Eppendorf 5417C Benchtop Microcentrifuge

Eppendorf 5417C Benchtop Microcentrifuge with 30-Place Rotor

The Eppendorf 5417C Benchtop Microcentrifuge is a compact, high-speed laboratory centrifuge designed for routine molecular biology, biotechnology, and life science applications. With a capacity of 30 microcentrifuge tubes, straightforward controls, and dependable centrifugal performance, the 5417C remains a practical option for laboratories requiring efficient small-volume sample processing without refrigeration.

This particular Eppendorf 5417C is available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange and includes a 30-place fixed-angle rotor for standard 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes. The included rotor operates at speeds up to 14,000 RPM and generates centrifugal forces up to 20,800 × g, making it suitable for DNA and RNA purification, protein precipitation, cell lysate clarification, and other common laboratory procedures.

The 5417C platform is also capable of reaching 16,400 RPM and 25,000 × g when equipped with an appropriate high-speed rotor. Its non-refrigerated design provides a smaller footprint, lower weight, and simpler mechanical construction than the refrigerated Eppendorf 5417R.

Although the 5417C is a discontinued model, its established design and high sample capacity continue to make it an economical choice for laboratories performing routine microcentrifugation.

American Instrument Exchange professionally inspects, cleans, and tests its refurbished centrifuges before shipment. This unit includes a 90-day warranty.

Key Features

• Includes a 30-place fixed-angle rotor for 1.5/2.0 mL microtubes

• Included rotor maximum speed of 14,000 RPM

• Included rotor maximum centrifugal force of 20,800 × g

• Centrifuge platform maximum of 16,400 RPM and 25,000 × g with an appropriate rotor

• Compact, non-refrigerated benchtop design

• Brushless induction motor

• Automatic rotor recognition

• Electronic imbalance detection

• SOFT function for gentler acceleration and braking

• Short-spin function for quick sample collection

• Selectable RPM and RCF display

• Timer with continuous-run capability

• Reinforced rotor chamber and lid safety mechanisms

• Approximately 37.5 lb instrument weight

• Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange

• 90-day warranty included

Overview of the Eppendorf 5417C

The Eppendorf 5417C was developed for laboratories requiring high-speed centrifugation of small sample volumes. Its combination of a compact footprint, reliable motor performance, and flexible rotor configurations made it a popular choice in molecular biology and research laboratories.

Unlike larger general-purpose centrifuges designed for conical tubes and bottles, the 5417C focuses on microcentrifuge tubes and other small-volume sample formats. This specialization allows it to provide substantial centrifugal force while occupying relatively little laboratory bench space.

The included 30-place rotor is particularly useful for laboratories processing larger groups of microtubes. Compared with conventional 24-place microcentrifuge configurations, it accommodates six additional samples per run, increasing throughput by 25% when both rotors are fully loaded.

The centrifuge also incorporates electronic controls for selecting operating speed, centrifugal force, and run time, allowing technicians to establish consistent centrifugation procedures for repetitive laboratory protocols.

Key Specifications

Specifications are based on Eppendorf manufacturer documentation and American Instrument Exchange product information. Maximum platform performance requires an appropriate compatible rotor. The exact model and accessories of the included 30-place rotor should be verified before purchase.

Common Applications

The Eppendorf 5417C is suitable for a broad range of routine laboratory procedures involving small-volume samples.

Common applications include DNA and RNA extraction, plasmid purification, nucleic acid precipitation, spin-column processing, protein precipitation, cell lysate clarification, PCR sample preparation, microbiology research, biochemical analysis, and general molecular biology sample processing.

Its 30-place rotor is particularly useful for laboratories performing repetitive purification and extraction procedures involving multiple samples.

Because the 5417C is non-refrigerated, it is best suited for protocols that can be performed at ambient temperature. Laboratories working with temperature-sensitive proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, or other biological materials may prefer a refrigerated microcentrifuge such as the Eppendorf 5417R, 5424R, or 5425R.

