Choosing a pre-owned laboratory centrifuge can allow a laboratory to significantly reduce its equipment budget without sacrificing the quality of its analyses. In some cases, a refurbished model costs between 40% and 70% less than equivalent new equipment. This solution is of particular interest to microbiology, biochemistry, or medical analysis laboratories wishing to quickly access reliable professional equipment.
A centrifuge plays an essential role in many scientific protocols. It allows for the separation of liquids, cells, or various biological components thanks to the rapid rotation of a rotor. Certain PCR or molecular biology applications require speeds exceeding 15,000 revolutions per minute to obtain precise sample separation. Stable analytical centrifugation therefore remains essential to guarantee the reproducibility of results.
The general condition, the rotor, the safety systems, and the performance of the device are therefore among the main elements to check before purchase. Choosing a refurbished pre-owned laboratory centrifuge also makes it possible to opt for professional equipment that has been subject to verification before being put back into service.
However, the quality of the refurbishment is a central point. An unchecked pre-owned centrifuge may present invisible defects such as rotor wear, excessive vibration, or a calibration problem. Conversely, equipment that has been tested, cleaned, and technically verified makes it possible to sustainably secure laboratory activity while maintaining good operational performance.
Why buy a pre-owned laboratory centrifuge?
Buying a pre-owned laboratory centrifuge primarily allows for a reduction in equipment costs without compromising the performance expected in a scientific environment. For certain professional references, the price difference compared to new equipment can exceed 50%. This difference allows laboratories to more easily invest in several complementary pieces of equipment such as an incubator, an analyzer, or measuring devices.
The refurbished market also provides access to higher-end models that are often difficult to integrate into a standard budget. Certain centrifuges used in molecular biology or the pharmaceutical industry feature advanced cooling, electronic control, or speed management systems. Higher-performing laboratory instrumentation then becomes accessible at a lower cost.
The availability time also represents a significant advantage. Some new equipment requires several weeks of manufacturing or importing before delivery. A refurbished centrifuge that has already been checked can often be installed much more quickly, which limits downtime in a growing laboratory or during the launch of a new analytical project.
For research organizations, technical platforms, or analysis laboratories, refurbished equipment is a pragmatic solution. It allows for secure investment while maintaining a level of reliability adapted to the requirements of daily scientific protocols.
How does a laboratory centrifuge work?
A laboratory centrifuge works thanks to a rapid rotation system that allows for the separation of different components of a sample according to their density. When the rotor spins at high speed, the heavier elements migrate to the bottom of the tube, while the lighter components remain on the surface. Depending on the models used in the laboratory, the speed can vary between 3,000 and over 20,000 revolutions per minute.
The principle is based on the centrifugal force generated by the acceleration of the rotor. The higher the speed, the more precise and rapid the separation becomes. This technology is used daily to process biological samples, chemical liquids, or samples from complex analytical protocols. Effective biomolecular separation allows, for example, for the isolation of blood plasma or the concentration of certain cellular components in just a few minutes.
Centrifuges are present in many fields such as microbiology, biochemistry, PCR, or the pharmaceutical industry. Some applications also require a cooling system to maintain samples at low temperatures during rotation. This thermal stability limits the risks of degradation of proteins, enzymes, or heat-sensitive nucleic acids.
The choice of rotor, speed, and tube format depends directly on the analyses performed in the laboratory. A centrifuge intended for cellular research does not face the same constraints as equipment used for routine medical analyses or purification operations.
What is the difference between a pre-owned centrifuge and a refurbished centrifuge?
A standard pre-owned centrifuge generally refers to equipment sold as-is, without in-depth technical inspection or complete verification of its performance. Conversely, a refurbished centrifuge is subject to a series of tests aimed at guaranteeing its proper functioning before it is put back into service. This distinction is essential in a laboratory where the stability of results depends directly on the reliability of the equipment used.
Refurbishment generally includes checking the rotor, chamber, electronic systems, and motor. Rotation speeds, vibrations, and cooling parameters are verified to ensure safe use. A rigorous metrological verification makes it possible to confirm that performance remains consistent with the specifications expected in the laboratory.
Cleaning is also an important step in the process. Equipment handling biological reagents or chemicals must be disinfected with care to limit the risks of cross-contamination. Some wear parts may also be replaced before resale when their condition requires it.
Choosing a refurbished centrifuge therefore makes it possible to reduce the risk associated with purchasing pre-owned technical equipment. For a research laboratory, an analytical platform, or a pharmaceutical facility, this approach provides more security, traceability, and long-term stability.
What criteria should be checked before buying a pre-owned laboratory centrifuge?
Before buying a pre-owned laboratory centrifuge, several technical points must be checked to ensure the safety of the equipment and the reliability of the analyses. A centrifuge can generate an acceleration greater than 20,000 g depending on the models used in the laboratory. The slightest mechanical or electronic defect can therefore have a direct impact on the performance and stability of the results.
