OHAUS FRONTIER FC2516 High-Speed Microcentrifuge with R08 Rotor
| Brand | OHAUS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | FC2516 w/R08 |
| Centrifuge Type | Benchtop High-Speed Centrifuge |
| Maximum Speed | 300–16,500 rpm |
| Maximum RCF | 19,080 × g |
| Maximum Capacity | 48 × 1.5/2.0 mL |
| Rotor Type | Fixed-Angle, Airtight (R08, Part No. 30694908) |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 245 mm × 280 mm × 380 mm |
| Motor | Brushless DC |
| Safety Features | Imbalance Detection, Automatic Rotor Recognition, Lid Interlock, Airtight Rotor Sealing (Dual-Silicone Gasket), Auto-Open Lid Post-Run |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP-compliant workflows |
| Software Capability | 9-Program Memory, 3-Step Sequential Protocol, Real-Time Speed Adjustment Without Stop |
Overview
The OHAUS FRONTIER FC2516 High-Speed Microcentrifuge with R08 Rotor is an engineered benchtop solution for routine and demanding microcentrifugation tasks in molecular biology, clinical diagnostics, and pharmaceutical quality control laboratories. Operating on the principle of centrifugal sedimentation—where rotational force separates particles based on density, size, and shape—the FC2516 delivers precise, reproducible acceleration profiles up to 19,080 × g at 16,500 rpm. Its design targets high-throughput processing of small-volume biological samples—including nucleic acids, proteins, cell lysates, and viral particles—while maintaining strict biosafety standards through a fully airtight rotor architecture. Unlike general-purpose centrifuges, the FC2516 is purpose-built for applications requiring containment of bioaerosols, such as RNA extraction, plasmid purification, and centrifugal filtration steps under BSL-2 conditions.
Key Features
- Brushless DC motor ensuring low maintenance, extended service life, and consistent torque delivery across the full speed range (300–16,500 rpm)
- Airtight R08 fixed-angle rotor (OHAUS part #30694908) featuring dual food-grade silicone gaskets and rapid-lock sealing mechanism—validated to contain aerosols generated during high-speed pelleting of infectious or hazardous samples
- Integrated imbalance detection system that continuously monitors rotational stability and initiates immediate deceleration if mass asymmetry exceeds ISO 15189-defined thresholds
- Stainless-steel construction throughout critical zones: centrifuge chamber, rotor housing, and sample carrier—resistant to ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, and other common lab solvents per ASTM F2297 corrosion testing guidelines
- Intuitive membrane keypad with audible feedback, auto-lid opening upon completion, and real-time speed adjustment without interrupting the run cycle
- Programmable memory supporting nine user-defined protocols and three-stage sequential operation (e.g., initial spin → brake delay → secondary spin), enabling complex workflows without manual intervention
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The FC2516 accommodates standard microcentrifuge tubes (1.5 mL and 2.0 mL) across all 48 positions in the R08 rotor. Its geometry supports uniform thermal distribution and minimal tube deformation at maximum RCF. The rotor is certified for use with polypropylene, polyethylene, and PCR-grade tubes meeting ISO 7218 microbiological safety requirements. As a Class II device under IEC 61010-2-020, the instrument complies with electrical safety and mechanical stability mandates for laboratory centrifuges. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–validated out-of-the-box, its parameter logging, password-protected settings, and audit-trail-ready operation mode support integration into GMP/GLP environments when paired with validated LIMS or ELN systems.
Software & Data Management
The FC2516 operates via embedded firmware with no external PC dependency. All operational parameters—including speed, time, acceleration/deceleration ramp rates, and sequence steps—are stored locally in non-volatile memory. Timestamped run logs (date, time, rotor ID, speed, duration, RCF) are retained for up to 500 cycles and can be manually reviewed on-device. For traceability-critical labs, optional RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapters enable export of run records to CSV-compatible software. Firmware updates are delivered via OHAUS-provided utility tools compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration documentation standards.
Applications
- Routine pelleting of bacterial cells, yeast, and mammalian cell pellets prior to lysis
- Clarification of crude lysates and supernatant harvesting in protein expression workflows
- Concentration and desalting of DNA/RNA using spin-column or ultrafiltration cartridges
- Preparative isolation of exosomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from conditioned media
- High-speed clarification of immunoprecipitation (IP) eluates and affinity-purified complexes
- Quality control centrifugation in QC/QA labs performing USP sterility test preparation or EP 2.6.1 microbial enumeration
FAQ
Is the R08 rotor autoclavable?
Yes—the R08 rotor and its silicone gaskets are rated for repeated autoclaving at 121 °C, 15 psi for 20 minutes. Gasket replacement is recommended after 100 autoclave cycles.
Does the FC2516 support rotor recognition?
Yes—it features automatic rotor ID detection via embedded RFID tags, preventing unsafe speed selection outside the rotor’s certified limits.
Can the centrifuge be used for radioactive samples?
While not radiation-shielded, its airtight rotor and stainless-steel chamber meet ANSI N540 containment recommendations for low-activity isotopes (e.g., ³H, ¹⁴C) when operated inside a certified fume hood.
What is the minimum run time setting?
The shortest programmable duration is 10 seconds, suitable for quick pellet collection or brief wash steps.
Is calibration required before first use?
OHAUS ships the FC2516 with factory calibration verified per ISO 17025-accredited procedures. Annual verification using traceable tachometers and RCF calculators is recommended for GLP/GMP compliance.
