Herolab AS 2.6 swing-bucket rotor
The Herolab AS 2.6 swing-bucket rotor solution is specially designed for laboratories that regularly work with microtiter plates and require high speeds and reliable results. Thanks to its precise workmanship and high-quality materials, it is ideal for centrifuging sensitive samples safely and efficiently. Compared to similar systems, you benefit from a good balance of rotor diameter, maximum speed and optimized concentricity. Similar applications can be realized, for example, with the [Herolab HS 4.3 swing-bucket rotor], which has similar capacities but a slightly different design.
Performance characteristics and design
Thanks to its special design, the rotor can accommodate up to 2 × 3 microtiter plates and enables centrifugation speeds of up to 5,000 revolutions per minute. The high speed results in a maximum relative centrifugal acceleration of up to 3,075 × g, which enables fast and effective work. Two supports with a height of up to 80 mm ensure that the microtiter plates are held securely. These are easy to install and ensure both stability during centrifugation and an even distribution of the samples.
The rotor impresses with:
- Robust materials for reliable continuous use
- Maximum speed of 5,000 min-¹
- High centrifugal acceleration of up to 3,075 × g
- Holds 2 × 3 microtiter plates
- Quick and easy installation of the plate holders
- Compatibility with different centrifugation models
Thanks to this design, samples are separated reliably and reproducibly even during prolonged use. Another important feature is the balanced weight distribution, which reduces the load on the centrifuge axis and supports low-vibration operation. Users also benefit from clear labeling of the rotor positions, which enables ideal balancing of the samples.
Fields of application in the laboratory
This swing-out rotor can be used in a variety of ways, especially in areas where microtiter plates are used for sample processing. It is mostly used for biochemical assays, microbiological work or analyses in molecular biology. Typical examples are:
- ELISA assays in routine or research laboratories
- Nucleic acid purifications (e.g. DNA or RNA extractions)
- Clinical in-vitro diagnostics
- Enzymatic test procedures (e.g. detection of specific proteins)
- Sample preparation for mass spectrometry analyses
The ability to hold up to six plates simultaneously allows laboratories to work faster and more efficiently. In test series with many samples, the device can show its strengths to the full by coping with the load of several microtiter plates on the one hand and supporting the temperature control and cooling options of various centrifuges on the other.
Special features
The rotor has a robust locking mechanism that prevents the plates from tilting or slipping during braking. At the same time, the balancing of the rotor is designed to minimize noise even at higher speeds. As the product has no unnecessary notches, dirt can be easily removed. Even frequently used cleaning agents in the laboratory (such as ethanol, isopropanol or hydrogen peroxide solutions in low concentrations) are generally compatible and do not attack the material.
Certifications and standards such as CE conformity are important criteria for many laboratories in order to meet safety and quality standards. Depending on the centrifuge model used, this rotor can be integrated into corresponding safety classes and standard specifications. In many cases, documentation on camera tests is also available to prove the running stability at maximum speed. When researching, consult the manufacturer's website (www.herolab.de) to check all available certifications.
FAQs
How to fix the microtiter plates correctly
The supplied carriers are inserted into the rotor. The plates can then be placed in the carriers and secured with special plate holders.
Is temperature control possible?
The rotor is used in compatible centrifuge systems that have a cooling function. This allows samples to be centrifuged at defined temperatures.
What needs to be considered during cleaning
Common disinfectants such as ethanol or isopropanol are suitable for cleaning. However, highly corrosive reagents should be avoided so as not to damage the material.
How can the load be balanced?
Each microtiter plate should be balanced with an identically filled plate or corresponding counter load. Special markings on the rotor facilitate even distribution.
What safety precautions are required
Always ensure that the lid of the device is closed during centrifugation. Additional safety precautions such as a safety interlock are often part of the centrifuge standard.
Conclusion
This swing-bucket rotor ideally complements modern centrifuge systems, as it is particularly suitable for samples in microtiter format and impresses with its high speed and robust design. Users from research, diagnostics and production benefit from improved efficiency and reliability. If you are also looking for other alternatives, you can take a closer look at the [Herolab MR 3.1 swing-out rotor], which offers similar performance data with an adapted diameter. In this way, every laboratory can find the right rotor for its requirements.
