High Speed Centrifuge Selection Guide & Products

Start with the separation requirement, then match the rotor and machine platform.

A high maximum RPM does not define a useful high speed centrifuge by itself. The practical configuration is determined by the required RCF, sample vessel, samples per run, rotor geometry and temperature requirement .

For buyers comparing GlanLab high speed centrifuge options, the useful sequence is: define the workflow first, identify the rotor that can perform it, then select the machine platform that supports that rotor within the required operating envelope.

Match the Workflow to the High-Speed Centrifuge Family

High speed centrifuges serve very different workloads. A 0.5–2 mL microtube workflow, a 50–100 mL conical-tube workflow and a 4 × 1000 mL batch do not belong in the same purchasing comparison simply because all three can involve high-speed separation.

Micro high-speed work

Start here when the workload is dominated by microtubes, small sample volumes and relatively high RCF. Compact dimensions can be useful, but tube format and the RCF available from the selected rotor should remain the primary filters.

Relevant GlanLab options

YT16W YT16E / YT16ER Browse Micro Centrifuges →

Universal benchtop high-speed work

Choose a universal platform when one laboratory needs several tube sizes or several rotor configurations. In this class, the rotor range can be more important than the difference between two headline RPM figures.

Relevant GlanLab options

YT16 / YT16R YT20 / YT20R Browse High Speed Centrifuges →

Multi-rotor high-speed and refrigerated workflows

When microtubes, larger tubes, PCR formats, plates or larger-volume rotors may all be required on one platform, evaluate the complete rotor family. Refrigeration becomes a separate requirement when sample temperature needs to remain controlled during the run.

Relevant GlanLab option

YT18 / YT18R Browse Refrigerated Centrifuges →

Floor-standing and larger-capacity work

Once the requirement moves into hundreds of millilitres or litres per run, throughput, rotor capacity, refrigeration, electrical demand and installation space become part of the selection. The question is no longer only how fast the machine can spin, but how much material it can process at the required force.

Relevant GlanLab options

YF12R YF20R Browse Floor Centrifuges →

RPM, RCF and Rotor Geometry Define the Real Operating Envelope

RPM describes rotational speed. RCF describes the centrifugal force applied to the sample. Because RCF also depends on rotor radius, the same RPM can correspond to different force values on different rotors. The rotor is therefore part of the performance specification, not an accessory to be considered after the machine has already been chosen.

Use the protocol requirement as the reference point

If the method specifies RCF, compare the required RCF with the rating of the exact rotor and vessel configuration. If an existing method specifies only RPM, provide the old rotor model or rotor radius where possible before assuming that the same RPM on a different centrifuge will reproduce the same force.

RCF = 1.118 × 10 ^-5 × r(cm) × RPM ²

The usable limit is also governed by the lowest safe rating in the assembled system: centrifuge, rotor, bucket or adapter, and sample vessel.

Related technical references: RPM vs RCF for laboratory buyers and centrifuge rotor selection .

GlanLab 12 x 1.5 to 2 mL angle rotor — Example GlanLab angle rotor for 1.5/2 mL tubes. Rotor geometry, rated speed and tube position directly affect the available RCF and usable sample format.

Machine maximum RPM is not automatically available to every rotor. Always confirm the maximum speed, maximum RCF and vessel rating of the actual configuration that will be used in the laboratory.

GlanLab High Speed Centrifuge Range by Workload

The models below are grouped by the type of purchasing problem they solve. Published machine maximums are shown as platform references; actual operating limits depend on the selected rotor, adapter and vessel.

Family A · Micro and compact

Small vessels, high RCF, compact footprint

Suitable when microtube compatibility is the dominant requirement and the laboratory does not need a large-volume rotor platform.

Micro Centrifuge Category →

Micro High Speed GlanLab YT16W high speed micro centrifuge

YT16W

16,000 rpm 19,040 ×g 10 × 5 mL max platform capacity

A compact micro high-speed platform with rotor options for 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.5/2 mL and 5 mL formats.

View YT16W →

Micro / Refrigerated Option GlanLab YT16E micro high speed centrifuge

YT16E / YT16ER

16,000 rpm 17,940 ×g 6 × 10 mL max platform capacity YT16ER: -20 to 40°C

A micro high-speed platform for 0.2–10 mL formats and PCR rotor options; the YT16ER version adds refrigerated operation.

View YT16E / YT16ER →

Family B · Benchtop flexibility

Multiple tube sizes or multiple rotor configurations

Use this group when the centrifuge is expected to cover more than one laboratory workflow and the available rotor family is central to the purchase.

High Speed Category →

Universal Benchtop GlanLab YT16 universal high speed centrifuge

YT16 / YT16R

16,000 rpm 20,600 ×g 6 × 100 mL max platform capacity

A universal benchtop platform with published rotor configurations spanning microtubes, PCR formats and larger tubes up to 100 mL.

View YT16 / YT16R →

Higher RCF Benchtop GlanLab YT20 high speed benchtop centrifuge

YT20 / YT20R

21,000 rpm 30,910 ×g 6 × 100 mL max platform capacity YT20R: -20 to 40°C

A higher-force benchtop platform with a broad fixed-angle rotor range plus PCR, swing and microplate options.

View YT20 / YT20R →

Multi-rotor Platform GlanLab YT18 high speed multi-rotor centrifuge

YT18 / YT18R

21,000 rpm 30,910 ×g 4 × 800 mL max platform capacity YT18R: -20 to 40°C

A broad multi-rotor platform covering microtubes, PCR formats, 15–100 mL tubes, microplates and larger-capacity swing configurations.

