Thermo Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX Rotor
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All products ship from our 30,000 sq. ft. Haverhill, MA warehouse
Shipping
All products ship from our 30,000 sq. ft. Haverhill, MA warehouse
The Thermo Scientific Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX Rotor is a high-speed, fixed-angle carbon fiber centrifuge rotor designed for the Thermo Scientific Sorvall LYNX 6000 and LYNX 4000 superspeed centrifuges. With capacity for 12 x 50 mL tubes, a maximum speed of 20,000 rpm, and maximum relative centrifugal force of 51,428 x g, the F20-12x50 LEX provides high-performance centrifugation for cell harvesting, subcellular separations, protein and biomolecule processing, clarification, pelleting, and other demanding laboratory applications.
Unlike conventional metallic centrifuge rotors, the Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX is constructed from a lightweight carbon fiber composite that combines high strength with corrosion and fatigue resistance. At only approximately 11.5 lb. (5.25 kg), the rotor is considerably easier to lift, install, and remove than many comparable metal rotors.
The F20-12x50 LEX also incorporates Thermo Scientific Auto-Lock rotor exchange and Auto-ID rotor identification when used with compatible Sorvall LYNX centrifuges, helping laboratories change applications quickly while reducing setup errors.
This pre-owned Thermo Scientific Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX rotor from American Instrument Exchange is inspected for condition and proper operation and includes a 90-day warranty.
Fixed-angle superspeed centrifuge rotor
12 x 50 mL capacity
600 mL total nominal capacity
Maximum 20,000 rpm in Sorvall LYNX 6000
Maximum 51,428 x g in Sorvall LYNX 6000
Maximum 18,000 rpm in Sorvall LYNX 4000
Maximum 41,657 x g in Sorvall LYNX 4000
Lightweight carbon fiber composite construction
Rotor weight of only 11.5 lb. / 5.25 kg
25° fixed tube angle
Maximum tube dimensions of 29 x 115 mm
Maximum radius of 115 mm
K-factor of 455 at maximum LYNX 6000 speed
Auto-Lock tool-free rotor exchange
Auto-ID automatic rotor identification
Speed Handle rotor lid design
Corrosion-resistant construction
Fatigue-resistant carbon fiber design
Biocontainment-certified rotor design
Autoclavable up to 121°C
Compatible with multiple Nalgene 30 mL and 50 mL Oak Ridge tube configurations
Inspected and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included from American Instrument Exchange
The Thermo Scientific Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX is designed for laboratories that need high centrifugal force in a versatile 50 mL fixed-angle format.
The rotor accommodates up to twelve 50 mL tubes, giving it a nominal total capacity of 600 mL. In a Sorvall LYNX 6000, it operates at speeds up to 20,000 rpm and generates up to 51,428 x g.
That combination makes the rotor suitable for applications requiring substantially greater centrifugal force than standard low-speed 50 mL rotors can provide.
The F20-12x50 LEX belongs to Thermo Scientific's Fiberlite LEX family of lightweight carbon fiber rotors. Carbon fiber construction reduces rotor mass while maintaining the structural strength required for high-speed centrifugation.
For laboratories where operators routinely exchange rotors, this lower weight can provide a significant ergonomic advantage.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Thermo Scientific |
| Product Line | Fiberlite LEX |
| Model | F20-12x50 LEX |
| Rotor Catalog Number | 096-124375 |
| Rotor Type | Fixed Angle |
| Material | Carbon Fiber Composite |
| Capacity | 12 x 50 mL |
| Total Nominal Capacity | 600 mL |
| Maximum Speed – LYNX 6000 | 20,000 rpm |
| Maximum RCF – LYNX 6000 | 51,428 x g |
| Maximum Speed – LYNX 4000 | 18,000 rpm |
| Maximum RCF – LYNX 4000 | 41,657 x g |
| Maximum Speed at 4°C – LYNX 6000 | 20,000 rpm |
| Maximum Speed at 4°C – LYNX 4000 | 17,000 rpm |
| Rotor Angle | 25° |
| Maximum Radius | 115 mm |
| Minimum Radius | 56 mm |
| K-Factor – LYNX 6000 | 455 |
| K-Factor – LYNX 4000 | 562 |
| Maximum Tube Diameter | 29 mm |
| Maximum Tube Length | 115 mm |
| Maximum Permissible Load | 12 x 75 g |
| Empty Rotor Weight | 5.25 kg / 11.5 lb. |
| Maximum Autoclave Temperature | 121°C |
| Auto-Lock | Yes |
| Auto-ID | Yes |
| Biocontainment | Yes |
| Compatible Centrifuges | Sorvall LYNX 6000 and LYNX 4000 |
| Condition | Pre-Owned / Refurbished |
| AIE Warranty | 90 Days |
The Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX is well suited for cell harvesting, bacterial and yeast pelleting, subcellular fractionation, protein precipitation, biomolecule isolation, lysate clarification, nucleic acid sample preparation, organelle isolation, density-based separations, and other high-speed centrifugation procedures using compatible 30 mL and 50 mL tubes.