Included 30-Place Rotor and Rotor Compatibility

This Eppendorf 5417C includes a 30-place fixed-angle rotor designed for standard 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes.

Eppendorf's standard F-45-30-11 rotor accommodates 30 tubes and operates at speeds up to 14,000 RPM, generating a maximum centrifugal force of 20,800 × g. The manufacturer also offered an aerosol-tight FA-45-30-11 version with the same capacity and operating limits.

The 5417C was designed to accommodate additional rotor configurations, including a 24-place high-speed rotor capable of reaching 16,400 RPM and 25,000 × g, an eight-place swinging-bucket rotor, and a rotor for PCR tubes and strips.

These configurations allow the centrifuge to support different laboratory applications, although availability of compatible rotors and accessories may be limited because the 5417C is discontinued.

The included 30-place rotor is particularly well suited for routine DNA and RNA processing, microtube sample preparation, and other protocols requiring repeated centrifugation of standard microcentrifuge tubes.

Customers should verify the exact rotor model, lid, and included accessories before purchase.

High-Speed Performance and Sample Throughput

The Eppendorf 5417C combines high centrifugal force with a relatively large microtube capacity.

The included 30-place rotor reaches 14,000 RPM and 20,800 × g, providing sufficient centrifugal force for many routine molecular biology and biochemical procedures.

For laboratories that process 30 samples at a time, the ability to complete a full batch in a single run can reduce the number of centrifugation cycles required compared with smaller microcentrifuges.

The brushless induction motor provides rapid acceleration and reliable operation, while the SOFT function allows gentler acceleration and deceleration when working with samples that may be disturbed by abrupt braking.

The short-spin function is useful for quickly collecting droplets from tube walls or lids before proceeding to subsequent preparation steps.

Together, these features make the 5417C a practical instrument for laboratories performing repetitive, small-volume sample processing.

Compact Non-Refrigerated Design

One of the principal advantages of the Eppendorf 5417C is its compact size.

The centrifuge measures approximately 12.2 inches wide × 16.9 inches deep × 9.0 inches high and weighs approximately 37.5 pounds.

This makes it considerably smaller and lighter than the refrigerated 5417R, which incorporates a compressor and cooling system.

For laboratories that do not require refrigerated centrifugation, the 5417C offers high-speed performance without the additional size, weight, power consumption, and mechanical complexity associated with active refrigeration.

Its compact footprint makes it suitable for molecular biology laboratories, academic research facilities, biotechnology laboratories, and other environments where available bench space is limited.

Is the Eppendorf 5417C Still Worth Purchasing?

Although the Eppendorf 5417C is a legacy model, it can remain a practical laboratory instrument when its operating capabilities match the intended application.

Its principal advantages include straightforward operation, a compact footprint, 30-place microtube capacity, and high centrifugal force.

For laboratories performing routine DNA purification, spin-column processing, and other ambient-temperature procedures, these capabilities may be sufficient without the expense of purchasing a newer microcentrifuge.

However, because the 5417C is discontinued, certain replacement parts and rotor accessories may be difficult to obtain.

Laboratories considering an existing 5417C should evaluate the condition of the motor, bearings, electronic controls, lid safety mechanisms, and rotor before deciding whether continued service is practical.

For laboratories requiring newer technology or refrigeration, modern alternatives include the Eppendorf 5425 and 5425R, as well as the multipurpose Eppendorf 5430 series.

A professionally tested refurbished 5417C can provide substantial value for laboratories seeking dependable microcentrifugation at a lower acquisition cost.

Refurbishment and Testing

American Instrument Exchange technicians inspect and test refurbished centrifuges before shipment to verify proper mechanical and electrical operation.

Testing includes evaluation of the rotating assembly, spindle and bearing condition, braking, electronic controls, lid safety mechanisms, rotor recognition, and overall mechanical performance.

