The Force Series Microcentrifuge is a personal microcentrifuge for use in research applications. It offers a superior user interface and includes features associated with more expensive models at a quarter of the price, without a compromise in performance.

Sample containment is a critical issue for technicians. The Force Series Microcentrifuge is designed to protect the user from exposure to the contents and to protect samples from cross contamination. If one test tube leaks, the liquid is captured in the colored, sealed insert, preventing contamination of other fluids in the rotor. As a secondary safeguard, the cover is transparent so users can observe and, if necessary, remove the entire sealed rotor for sterilization. (This is a unique feature, since other centrifuges require removal of the seal in order to remove the rotor, allowing gases to escape and/or increasing the possibility of spillage and exposure of potentially toxic contents to the user.)

The removable, portable rotors accommodate four sizes of test tubes (easily identified through color coded inserts) and have a capacity of 33-100% more than competitive rotors. Because they are low cost, individuals are encouraged to own their own rotors to avoid the possibility of contaminated specimens.

Traditional models were used to evaluate ergonomics, form and footprint. Concurrently, the centrifuge was developed on Pro/Engineer. This tool provided a common development platform for designers and engineers to evaluate part geometries, interferences, properties, and assembly prior to production.

ALIAS, a surface modeler, was used to create photorealistic images of the centrifuge, later used for marketing purposes prior to product release.

Finite element analysis was also used to evaluate the effect of centrifugal force on the moving parts. This allowed us to pinpoint a problem with the aerosol cap design early in the cycle, and to refine the design in a way that would improve functionality and reliability of performance. Close interaction with the production vendor at this point ensured that manufacturing concerns were addressed early, when modifications are easier and less expensive to make.

The Pro/Engineer files were then sent directly to the vendor for rapid prototyping. Three generations of prototypes were developed before selecting the optimum production design.