Thermo Scientific specifically identifies the rotor for subcellular separation applications, while its combination of 50 mL tube capacity and more than 50,000 x g maximum RCF makes it useful across biotechnology, pharmaceutical, molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemical research.
The Thermo Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX is an excellent rotor for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research laboratories, molecular biology groups, microbiology laboratories, protein purification facilities, cell biology laboratories, university research facilities, contract research organizations, process-development groups, and industrial R&D laboratories operating compatible Sorvall LYNX centrifuges.
It is particularly useful for laboratories that need to process multiple 50 mL samples at considerably higher RCF than conventional general-purpose centrifuge rotors can provide.
The F20-12x50 LEX combines the familiar 50 mL tube format with superspeed centrifugation.
In the Sorvall LYNX 6000, the rotor can spin twelve positions at up to 20,000 rpm, producing a maximum RCF of 51,428 x g.
This allows laboratories to use compatible 50 mL vessels for applications that require substantially higher centrifugal forces than conventional benchtop or general-purpose centrifuge rotors typically provide.
The fixed 25° tube angle promotes efficient particle sedimentation along the outer wall and bottom of the tube, making the rotor particularly useful for pelleting and clarification procedures.
The Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX reaches its highest performance when installed in a Thermo Scientific Sorvall LYNX 6000 Superspeed Centrifuge.
In the LYNX 6000, specifications include:
Maximum Speed: 20,000 rpm
Maximum RCF: 51,428 x g
Minimum RCF at Maximum Speed: 25,043 x g
K-Factor: 455
Maximum Speed at 4°C: 20,000 rpm
This makes the F20-12x50 LEX an excellent rotor for laboratories that need high-speed processing of 30 mL or 50 mL samples while retaining the versatility of the LYNX 6000 platform.
The same F20-12x50 LEX rotor can also be used in the Thermo Scientific Sorvall LYNX 4000, although maximum operating speed and RCF are lower.
In the LYNX 4000, specifications include:
Maximum Speed: 18,000 rpm
Maximum RCF: 41,657 x g
Minimum RCF at Maximum Speed: 20,285 x g
K-Factor: 562
Maximum Speed at 4°C: 17,000 rpm
This distinction is important when selecting a rotor or developing a centrifugation protocol. A protocol written around 20,000 rpm or 51,428 x g requires the LYNX 6000 rather than the LYNX 4000.
One of the defining characteristics of the Fiberlite rotor family is the use of carbon fiber composite rather than conventional metal construction.
Carbon fiber provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, allowing Thermo Scientific to produce a high-performance rotor weighing only approximately 11.5 pounds.
Reduced rotor weight provides several practical laboratory advantages.
Operators can lift and exchange the rotor more easily, reducing the physical strain associated with handling heavy metal rotors. Lower rotor mass can also contribute to responsive acceleration and braking.
Carbon fiber is also resistant to corrosion and fatigue, addressing two important concerns associated with long-term use of high-speed metallic centrifuge rotors.
Centrifuge rotors experience substantial mechanical stress during high-speed operation.
Metal rotors may also be susceptible to corrosion when exposed to moisture, aggressive cleaning agents, spilled samples, or incompatible chemicals. Surface damage can become particularly important in a component subjected to repeated high centrifugal loads.
Fiberlite carbon fiber construction is inherently corrosion resistant and highly resistant to fatigue.
