g-Force: a unit of measurement for samples undergoing the stress of acceleration in a centrifuge.
RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force): the force that the sample undergoes. It is dependent on the speed of rotation (Q) in rpm and the rotating radius (r). The rotating radius is the distance measured from the center axis of the centrifuge rotor to the extreme tip of the tube. RCF = 11.18 x r x (Q/1000)2
Rotors, Swing-Out: are ideal for cell culturing applications because sediment forms on the bottom of the tube.
Rotors, Fixed-Angle: collect sediment diagonally in the tube—ideal for pelleting applications. Higher rotational speeds and higher g-forces are achieved using fixed-angle rotors.
Tubes, Conical Bottom: are ideal for cell culturing and ammonium sulfate precipitations.
Tubes, Oak-Ridge: are ideal for high-speed centrifugation and lipid extraction.
Tubes, Round Bottom: have a uniform wall thickness and provide a better fit in a rotor than conical bottom tubes. Round tubes withstand higher g-forces.