View YT18 / YT18R →

Family C · Floor-standing and throughput

Larger batches, refrigerated operation and wider installation requirements

These platforms become relevant when sample volume or throughput moves beyond normal benchtop work and the laboratory needs larger rotors or a floor-standing configuration.

Floor Centrifuge Category →

Large Capacity Refrigerated GlanLab YF12R large capacity high speed refrigerated centrifuge

YF12R

12,000 rpm 22,650 ×g 4 × 1000 mL max platform capacity -20 to 40°C

A refrigerated floor-standing system with high-speed fixed-angle, 4 × 1000 mL swing and microplate rotor options.

View YF12R →

Floor Multi-purpose GlanLab YF20R floor multi-purpose high speed centrifuge

YF20R

21,000 rpm 30,910 ×g 4 × 800 mL max platform capacity -20 to 40°C

A refrigerated floor platform supporting fixed, swing, vertical and microplate rotor configurations across micro, PCR and larger-volume workflows.

View YF20R →

Compare the Platform Before Comparing the Price

The following table is useful for narrowing the range before a quotation. The published maximum values describe the machine platform; confirm the exact rotor limits for the vessel and RCF required by the method.

Model	Platform Type	Max Speed	Max RCF	Max Platform Capacity	Refrigerated Option / Range	Best Starting Point When...
YT16W	Micro benchtop	16,000 rpm	19,040 ×g	10 × 5 mL	No	Most work is small-volume microtube processing.
YT16E / YT16ER	Micro benchtop	16,000 rpm	17,940 ×g	6 × 10 mL	YT16ER: -20 to 40°C	Microtube/PCR work may also require refrigeration.
YT16 / YT16R	Universal benchtop	16,000 rpm	20,600 ×g	6 × 100 mL	YT16R: -20 to 40°C	The lab needs multiple tube sizes on one benchtop platform.
YT20 / YT20R	High-RCF benchtop	21,000 rpm	30,910 ×g	6 × 100 mL	YT20R: -20 to 40°C	Higher RCF is required while retaining broad rotor choice.
YT18 / YT18R	Multi-rotor benchtop	21,000 rpm	30,910 ×g	4 × 800 mL	YT18R: -20 to 40°C	One platform needs to cover micro through larger-capacity rotor formats.
YF12R	Large-capacity floor	12,000 rpm	22,650 ×g	4 × 1000 mL	-20 to 40°C	Batch volume and refrigerated larger-capacity work are priorities.
YF20R	Multi-purpose floor	21,000 rpm	30,910 ×g	4 × 800 mL	-20 to 40°C	A floor platform must support several rotor and vessel families.

Platform maximums do not mean every rotor can operate at the machine maximum speed or RCF. Always verify the selected rotor, adapter and vessel ratings.

Use the Requirement to Eliminate the Wrong Platform

Small-volume route Mostly 0.2–5 mL samples

Start with YT16W or YT16E/ER and compare the exact microtube or PCR rotor that matches the method.

Flexible benchtop route Several tube sizes or rotor types

Start with YT16, YT20 or YT18 and compare rotor capacity at the required RCF rather than machine RPM alone.

Temperature route Sample temperature must be controlled

Move directly to the refrigerated version and confirm the required temperature range together with the real rotor and load.

Throughput route Hundreds of millilitres to litres per run

Compare YT18R, YF12R or YF20R according to vessel format, batch size, RCF, floor space and electrical requirement.

Build the Configuration Brief Before Requesting a Quote

A useful quotation should identify the centrifuge and the rotor system, not only a machine model. Providing the information below reduces the risk of receiving a configuration that reaches the requested speed but does not fit the actual sample workflow.

Application / protocol

What is being separated and what the method needs to achieve.

Tube / bottle / plate

Nominal volume, dimensions or exact vessel specification.

Required RCF

Target ×g from the SOP, kit or existing validated workflow where available.

Samples per run

Defines the required rotor capacity and expected throughput.

Temperature

Whether refrigeration is required and the operating range that must be maintained.

Power supply

Voltage and frequency for the destination laboratory.

Quantity / market

Relevant for project supply, distributor orders and repeat configurations.

OEM / rotor requirement

Any custom rotor, labeling or configuration requirement that needs separate evaluation.

High Speed Centrifuge Selection Guide: RCF, Rotor, Capacity & Temperature

Start with the separation requirement, then match the rotor and machine platform.

Match the Workflow to the High-Speed Centrifuge Family

Micro high-speed work

Universal benchtop high-speed work

Multi-rotor high-speed and refrigerated workflows

Floor-standing and larger-capacity work

RPM, RCF and Rotor Geometry Define the Real Operating Envelope

Use the protocol requirement as the reference point

GlanLab High Speed Centrifuge Range by Workload

Small vessels, high RCF, compact footprint

YT16W

YT16E / YT16ER

Multiple tube sizes or multiple rotor configurations

YT16 / YT16R

YT20 / YT20R

YT18 / YT18R

Larger batches, refrigerated operation and wider installation requirements

YF12R

YF20R

Compare the Platform Before Comparing the Price

Use the Requirement to Eliminate the Wrong Platform

Build the Configuration Brief Before Requesting a Quote

Send the Workflow, Not Just a Target RPM

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