This does not eliminate the need for routine inspection or proper rotor care, but it provides a significant durability advantage for laboratories performing frequent high-speed centrifugation.
The LEX designation identifies Thermo Scientific's lightweight Fiberlite rotor series.
The F20-12x50 LEX weighs only 5.25 kg / 11.5 lb., despite supporting twelve 50 mL positions at speeds up to 20,000 rpm.
For laboratories that change rotors frequently, this can provide a meaningful ergonomic benefit.
A lighter rotor is easier to lift from the centrifuge chamber, transport to a preparation area, clean, inspect, and reinstall.
When used with a compatible Sorvall LYNX centrifuge, the F20-12x50 LEX supports Thermo Scientific Auto-Lock rotor exchange.
The system allows secure push-button rotor installation and removal without conventional tools or manual tightening of the rotor to the centrifuge spindle.
Rotor changes can be completed in only a few seconds, allowing laboratories to move quickly between different centrifugation applications.
This is especially useful in shared laboratories where one LYNX centrifuge may be used with several rotors throughout the day.
The F20-12x50 LEX also supports Auto-ID automatic rotor identification.
Once the rotor is properly installed, the compatible LYNX centrifuge recognizes the rotor and loads the appropriate rotor parameters.
This reduces the need for users to manually select rotor codes and helps prevent operation above the rotor's permitted speed.
For multi-user laboratories, Auto-ID can simplify run setup while helping reduce operator errors.
Thermo Scientific specifies several 50 mL Nalgene Oak Ridge tube types for use with the F20-12x50 LEX, including compatible:
Polycarbonate Oak Ridge tubes
PPCO Oak Ridge tubes
Polysulfone Oak Ridge tubes
FEP Oak Ridge tubes
Compatible 50 mL Oak Ridge tubes can operate at up to 20,000 rpm / 51,428 x g in the LYNX 6000 when used according to the manufacturer's specifications.
The rotor is designed around tubes up to approximately 29 mm in diameter and 115 mm long.
Tube material, fill volume, closures, adapters, chemical compatibility, and maximum permitted RCF should always be verified for the specific labware being used.
The F20-12x50 LEX can also accommodate certain 30 mL Oak Ridge tubes using the appropriate adapters.
This expands the rotor's usefulness beyond standard 50 mL applications and allows laboratories to adapt the same rotor to smaller sample volumes.
Using the correct manufacturer-approved adapter and tube combination is essential for safe high-speed centrifugation.
Thermo Scientific lists the F20-12x50 LEX as a biocontainment-certified rotor design.
This can be particularly valuable for biological laboratories processing microorganisms, cell suspensions, or other samples where containment of aerosols or leaks is important.
Proper containment depends on correct use of the rotor lid, seals, approved labware, and operating procedures. Rotor components and seals should be routinely inspected and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations.
Centrifuge rotors are safety-critical components, so American Instrument Exchange evaluates used rotors before they are offered for laboratory use.
Inspection of a fixed-angle rotor such as the F20-12x50 LEX includes evaluation of the rotor body for visible damage, deterioration, abnormal wear, and other conditions that could affect operation.
The rotor lid, seals, O-rings, locking components, and other supplied accessories are also inspected.
When a compatible centrifuge is available, the rotor may be installed and run to verify proper fit and operation.
Because centrifuge rotors operate under substantial mechanical loads, users should continue to inspect the rotor before use and follow Thermo Scientific's operating, maintenance, cleaning, and retirement recommendations.
The primary advantage of the Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX over a conventional metallic rotor is its carbon fiber composite construction.
A comparable metal rotor can be significantly heavier, making routine installation and removal more difficult.
The F20-12x50 LEX weighs only 11.5 lb., while still achieving 20,000 rpm and more than 51,000 x g in the LYNX 6000.
Carbon fiber construction also provides corrosion and fatigue resistance, potentially simplifying long-term rotor care compared with metallic designs that require close monitoring for corrosion.
The F20-12x50 LEX is an excellent choice when a laboratory needs high RCF with moderate-volume 30 mL or 50 mL samples.
