Second-Hand Centrifuges: Save Money Without Compromising Performance!

Summary

Why pay full price for performance when you can get it for a fraction of its cost? Read how you can get high quality and reliable second-hand centrifuges without breaking the bank or sacrificing performance.

Introduction: The Value of Second-Hand Centrifuges

Centrifuges play a crucial role in scientific and medical facilities. However, acquiring new centrifuges is a significant investment. This is where a second hand centrifuge can be of help.

Purchasing a used centrifuge machine can offer substantial cost savings without compromising quality. But how do you find a quality and reliable used laboratory centrifuge for sale?

This guide helps you find and check the quality of a used centrifuge.

Benefits of Buying a Second-Hand Centrifuge

Buying used centrifuges is a practical solution to most problems that modern research environments face - funding, availability of equipment, etc. Here are some benefits of buying used lab centrifuges:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

The most obvious advantage of buying a second hand centrifuge is that it is cost-effective. New centrifuges are very expensive, with some costing thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, second-hand versions only cost a fraction of that amount, making them a more attractive option for labs with a tight budget.

2. Proven Performance

Used centrifuges have a long history of reliability and effectiveness. These centrifuges have shown they work well in other labs. You can trust them to give accurate and steady results.

3. Availability

New centrifuges have longer wait times because of manufacturing and shipping delays. This can lead to less productivity and more downtime in your lab. However, used centrifuges are usually stored nearby and can be delivered quickly.

Buying used centrifuges is also a practical solution to emergency equipment breakdown.

4. Environmental Sustainability

When you order a new centrifuge, you use new materials and energy, contributing to environmental degradation and pollution. On the other hand, buying used centrifuges reduces waste and environmental degradation and extends the lifespan of the equipment. Purchasing used equipment reduces your lab’s carbon footprint and contributes to a greener future.

5. Upgrades and Customization

Your second hand centrifuge can be upgraded and customized to meet research needs. These additions help you make your laboratory work better and faster. They cost much less than a new model or custom options from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Where to Find Used Centrifuges for Sale

If you are wondering where to find a used centrifuge for sale. Here are some options for you to explore:

1. Online Marketplaces for Lab Equipment

These are specialized platforms that offer used centrifuges from reliable brands. Some options include:

• R&D Laboratory Equipment: This company offers used biotech and lab equipment and helps with certifications, maintenance, and training.

• LabMerchant: Offers used lab equipment, often from labs that are upgrading.

• American Laboratory Trading: Offers tested and warrantied used lab centrifuges.

2. General Marketplaces

These broader platforms may offer good deals on lab equipment and other products.

• eBay

• Craigslist

• Facebook Marketplace

3. Auctions

If you are looking for a good deal on a used laboratory centrifuge for sale, the U.S government sometimes auctions this equipment on dedicated platforms. Common auction sites include:

• GovDeals (govdeals.com)

• GSA Auctions (gsaauctions.gov)

Different Types of Used Centrifuges for Sale

A second hand centrifuge is differentiated by usage, size, or rotor design. 

• Benchtop centrifuges are small and take up little space. They can be made for different types of research. They also fit various tube sizes. They are well suited for clinical use or tasks requiring refrigeration.

• Microcentrifuges: If you thought benchtop centrifuges were small, microcentrifuges are smaller. Because of their size, they spin more slowly. They can only hold tubes that are about 2 millimeters or smaller. However, they provide rotation and take up less space in your lab.

• Refrigerated Centrifuges: These centrifuges provide a cool environment for temperature-sensitive samples, like live cells and proteins. They are available in benchtop and floor models and accommodate various tube sizes.

• Ultracentrifuges: The fastest ultracentrifuges can reach 120,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). They are available in benchtop and floor models.

How to Choose the Right Used Centrifuge

Many variables must be considered when choosing the proper second hand centrifuge for your laboratory. The speed, capacity, rotational speed, and rotor type all play important roles in the choice.

When choosing a used centrifuge machine for your laboratory, you should consider:

1. Maximum RPM and RCF

When discussing a centrifuge's speed, RCF (relative centrifugal force) is more important than the RPM (revolutions per minute). The RCF is the force being applied to the content of your centrifuge and is the force that determines the accuracy of results.

