Ohaus Frontier FC5816 Benchtop High-Speed Centrifuge

Overview

The Ohaus Frontier FC5816 Benchtop High-Speed Centrifuge is engineered for precision, reproducibility, and operational flexibility in demanding laboratory environments. Utilizing fixed-angle and swing-out rotor configurations—optimized for sedimentation-based separation—the FC5816 delivers consistent centrifugal force across a wide operational envelope (200–15,000 rpm, up to 21,379 × g). Its robust architecture supports high-throughput preparation of biological samples requiring resolution at the large organelle and viral particle level—including mitochondrial isolation, viral pellet concentration, and extracellular vesicle enrichment. Designed as part of the Frontier 5000 Multi-Pro platform, the FC5816 integrates seamlessly with a comprehensive suite of ISO-compliant rotors and adapters, enabling method transfer across research, clinical diagnostics, and quality control workflows without hardware requalification.

Key Features

• Automatic rotor identification system ensures correct speed and RCF limits are enforced per installed configuration, preventing operator-induced over-speed events.
• Motorized lid lock with dual mechanical and electronic interlocks meets IEC 61010-2-020 safety requirements for centrifuge operation.
• Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel chamber and chemically inert PC/ABS housing provide long-term durability in routine use with organic solvents and aqueous buffers.
• 10-step programmable acceleration and deceleration profiles minimize sample resuspension and tube stress during start-up and braking phases.
• Backlit LCD display with real-time monitoring of rpm, RCF, elapsed time, remaining time, and temperature (on refrigerated variants) supports GLP-compliant documentation practices.
• Integrated imbalance detection system continuously monitors rotational symmetry using dual-axis vibration sensors—halting operation within milliseconds if threshold deviations exceed ISO 15197-defined tolerances.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FC5816 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample formats—from microcentrifuge tubes (0.2 mL) to large-volume bottles (up to 250 mL)—via interchangeable rotors certified to ISO 21608:2021 for centrifuge rotor performance and labeling. Compatible configurations include swing-out rotors for high-capacity horizontal separation (e.g., 4 × 250 mL or 2 × 3-well microtiter plate buckets), as well as high-g-force angle rotors optimized for rapid pelleting of subcellular fractions. All rotors carry traceable ID codes compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail requirements when used with validated software interfaces. The instrument operates within ambient conditions defined by ISO 15190:2022 for laboratory equipment (5–35 °C, ≤80% RH), and its CE marking confirms conformity with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU.

Software & Data Management

While the FC5816 operates as a standalone unit with embedded firmware, it supports optional integration with Ohaus LabSuite™ PC software via RS-232 or USB interface for remote parameter programming, method archiving, and electronic logbook generation. Each run record includes timestamped metadata: rotor ID, setpoint parameters, actual achieved rpm/RCF, cycle duration, and safety event flags. Data export complies with ASTM E2500-22 guidelines for analytical instrument data integrity, supporting 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with appropriate access controls and electronic signature protocols. Firmware updates are delivered through encrypted Ohaus-signed packages, maintaining version traceability per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 5.9.2.

Applications

• Cell biology: Harvesting mammalian cells (HEK293, CHO), yeast, and bacterial cultures at scalable volumes.
• Virology: Concentration and partial purification of lentiviral, AAV, and influenza virus stocks from clarified supernatants.
• Proteomics: Crude fractionation of tissue lysates prior to chromatographic analysis; removal of insoluble aggregates prior to LC-MS injection.
• Clinical diagnostics: Plasma separation from whole blood (EDTA/K2EDTA tubes), PBMC isolation via density gradient media, and serum processing for immunoassay platforms.
• Environmental testing: Sedimentation of particulate matter from wastewater or soil extracts in accordance with EPA Method 1664B.
• Quality assurance: Routine verification of suspension homogeneity in pharmaceutical suspensions (USP ) and nanoparticle dispersion stability.

FAQ

Does the FC5816 support refrigeration?
No—the FC5816 is a non-refrigerated model. For temperature-sensitive applications, Ohaus offers the FC5816R variant with active cooling (–9 °C to 40 °C range).
Can the FC5816 be used for regulatory submissions under GMP or GLP?
Yes—when operated with validated rotor sets, documented SOPs, and integrated with audit-trail-enabled software, the FC5816 meets foundational requirements for Annex 11 and ICH Q5C compliance.
Is rotor calibration required before first use?
No—each rotor carries factory-calibrated mass and radius data encoded in its RFID tag; automatic recognition eliminates manual input errors.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Ohaus recommends biannual inspection of drive coupling integrity, lid seal condition, and brake pad wear—documented per ISO/IEC 17025 preventive maintenance schedules.
Are third-party rotors compatible?
Only Ohaus-certified rotors are supported; use of non-OEM components voids safety certifications and invalidates warranty coverage per IEC 61010-1 Clause 11.3.