2 × Microplate Swing-Out Rotor for Z287-A

The Z287-02MP is the microplate swing-out rotor designed specifically for the Hermle Z287-A Compact Universal Centrifuge chassis. The "02MP" naming designates 2 × Microtitre plate capacity in swing-out geometry — the rotor accommodates two standard microplates per cycle, each in its own swing-out bucket position. At full operating speed the buckets swing horizontal, which produces consistent sample-to-well-bottom collection across the plate (important for post-extraction concentration, post-staining wash collection, magnetic-bead-on-plate settling, and any microplate workflow where samples need to be uniformly settled to the well bottom). This is the smaller-throughput microplate rotor in the Hermle line — for 6-plate-per-cycle throughput, the Z326-02MP on the Z326 chassis is the higher-capacity alternative.

Key Specifications

Compatibility & Configuration

Chassis compatibility — Z287-A only. The Z287-02MP is engineered specifically for the Z287-A chassis spindle and chamber geometry. Not interchangeable with Z326-02MP (which is the larger 2 × 3 microplate rotor for the Z326 chassis), and not interchangeable with Z446 / Z366 / Z327 microplate buckets either. The chassis's RFID rotor-identification reads the rotor at insertion and applies the rotor-rated 3,800 rpm cap.

2-plate parallel throughput. The Z287-02MP is the lower-throughput microplate rotor in the Hermle line. For 6-plate-per-cycle throughput, the Z326-02MP (2 × 3 microplate stacks on the Z326 chassis) is the alternative when higher throughput justifies a Z326 chassis purchase.

Loading constraints. The 20 mm max loading height per bucket means standard microplates (typically 14 mm tall body + sealer) fit, but stacked-plate configurations or tall-skirt plates may exceed the envelope. Confirm plate dimensions against the 20 mm limit at order. The 100 g max loading weight per bucket is sufficient for standard 96-well plates with typical sample volumes (well volume × 96 + plate mass ≈ 30–60 g for standard formats).

Application Profile

Microplate-format sample collection for the Z287-A chassis. Post-extraction concentration in 96-well plates (collecting eluate to well bottom), post-staining wash collection, magnetic-bead-on-plate settling, and any microplate workflow that needs samples driven to the well bottom by centrifugal force.

Low-throughput microplate workflows where 2 plates per cycle matches the lab's batch size — appropriate for clinical-research, single-PI research labs, or teaching environments where the higher-throughput Z326-02MP would be over-spec'd.

384-well plate handling within the 20 mm height envelope — the swing-out geometry supports 384-well work where uniform sample-to-well-bottom settling matters across the higher well-density plate format.

Cell-based assay reagent settling. Adherent-cell microplate experiments where post-treatment washes need to be driven by centrifugation rather than aspiration — the rotor's gentle 1,453 × g RCF is appropriate for cell-pellet settling without disrupting adherent cell layers.

ELISA wash-collection backup workflow — when the primary microplate washer is occupied or unavailable, the Z287-02MP can perform the centrifugal wash-collection step.

Loading & Balance

Symmetric plate loading. Two plates must be paired by mass — sample-loaded plates of similar weight in opposite buckets. The chassis's RFID-aware imbalance shut-off catches asymmetric loads, but pre-balancing minimizes false-trigger risk.

Plate-stack stability. Standard microplate sealers (foil seal or plastic film) maintain plate integrity through the spin. Confirm seal quality before each spin to prevent sample loss or cross-well contamination.

Selectable accel/decel. The chassis's profiles apply; for cell-based and adherent-cell workflows, lower acceleration profiles preserve cell-layer integrity.

Ordering & Configuration

Z287-02MP ships as the rotor body with 2 buckets — the complete microplate swing-out configuration. No microplate adapters required (plates load directly into the buckets).

Confirm at quote: chassis pairing (Z287-A — confirm chassis is in the lab's inventory or part of a paired procurement), microplate format (96-well, 384-well, or both), and lead time.

Warranty: 5-Year Hermle warranty (3 years full + 2 years drivetrain) on the rotor body and buckets. Balance validation through the Hermle service network.

Z287-02MP vs Z326-02MP selection: the Z287-02MP (this product, 2 plates per cycle on Z287-A chassis) is the lower-throughput pick — appropriate when the lab's microplate workflow is 2 plates per cycle and the Z287-A chassis is already in inventory. The Z326-02MP (2 × 3 = 6 plates per cycle on Z326 chassis) is the higher-throughput alternative — but requires the Z326 chassis. Don't pair the Z287-02MP with a Z326 chassis or vice versa; the rotors are chassis-specific.