2. Rotors Available

Each centrifuge works with a specific set of rotors and accessories. You need to check what is available and if it fits your equipment. When deciding rotor compatibility, consider the size and shapes of the vessels and tubes you will use.

3. Product Documentation

Without documentation, you may miss crucial details about maintenance schedules, safety precautions, and proper usage. The manuals also include troubleshooting guides.

4. Calibration

A poorly calibrated centrifuge will produce inaccurate results and jeopardize research or patient outcomes. You should check the calibration date with the seller. Ask for the maintenance document that shows the last calibration date and who did it. 

5. Size, Capacity, and Space

Depending on your workload and need for flexibility, you may need a larger centrifuge with flexible tube sizes. A centrifuge that is too small for your work can cause inefficiencies or extra work. A centrifuge that is too large will take up space in your lab.

Inspecting and Testing a Used Centrifuge Before Purchase

Finding a quality used industrial centrifuge for sale should not be stressful. Here is a guide on testing and inspecting a used lab centrifuge before purchasing it.

1. Visual Inspection

Check the various components for signs of damage, cracks, corrosion, and missing parts. The rotor, lids, tube holders, motor, etc., must be in good condition with no visible defects. Also, check the safety features of the equipment. Look at the lid lock and imbalance detection to make sure they work well.

2. Testing the Equipment

Some damages and defects may not be readily apparent. Ask the seller if you can do a test spin. This will help you check if the equipment reaches the right RPM and if the timing is accurate. Pay attention to unusual noises and vibrations during the test, which may point to unsolved mechanical problems.

Saving Money Without Compromising on Performance

When buying used centrifuges, you mustn’t focus on cost saving to the detriment of performance. Going for the cheapest option can affect the reliability and accuracy of the equipment. It can also lead to you spending more on maintaining and repairing the equipment.

When choosing equipment for your lab, focus on balancing cost and functionality. A more expensive machine may be better if it offers lower maintenance costs, greater efficiency, and longer life.

Buying a used industrial centrifuge for sale involves more than finding a machine within your budget. It is about considering condition and maintenance, performance specifications, versatility, safety, and cost to make the perfect purchase decision.

Conclusion: Why Buy a Used Centrifuge?

Buying a second hand centrifuge lets you get a quality and reliable product for much less than a new one. These products are also readily available, reducing lead times and downtime in an emergency. 

Explore our full inventory of tested and warrantied second-hand centrifuges today. Whether you need a benchtop, ultracentrifuge, or a specialized unit, we can help you find the right one. We will do this without going over your budget.

FAQs

1. Where can you find a used centrifuge for sale?

You can use a lab centrifuge on online marketplaces like R&D Laboratory Equipment and government auction sites.

2. What are the benefits of buying used centrifuges?

Cost-effectiveness, availability, environmental sustainability, and reliable performance are benefits of buying used centrifuges.

3. How can I choose the correct centrifuge for my lab?

Consider the size and capacity of the equipment. Pay attention to calibration, product documentation, maintenance history, and the RPM/RCF.

4. What factors should I consider when choosing a used centrifuge?

Consider the type of centrifuge available, maximum speed, rotor compatibility, and sample capacity.

5. Are refurbished centrifuges as reliable as new ones?

Refurbished centrifuges undergo thorough inspection, testing, and calibration to ensure proper functionality.

6. How do I determine if a centrifuge is suitable for my needs?

Check the speed, relative centrifugal force, and rotor type to match the centrifuge to your specific application.

7. Can I use different rotors with a used centrifuge?

Most centrifuges are compatible with a limited set of rotors. Compatibility depends on the model.

8. What safety features should I look for in a used centrifuge?

Look for the lid locking, imbalance detection, and automatic shut-off features.

9. How do I maintain a used centrifuge?

You should clean the equipment and its components regularly, check for wear and tear on the rotor, and ensure proper balancing of samples.

10. What is the typical lifespan of a centrifuge?

With proper maintenance, a centrifuge can last 10-15 years.