Fixed-angle rotors

A fixed angle rotor is the ideal rotor configuration for applications where high g-forces and fast pelleting are essential. Unlike swing-out rotors, tubes in a fixed angle rotor remain at a fixed angle, typically between 23° and 45°. As a result, samples travel a shorter distance during centrifugation, leading to significantly higher RCF values and considerably shorter centrifugation times. Therefore, fixed-angle rotors are primarily used for pelleting bacteria, cells, viruses and nucleic acids in molecular biology, microbiology, virology and bioprocessing.

At Poly Temp Scientific we offer the complete Thermo Scientific and Fiberlite range of fixed-angle rotors, perfectly matched to the Thermo Scientific X Series, S Series, C Series, BIOS A and Sorvall LYNX 4000 and 6000 superspeed centrifuges. Furthermore, all our fixed-angle rotors feature Auto-Lock rotor exchange for fast, safe rotor swap without tools. In addition, most models come with optional ClickSeal biocontainment lids, certified by Public Health England (Porton Down, UK) or TÜV NORD CERT GmbH, for safe processing of biohazardous samples such as pathogens and infectious materials.

For general purpose applications on the X4 and S4 Series we offer Fiberlite carbon fiber rotors such as the F14-6×250 LE (6 x 250 mL at 18,533 x g), the F15-6x100y (6 x 100 mL at 24,652 x g) and the F10-6×100 LEX (6 x 100 mL with integrated biocontainment). For higher speeds with 50 mL conical tubes, the F13-14x50cy (14 x 50 mL at 17,105 x g) is ideal, while the F15-8x50cy (8 x 50 mL at 24,446 x g) delivers extra g-force for molecular biology. Additionally, the F21-48×2 (48 x 2 mL at 25,055 x g) offers high throughput for microtube processing.

For clinical and pharmaceutical applications we supply aluminum fixed-angle rotors such as the HIGHConic II (6 x 100 mL at 15,090 x g), the HIGHConic III (6 x 50 mL at 12,108 x g for C Series), the CLINIConic (30 x 15 mL blood tubes at 3,030 x g) for clinical blood sample processing and the 8×50 individually sealed rotor for high-risk samples with individually sealed canisters. These rotors combine a robust design with biocontainment options for IVD-MD compliance.

For superspeed applications with the Sorvall LYNX 4000 and 6000 we offer the Fiberlite LEX series: F9-6×1000 LEX (LYNX 6000 only, 6 x 1000 mL at 17,568 x g), F10-4×1000 LEX, F12-6×500 LEX and F14-6x250y. These carbon fiber rotors reach RCF values above 57,000 x g, ideal for bioprocessing, virology research, vaccine development and large-scale cell pelleting. Moreover, for the BIOS A bioprocessing centrifuge the Fiberlite F6-10×1000 LEX is available, with 10 x 1000 mL capacity at 12,000 x g for high-throughput cell culture applications.

For microcentrifuge applications on the MicroCL 17/21, M Series and C Series we offer compact fixed-angle rotors such as the MicroClick series (24×2, 30×2 and 18×5 mL configurations), the Microliter series (48×2 and 30×2 mL) and dedicated rotors for PCR strips, hematocrit capillaries and spin columns. These rotors reach RCF values up to 30,279 x g and are ideal for nucleic acid isolation, PCR sample prep, filtration and quick spins in molecular biology laboratories.

Key benefits of our fixed angle rotor selection

• Complete range for X4, S4, X1, S1, C Series, BIOS A, LYNX 4000, LYNX 6000, MicroCL 17/21 and M Series
• RCF values up to 57,368 x g for superspeed applications with the LYNX 6000
• Fiberlite carbon fiber rotors up to 60% lighter than aluminum, with higher RCF values
• Capacities from 24 x 0.2 mL PCR tubes up to 10 x 1000 mL bioprocess bottles
• Auto-Lock rotor exchange: rotor swap in three seconds without tools
• Optional ClickSeal biocontainment lids for biohazardous samples
• Aerosol-tight design for BSL-2 and BSL-3 applications
• Biocontainment certification by Public Health England or TÜV NORD CERT GmbH

With brands such as Thermo Scientific and Fiberlite we supply fixed-angle rotors that comply with international standards (CE, UL, IVD-MD, EN 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-020) and that are designed for long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance requirements. For applications in the pharmaceutical industry and biotech and medical diagnostics we offer rotors with biocontainment certification and compliance with relevant regulations. Explore our complete range of fixed-angle rotors below, or contact us for tailored advice on which rotor best suits your Thermo Scientific centrifuge and specific application. Additionally, in our main category rotors you will also find swing-out and microplate rotors for all Thermo Scientific platforms.

Frequently asked questions about fixed angle rotors