The included rotor is inspected for structural integrity, corrosion, wear, and proper operation. When a centrifuge is supplied with a rotor, the rotor and instrument are tested together to evaluate their performance as a complete system.

The instrument is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for shipment after testing.

This refurbished Eppendorf 5417C includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Power Requirements and Shipping

The Eppendorf 5417C was available in several electrical configurations, including 120V, 50/60 Hz models suitable for U.S. laboratories.

Its approximately 37.5-pound weight and compact dimensions make it easier to handle and install than larger refrigerated or general-purpose centrifuges.

The instrument should be positioned on a sturdy, level laboratory bench with adequate clearance for ventilation and safe operation.

American Instrument Exchange prepares centrifuges for shipment with appropriate protection for the rotor chamber, drive system, controls, and other sensitive components.

Customers should confirm the electrical rating on the specific instrument before installation.

Related Laboratory Equipment

American Instrument Exchange offers a broad selection of used and refurbished laboratory centrifuges, including microcentrifuges, refrigerated benchtop centrifuges, general-purpose centrifuges, and high-speed floor-model systems.

Laboratories performing molecular biology and cell culture research may also be interested in our selection of laboratory incubators, laboratory freezers and ultra-low freezers, and biosafety cabinets.

Service and Support

American Instrument Exchange and AIE Laboratory Services provide diagnostic evaluation, preventative maintenance, and repair support for centrifuges and other laboratory equipment.

For an older microcentrifuge such as the Eppendorf 5417C, service evaluation may include the drive motor, bearings, spindle assembly, electronic controls, lid safety mechanisms, and rotor condition.

Because replacement parts for discontinued centrifuges may be limited, our technicians can help laboratories determine whether repair or replacement with another refurbished instrument is the more economical solution.

Eppendorf 5417C Frequently Asked Questions

Does this Eppendorf 5417C include a rotor?

Yes. This particular centrifuge includes a 30-place fixed-angle rotor for standard 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes. The exact rotor model and included accessories should be confirmed before purchase.

What is the maximum speed of the Eppendorf 5417C?

The centrifuge platform can reach 16,400 RPM and 25,000 × g with an appropriate high-speed rotor. The included 30-place rotor is rated for 14,000 RPM and 20,800 × g.

Is the Eppendorf 5417C refrigerated?

No. The 5417C is a non-refrigerated microcentrifuge. Laboratories requiring active temperature control should consider a refrigerated model such as the Eppendorf 5417R or 5425R.

What is the difference between the Eppendorf 5417C and 5417R?

The primary difference is refrigeration. The 5417C is non-refrigerated, while the 5417R provides temperature control from -9°C to +40°C. The 5417C is smaller, lighter, and mechanically simpler because it does not incorporate a refrigeration system.

Can the Eppendorf 5417C process 30 samples at once?

Yes. With the included 30-place rotor, the centrifuge can process up to 30 standard 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes in a single run.

Can the 5417C centrifuge PCR tubes?

Yes. Compatible PCR rotor configurations and adapters were available for the 5417C. However, this particular unit includes a 30-place microtube rotor, so customers should verify the necessary adapters or alternative rotor before purchase.

Is the Eppendorf 5417C suitable for DNA and RNA purification?

Yes. DNA and RNA extraction, precipitation, spin-column purification, and related molecular biology procedures are common applications for the 5417C, provided the protocol does not require active refrigeration.

What does the SOFT function do?

The SOFT function provides gentler acceleration and braking, helping reduce disturbance of sensitive samples or pellets during centrifugation.

Is the Eppendorf 5417C still supported by the manufacturer?

The 5417C is discontinued, and availability of manufacturer replacement parts and accessories may be limited. Laboratories should confirm parts availability before undertaking major repairs.

Why purchase a refurbished Eppendorf 5417C?

A professionally tested refurbished 5417C can provide dependable high-speed microcentrifugation at a lower cost than a new instrument. Its compact footprint, 30-place capacity, and straightforward operation make it a practical choice for routine molecular biology applications.

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