Other LYNX rotors may be more appropriate when the priority is:
Larger total processing capacity
250 mL, 500 mL, or 1 L bottles
Microtubes
Higher sample counts
Different maximum RCF
Different tube geometry
The advantage of the LYNX platform is the ability to exchange compatible rotors quickly and configure the same centrifuge for substantially different applications.
American Instrument Exchange offers inspected used and refurbished centrifuge rotors for laboratories seeking to expand the capabilities of existing centrifuges without the cost of purchasing new accessories.
The Thermo Scientific Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX is particularly valuable for laboratories already operating a Sorvall LYNX 4000 or LYNX 6000 and needing a high-speed 50 mL fixed-angle rotor.
American Instrument Exchange also stocks refurbished centrifuges and compatible rotors from Thermo Scientific, Sorvall, Beckman Coulter, Eppendorf, and other major laboratory centrifuge manufacturers.
The Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX should be packaged carefully during shipment to protect the carbon fiber rotor body, lid, locking components, and sealing surfaces.
After delivery, users should inspect the rotor before placing it into service and confirm compatibility with the intended centrifuge and labware.
Thermo Scientific permits the rotor to be autoclaved at temperatures up to 121°C when manufacturer procedures are followed.
Only manufacturer-approved cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilization procedures should be used. Strong chemicals, incompatible cleaning agents, abrasive materials, and improper sterilization methods can damage rotor components.
Laboratories using the Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX frequently also require superspeed centrifuges, additional fixed-angle rotors, swinging-bucket rotors, 50 mL Oak Ridge tubes, ultracentrifuges, refrigerated benchtop centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, ultra-low freezers, laboratory refrigerators, and other sample-processing equipment.
American Instrument Exchange offers refurbished Thermo Scientific Sorvall LYNX 4000 and LYNX 6000 centrifuges, as well as compatible rotors and centrifuge accessories for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, clinical research, and industrial laboratories.
The F20-12x50 LEX is designed for the Thermo Scientific Sorvall LYNX 6000 and LYNX 4000 superspeed centrifuges.
The rotor holds 12 x 50 mL tubes, providing a nominal total capacity of 600 mL.
In the LYNX 6000, the rotor can operate at up to 20,000 rpm. In the LYNX 4000, maximum speed is 18,000 rpm.
The F20-12x50 LEX produces up to 51,428 x g in the LYNX 6000 and 41,657 x g in the LYNX 4000.
No. The rotor is limited to 18,000 rpm in the LYNX 4000. The full 20,000 rpm rating applies when it is used in the LYNX 6000.
It is a 25-degree fixed-angle rotor constructed from lightweight carbon fiber composite.
The empty rotor weighs approximately 5.25 kg / 11.5 lb.
Carbon fiber provides a high strength-to-weight ratio while offering excellent corrosion and fatigue resistance. The lightweight design also makes the rotor easier for laboratory personnel to install, remove, and carry.
LEX identifies Thermo Scientific's lightweight Fiberlite rotor generation, designed to reduce rotor mass and improve everyday handling while maintaining high-speed centrifugation performance.
Yes. When used in a compatible Sorvall LYNX centrifuge, the rotor supports Auto-Lock tool-free rotor exchange, allowing rapid installation and removal.
Yes. Compatible LYNX centrifuges automatically identify the installed rotor and apply the appropriate rotor operating parameters.
The rotor is primarily designed for compatible 50 mL tubes up to approximately 29 mm in diameter and 115 mm long. Certain 30 mL tubes can also be used with the appropriate adapters.
Tube selection must be based on the manufacturer-approved tube and adapter combinations and the individual tube's maximum RCF rating. A standard disposable 50 mL conical tube should never be assumed safe at the rotor's maximum RCF simply because it physically fits.
Yes. Thermo Scientific specifies a maximum autoclaving temperature of 121°C for this rotor when the manufacturer's procedures are followed.
Yes. The rotor is commonly used for biological centrifugation applications and Thermo Scientific lists it with biocontainment certification. Appropriate sealed tubes, rotor components, and laboratory procedures must still be used for the specific biological hazard involved.
The K-factor is 455 at its maximum 20,000 rpm speed in the LYNX 6000 and 562 at its maximum 18,000 rpm speed in the LYNX 4000.
This pre-owned Thermo Scientific Fiberlite F20-12x50 LEX rotor includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty.
Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
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We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
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