum relative centrifugal force (RCF) of 4,427 × g. Its compact footprint (540 × 365 × 370 mm) and brushless DC motor architecture ensure quiet, vibration-damped operation (≤ 56 ± 2 dB[A]) while minimizing thermal load and mechanical wear. Engineered for long-term reliability and ease of integration into regulated workflows, the FC5706P+R97 meets CE and FCC electromagnetic compatibility and safety standards, supporting compliance with general laboratory quality frameworks including ISO/IEC 17025–aligned operational documentation.

Key Features

• Intuitive backlit LCD interface with dual-line display for simultaneous speed/RCF and time/timer readouts
• 99 programmable protocols with independent acceleration and deceleration ramp control (10-step profiles)
• Mechanically interlocked lid with automatic rotor detection override—ensures safe operation even when using non-OHAUS rotors
• Brushless DC motor delivering high torque at low speeds and extended service life without carbon dust accumulation
• Narrow-profile chassis optimized for benchtop space efficiency—ideal for shared lab environments or biosafety cabinets
• Continuous run, timed operation (10 s – 99 h 59 min 59 s), and short-spin (pulse) modes for rapid pellet recovery
• Robust aluminum housing with chemical-resistant coating; corrosion-resistant rotor chamber compatible with common disinfectants (e.g., 70% ethanol, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC5706P+R97 supports broad sample tube compatibility—including conical-bottom and round-bottom tubes ranging from 0.2 mL microcentrifuge tubes (via adapters) up to 50 mL conical tubes—enabling applications from cell pelleting (mammalian, bacterial, yeast) to serum/plasma separation and particulate clarification. The included swing-out rotor (P/N 31013397, 4 × 10 mL) is validated for use with standard polypropylene and glass tubes meeting ASTM D4169 performance criteria. Optional rotors—including angle rotors for 12 × 15 mL, 18 × 1.5/2.0 mL, and 6 × 50 mL configurations—expand flexibility without requiring hardware recalibration. While the unit does not provide active refrigeration, its ambient-temperature design aligns with USP and CLSI GP44-A4 guidelines for non-critical sterile compounding and routine QC centrifugation where temperature control is not mandated.

Software & Data Management

This model operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded data logging or network connectivity. All parameter inputs and protocol executions are retained locally within non-volatile memory. Audit-ready operation is supported through manual logbook entries aligned with GLP/GMP practices: users may record batch numbers, operator IDs, rotor P/Ns, and cycle timestamps per run. Though not FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant out-of-the-box, the FC5706P+R97’s deterministic behavior, mechanical safety interlocks, and traceable rotor identification (via printed P/Ns and manual entry) facilitate integration into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via external barcode scanners or digital SOP checklists.

Applications

• Cell culture harvest and washing (adherent and suspension lines)
• Bacterial pellet collection for genomic DNA extraction or protein expression analysis
• Serum, plasma, and whole blood fractionation in clinical chemistry labs
• Clarification of crude enzyme extracts, cell lysates, and polymer solutions
• Precipitation of nanoparticles, liposomes, or extracellular vesicles in nanomedicine research
• Quality control testing of suspensions, emulsions, and colloidal formulations per ASTM D6117

FAQ

Is the FC5706P+R97 suitable for use with infectious or biohazardous samples?
Yes—when operated inside a certified Class II biosafety cabinet and paired with sealed rotors and aerosol-tight tubes (e.g., OHAUS Safe-Lock tubes), it complies with BMBL 6th edition containment recommendations for Risk Group 2 agents.

Can I validate centrifugation parameters for regulatory submissions?
While the device lacks built-in electronic audit trails, its fixed mechanical calibration, CE-marked motor control circuitry, and documented rotor-specific RCF curves (provided in the OHAUS Technical Reference Guide TRG-F5K-01) support IQ/OQ documentation per ISO 13485 Annex C.

Does the centrifuge require routine calibration by an accredited service provider?
No formal recalibration is required under normal use. Speed accuracy is factory-verified to ±20 rpm at 6,000 rpm; users may perform periodic verification using a traceable tachometer per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.2.

Are replacement rotors supplied with individual calibration certificates?
OHAUS provides rotor-specific RCF tables and dimensional conformity reports (ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing). Full calibration certificates (including speed vs. RCF traceability to NIST standards) are available upon request for an additional fee.