Rotor Quality Assurance

Design and testing of FIBERLite's carbon fiber composite rotors are substantially different than the metallic rotors. With multiple-point reinforcement elements incorporated in them, FIBERLite's rotors are virtually indestructible under normal operating conditions. Unequaled structural integrity and unprecedented length of service life result from several characteristics.

First, fatigue build-up in FIBERLite rotors is a very slow process. Typically, the fatigue curve of metallic rotors follows a relatively steep curve followed by an exponential drop once a crack starts due to corrosion. The same curve for FIBERLite products follows a line that
is almost parallel to the axis. This is partially due to the resin (between the fibers) acting as a natural fatigue-absorbing mechanism.

The main characteristic of a FIBERLite rotor is the superior strength and stiffness of carbon fiber filaments that hold the structure together even under the highest load allowed for a particular rotor. For example, an aluminum rotor will expand as much as 12-14% before it fails. In contrast, a carbon fiber composite rotor will expand only 1-2% but may never fail. A carbon fiber rotor, provided that it is designed properly, does not go through the radical expansion-contractions as an aluminum rotor goes through during centrifugation.

Second characteristic to consider is their resistance to corrosion. Without the catalytic effects of corrosion, there is no environmental factor that will reduce the service life of the FIBERLite rotor in a centrifuge. In addition, the materials used in these rotors are completely resistant to most chemicals such as acids or alkaline, buffered solutions, salts and halogenic ions used by the customers.

Third factor to consider is FIBERLite's own engineering and manufacturing standards founded on decades of experience and understanding of the centrifugation business. All FIBERLite rotors are designed and tested for "zero failure" due to structural problems and supported by a limited lifetime warranty. Such is the case (zero structural failure) as of today.