Thermo Fisher Scientific Sorvall Legend Mach 1.6/R Refrigerated Benchtop Centrifuge

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Scientific Sorvall Legend Mach 1.6/R is a high-performance refrigerated benchtop centrifuge engineered for reproducible, high-throughput sample separation in demanding life science, clinical, and quality control laboratories. Utilizing brushless DC motor technology and precision-engineered rotor dynamics, it delivers consistent acceleration, deceleration, and rotational stability across its full operating range—from 300 to 15,000 rpm—with a maximum relative centrifugal force (RCF) of 24,652 × g. The “R” designation denotes integrated refrigeration with CFC-free cooling, enabling temperature-sensitive applications such as nucleic acid purification, cell pelleting, and protein fractionation at precisely controlled conditions (−9 °C to +40 °C). Its compact footprint—optimized for benchtop integration—and low working height (316 mm) support ergonomic sample loading and unloading, while the reinforced steel base and cavity architecture ensure mechanical integrity under continuous operation.

Key Features

• Intelligent Rotor Recognition: Automatic detection of installed rotors ensures parameter validation and prevents unsafe speed or temperature settings—critical for GLP/GMP-aligned workflows.
• SMARTspin™ Imbalance Detection: Patented real-time imbalance monitoring provides dynamic correction across all speeds and rotor types, eliminating manual balancing steps and reducing run failure risk.
• Dual Control Options: EASYset keypad interface supports programmable acceleration/deceleration profiles (9-step ramping), pre-cool cycles, and RCF-based speed selection; QUIKset dial offers intuitive one-knob operation with soft-brake functionality.
• Biosafety-Compliant Design: Independently certified by CAMR (Centre for Applied Microbiology & Research) for containment of biohazardous materials, including aerosol-tight rotor lids and sealed chamber construction.
• Low-Noise Operation: Acoustic optimization—including vibration-dampening mounts and aerodynamic rotor shrouds—ensures sound pressure levels ≤58 dBA at 1 m, suitable for open-lab environments.
• Enhanced Ergonomics: Front-access door with auto-locking mechanism, visual balance indicators, and shallow-depth chamber enable rapid tube insertion and retrieval without stooping or repositioning.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Sorvall Legend Mach 1.6/R accommodates a broad spectrum of standard laboratory consumables, including 0.2–50 mL conical tubes, 96-well microplates, 15–50 mL Falcon tubes, and up to 400 mL bottles in horizontal configurations. Its modular rotor system supports five primary categories: fixed-angle (e.g., Highconic 6 × 94 mL), swinging-bucket (4 × 400 mL), plate carriers, microcentrifuge adapters, and specialized wind-shielded horizontal rotors for high-speed pelleting. All rotors are manufactured to ISO 15197:2013 dimensional tolerances and validated per ASTM F2621 for material fatigue resistance. The instrument meets IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment) and IEC 61010-2-20 (Particular Requirements for Centrifuges), carries cCSA US and CE markings, and supports audit-ready documentation for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with Thermo Fisher’s optional CentriLog™ data management software.

Software & Data Management

While the base unit operates via embedded firmware, optional CentriLog™ software enables secure, traceable method storage, electronic signature capture, and automated report generation compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). Each run logs timestamped metadata—including rotor ID, speed, RCF, temperature, duration, imbalance status, and error codes—to encrypted local storage or networked servers. Audit trails are immutable and exportable in PDF/A-2 format for regulatory submissions. Firmware updates are delivered via USB or Ethernet, maintaining backward compatibility with legacy rotor calibration files and user-defined protocols.

Applications

• Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using Ficoll density gradients at 1,200 × g for 20 min (4 °C)
• Clarification of bacterial lysates prior to chromatographic purification (15,000 rpm, 10 min, 4 °C)
• High-yield plasmid DNA pelleting from alkaline lysis supernatants (13,000 rpm, 15 min, 4 °C)
• Microplate-based ELISA wash steps requiring uniform sedimentation of coated beads (3,000 rpm, 5 min)
• Stabilization of thermolabile enzyme complexes during subcellular fractionation (−9 °C to 4 °C range)
• Routine QC testing of vaccine suspensions per USP sterility assay requirements

FAQ

What refrigerant is used in the Sorvall Legend Mach 1.6/R?
The unit employs an environmentally compliant, CFC-free refrigerant meeting current EPA SNAP and EU F-Gas Regulation standards.

Can the centrifuge be operated without a rotor installed?
No—the SMARTspin™ system prevents startup unless a valid rotor is detected and properly seated.

Is rotor calibration required after each autoclave cycle?
Fixed-angle rotors require recalibration only after physical damage or replacement; swinging-bucket rotors must be recalibrated following any hinge or latch servicing.

Does the instrument support remote monitoring via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
Yes—CentriLog™ integration enables real-time status viewing, alarm notifications, and protocol push via secure LAN connections; Wi-Fi requires external bridge hardware.

What is the mean time between failures (MTBF) for the brushless drive system?
Based on accelerated life testing per ISO 13384-1, the motor assembly demonstrates ≥25,000 hours MTBF under continuous nominal load conditions.