Serious refurbished equipment must be checked for mechanical, thermal, and electronic aspects before being put back into service. Proper rotor reliability remains essential to limit vibrations and secure centrifugation cycles.
The condition of the rotor and chamber
The rotor is the component subject to the most mechanical stress in a centrifuge. It must be inspected carefully to detect any trace of corrosion, cracks, or premature wear. An invisible micro-crack can lead to a major failure during high-speed rotations.
The chamber must also be checked to identify potential deformations or traces of oxidation related to the chemical or biological products handled in the laboratory. Regular mechanical inspection helps to extend the service life of the equipment while ensuring its safe daily use.
Rotation speed and stability
Rotation stability plays an essential role in the quality of analytical separations. A difference of a few hundred revolutions per minute can change the results obtained during sensitive analyses in microbiology or molecular biology.
Tests performed during refurbishment make it possible to verify the precision of speeds and the vibration level of the device. Calibrated rotation guarantees better reproducibility of protocols carried out in the laboratory.
The cooling system
A refrigerated centrifuge becomes necessary when samples must be kept at low temperatures during cycles. Certain proteins, enzymes, or cellular structures begin to degrade above 10°C during long manipulations.
Checking the cooling system makes it possible to verify the proper functioning of the compressor and the thermal stability of the device. A controlled temperature remains essential in applications related to PCR, biochemistry, or cellular research.
Availability of spare parts
The availability of spare parts directly influences the future service life of the centrifuge. Some older models become difficult to maintain when manufacturers stop producing specific components.
It is preferable to favor equipment that still benefits from after-sales support and access to spare parts. Effective preventive maintenance limits downtime and ensures the long-term functioning of the laboratory.
What types of centrifuges exist for laboratories?
Centrifuges used in laboratories are mainly distinguished by their capacity, rotation speed, and field of application. Some models are designed for rapid analyses on small volumes, while others meet advanced needs in purification, extraction, or molecular research. The choice depends directly on the type of samples handled and the expected level of performance.
A professional centrifuge must be adapted to the frequency of use, the volume processed daily, and the technical constraints of the laboratory.
Benchtop microcentrifuge
The benchtop microcentrifuge is used to process small volumes in compact test tubes. These models take up little space and easily find their place in microbiology, PCR, or biochemistry laboratories.
Most benchtop equipment can accommodate between 12 and 48 tubes depending on their configuration. Some microcentrifuges already reach over 14,000 revolutions per minute despite their compact size.
Refrigerated centrifuge
Refrigerated centrifuges are used when samples must remain at low temperatures during rotation cycles. They are particularly present in cell and molecular biology laboratories handling heat-sensitive proteins or nucleic acids.
These units generally maintain temperatures close to 4°C to limit sample degradation during analysis. Stable laboratory refrigeration directly improves the quality of sensitive protocols.
Large-capacity centrifuge
Large-capacity centrifuges are designed for facilities processing large volumes of liquids or biological samples. They are commonly used in pharmaceutical laboratories, analytical platforms, or certain chemical industries.
These units sometimes allow for the processing of several liters in a single operation thanks to rotors adapted to large containers. Their use significantly improves the productivity of high-activity laboratories.
High-speed centrifuge
High-speed centrifuges meet advanced analytical needs requiring significant acceleration. They are used for purification, molecular extraction, or certain complex applications in scientific research.
Some models exceed 30,000 revolutions per minute and generate an extremely high centrifugal force. Effective molecular purification often requires this level of performance to isolate very fine components.
In which laboratories are centrifuges used?
The centrifuge is used in a wide variety of professional laboratories to separate, concentrate, or purify different types of samples. This equipment is involved daily in protocols related to microbiology, biochemistry, medical analysis, or pharmaceutical research. In some analytical centers, several hundred centrifugation cycles can be performed each day.
Reliable biological analysis often depends directly on the quality of separation obtained during centrifugation.
Microbiology laboratories
Microbiology laboratories use centrifuges to isolate bacteria, concentrate microorganisms, or separate liquid media before analysis. These operations are essential in culture, detection, or microbiological control protocols.
The rotation speeds used generally vary between 3,000 and 12,000 revolutions per minute depending on the applications and the type of samples handled.
Pharmaceutical laboratories
In the pharmaceutical industry, centrifuges are involved in the purification, filtration, or separation steps of chemical and biological compounds. They are used in the manufacture of medicines, vaccines, or injectable products.
The equipment must maintain excellent rotation stability to meet the quality requirements imposed in pharmaceutical environments. Controlled analytical production limits variations in industrial protocols.
Medical analysis laboratories
Medical analysis laboratories use centrifuges to separate plasma, serum, or other blood components before biological interpretation. Some facilities process several hundred samples daily.
Thermal stability and speed precision are particularly important to avoid any alteration of biological samples during centrifugation cycles.
Cell and molecular biology research
Laboratories specializing in cell and molecular biology use centrifuges in protocols related to DNA, RNA, proteins, or PCR. Applications notably concern extraction, electrophoresis, purification, or the preparation of complex samples.
