The Sorvall Micro-ultracentrifuge RC-M120GX is ideal for centrifuging small samples. The RC-M120GX offers the flexibility of centrifuging (total) volumes that range from 4ml to 64ml (accommodating centrifuge tubes from 0.2ml to 8.3ml). This floor standing centrifuge has a tower-like design and can reach a maximum speed of 120k rpm (650,000 x g) in less than 2 minutes. At this speed the centrifuge is very quiet, even the cooling system doesn’t make much noise. Also, the centrifuge is easily controlled through its well-defined digital display panel. The high performance and the extensive line of rotors available make this centrifuge ideal for a number of different uses.
We have had this centrifuge in our lab for almost one year and we have primarily been using it for gradient centrifugation and to pellet samples. Although we have used 5 different rotors, the swinging bucket rotor gets the most use. The features that I like about this micro-ultracentrifuge include:
- Excellent performance. The acceleration and deceleration are rapid. The cooling system works very fast and is quiet. The right vacuum is reached fast.
- The design of the centrifuge is practical. It is small and floor-standing thus it saves a lot of bench space.
- There are a large number of rotors available.
- It is robust.
- It is really quiet.
The negative experiences with the centrifuge I have had so far center on the handling of the swinging-bucket rotor. This light-weight rotor has its advantages, but one of its disadvantages is the fact that the caps for the buckets are very small and light. This means that the caps can easily be slightly tilted when screwed onto the bucket. If this happens and it is not noticed before the run starts than the rotor may be seriously damaged.
In summary, I would have to say that the Sorvall RC-M120GX is an excellent centrifuge. The performance is outstanding. This multi-purpose centrifuge can accommodate a wide variety of rotors and with its rapid acceleration/deceleration, it is a time-saving device. I would highly recommend it to labs that need an excellent and reliable micro-ultracentrifuge.
Kim Ekroos, PhD student
EMBL Heidelberg
Germany