Thermo Scientific Fiberlite Rotors

Five Reasons Researchers Should Choose Fiberlite Rotors

Control and security are vital to scientific research, testing and analysis. However, today’s lab requires technology that executes more work in less time with fewer resources. How do researchers balance the costs of technology with the value it holds to improve efficiency? Can this be achieved whilst maintaining a safe working environment and secure sample handling in centrifugation applications?

Recent innovations in rotor options for centrifugation address the above questions, and provide a feasible and safe option that makes workflow easier for researchers. Incorporating industry experience with advanced design and lighter materials, Thermo Scientific Fiberlite rotors offer better performance, reliability and fabrication.

Below are five reasons why Fiberlite rotors can address pain points in the lab and deliver secure, accurate results more efficiently.

Corrosion and fatigue resistance

Traditionally, the primary cause of rotor failure has been from damage to the rotor’s metal surfaces. This is due to moisture, chemicals or alkaline solutions that weaken the metal’s structural integrity. Comparatively, carbon fiber composite rotors are corrosion-resistant, eliminating this ever-present hazard, and are safe to use with most mild laboratory detergents and solutions, providing easy rotor care and maintenance.

Substantial load or stress, as a result of high rotational speeds and repeat cycles, can also threaten metal rotor structure by causing it to stretch and change in size, limiting rotor life or leading to failure. Thermo Scientific™ Fiberlite™ rotors are fatigue-resistant, mitigating this threat. If a rare rotor failure happens, Fiberlite rotors “unwind” rather than split or break, protecting the centrifuge from damage and reducing potential health and safety risks.

Ergonomic design

Large metal centrifuge rotors often present a unique lifting hazard in the laboratory due to their weight and awkward shape. Lightweight Fiberlite rotors – which weigh up to 60% less than metallic rotors – facilitate a safer work environment and minimize risk of damage to centrifugation equipment as a result of these ergonomic improvements.

AutoLock™ rotor exchange allows push-button rotor exchange in as little as 3 seconds. No tools or complicated procedures are required, providing improved safety and confidence that the rotor is securely locked and will not loosen during a run.

The unique integrated handle design on selected rotors allows easy gripping for easier and safer lifting, loading/unloading and carrying of the rotor, while also accelerating and simplifying rotor lid tightening, ensuring the lid is properly attached.

Performance

The lightweight design of the Fiberlite rotors places less stress on the centrifuge drive system and allows it to perform better than a metal rotor equivalent. This includes faster acceleration/deceleration rates for shorter run times, and higher speeds, which improve separations in tubes such as 15 or 50 mL conical.

Thermo Scientific compatible centrifuges have automatic rotor recognition which immediately identifies the rotor when secured in the centrifuge chamber. Additionally, rotor specifications are automatically loaded into the centrifuge parameters. This eliminates the need for manual input of rotor information, simplifying the run set-up and eliminating the risk of over-speed. It also reduces error messages, and improves centrifuge, sample and operator safety.

Through exclusive technology, and unique woven design, Fiberlite rotor cavities are moulded to the exact shape of many common centrifuge vessels including disposable conical tubes. This provides maximum support and allows the vessels to be spun at higher g-forces than in comparable metal rotors. The integrated cap feature is also designed to further relieve high g-forces and makes tube retrieval quick and simple.

Importantly, carbon fiber material possesses naturally insulating properties, which helps to maintain sample temperature integrity.

Biocontainment

Thermo Scientific rotors offer additional options to improve security. These include lids and bioseal technology.

Lids for rotors featuring Thermo Scientific Auto-Lock™ enable rotors to remain sealed while being carried to a biocontainment hood for sample retrieval.

Many Fiberlite rotors also feature bioseal technology to enhance protection against biological agents and infectious substances. This improves biosafety without compromising functionality. In the event of a tube or bottle failure, a volume of fluid can be contained inside the rotor in a liquid containment annulus, preventing biohazardous samples from escaping.

Value for Money

Thermo Scientific provides a15-year warranty on all Fiberlite centrifuge rotors. Unlike the limited lifetime of metal rotors, Fiberlite carbon fiber rotors last longer and are backed by this warranty – which is up to two times longer than other rotors. This translates to fewer rotor replacements over the life of the centrifuge.

The Fiberlite rotor designs are continuously improving, with increased capacities available on the same size centrifuge. This provides outstanding efficiency and throughput across the range. The large number of available adapters also increases flexibility in the lab, saving money throughout the growth of research work and applications. Moreover, in contrast to traditional metal rotors, Fiberlite carbon fibre rotors are uniquely repairable if damaged.

The Fiberlite rotors are a key component of Thermo Scientific’s integrated solution of centrifuges, rotors and accessories. They are renowned for maximising performance through versatility, speed and a robust, corrosion-free design. With volumes ranging from 1.5 mL to 6 Litres, a full range of Fiberlite carbon fiber rotors is available for Thermo Scientific General Purpose, Superspeed and Ultraspeed floor model centrifuges, facilitating applications spanning pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic research.

For further information, click here.