These environments often require refrigerated centrifuges capable of maintaining a temperature close to 4°C during sensitive manipulations. High-performance molecular research relies on stable and precisely controlled equipment.
Why choose a refurbished centrifuge from Rewake?
Choosing a refurbished centrifuge from Rewake provides access to laboratory equipment that has been checked, tested, and prepared for real professional use. Unlike a simple pre-owned item sold without technical verification, each device goes through several inspection steps before being put back into service.
Checks focus on the rotor, rotation stability, electronic systems, and cooling for refrigerated models. The performance of the equipment is verified to guarantee functioning consistent with the requirements of research, microbiology, or analysis laboratories. Rigorous technical validation makes it possible to limit the risks of breakdown or analytical drift.
Cleaning and maintenance are also part of the refurbishment process. Components exposed to biological or chemical reagents are inspected to identify any traces of corrosion, wear, or mechanical degradation. Some wear parts may be replaced before resale when necessary.
Rewake also supports professionals regarding equipment availability, specific needs related to scientific applications, and after-sales follow-up. This approach allows laboratories to quickly obtain reliable equipment while controlling their equipment budget.
For a scientific organization, an analysis laboratory, or a technical platform, refurbished equipment represents a sustainable and operational solution. Proper laboratory maintenance then contributes to extending the lifespan of the equipment over the long term.
How to extend the lifespan of a centrifuge?
A properly maintained centrifuge can operate for more than 10 years under good conditions of use. The lifespan depends mainly on the frequency of checks, the quality of cleaning, and adherence to manufacturer recommendations. Rigorous maintenance also helps limit the risks of vibration, premature wear, or motor failure.
Regular equipment maintenance contributes directly to the stability of analytical performance over time.
Cleaning after use
Cleaning must be performed after each use to prevent the accumulation of biological or chemical residues in the bowl and on the rotor. Certain solvents or reagents can cause gradual corrosion of metal surfaces if they remain present for too long.
The products used for disinfection must be compatible with the device's materials to limit the risks of oxidation or deterioration of internal components.
Regular rotor inspection
The rotor is subjected to significant mechanical stress during high-speed rotation. Regular visual inspection allows for the rapid identification of potential cracks, deformations, or signs of wear that could compromise the safety of the equipment.
Some manufacturers recommend a thorough inspection every 6 to 12 months, depending on the frequency of use. Preventive rotor inspection significantly reduces the risk of failure during centrifugation cycles.
Respecting maximum loads
Each centrifuge has precise limits regarding the weight and distribution of loads within the rotor. Significant imbalance can lead to excessive vibration, premature bearing wear, or loss of stability during analyses.
Adhering to maximum capacities improves operational safety and helps maintain consistent performance over the long term.
Preventive maintenance
Annual preventive maintenance allows for the inspection of critical components before a failure occurs. This operation generally includes checking rotation speeds, electronic systems, and cooling for refrigerated models.
In high-demand laboratories, several hundred cycles may be performed each week. Appropriate analytical prevention limits operational downtime and sustainably extends the lifespan of the equipment.
A used laboratory centrifuge can be a reliable, sustainable, and economically relevant solution when properly refurbished before being put back into service. In many laboratories, this equipment is used daily at high speeds and must maintain excellent mechanical stability to ensure reproducible results. The quality of the technical check therefore remains essential before any purchase.
Refurbishment today provides access to high-performance professional equipment while significantly reducing investment costs. A tested, cleaned, and verified centrifuge can effectively meet the needs of a microbiology, biochemistry, medical analysis, or molecular research laboratory.
However, the choice of supplier plays a central role. A specialist in refurbished laboratory equipment provides greater security regarding the checks performed, maintenance, after-sales service, and the availability of spare parts. Long-term analytical reliability depends directly on the quality of the technical monitoring applied to the equipment.
FAQ
Is a used laboratory centrifuge reliable?
Yes, provided it is properly refurbished and tested before being put back into service. Checking the rotor, speeds, and electronic systems helps significantly limit the risks of failure or instability.
What speed should I choose for a centrifuge?
The choice depends on the type of analysis being performed. Common applications often use speeds between 3,000 and 15,000 revolutions per minute, while some molecular analyses require speeds exceeding 20,000 revolutions per minute.
Should I choose a refrigerated centrifuge?
A refrigerated centrifuge becomes important when samples are heat-sensitive. Laboratories working with proteins, enzymes, or nucleic acids often use temperatures close to 4 °C during cycles.
How much does a used laboratory centrifuge cost?
The price depends on the type of equipment, its capacity, and its performance. A compact microcentrifuge can cost a few hundred euros, while a high-speed refrigerated centrifuge can reach several thousand euros, even when refurbished.
Can a used centrifuge be used for PCR?
Yes, provided the equipment is properly tested and mechanically stable. Molecular biology laboratories regularly use refurbished centrifuges for PCR protocols and sensitive sample preparations.
