The Z287-A is a compact universal centrifuge that bridges the microcentrifuge-class speed range (14,000 rpm / 16,058 × g) with universal-volume capacity (6 × 50 mL conical tubes). For labs that need both microvolume work and 50 mL-format sample prep but don't have bench space for two separate instruments — clinical labs, smaller research groups, teaching labs — the Z287-A handles both workflows from a single 13.7 × 17 inch footprint. Hermle-engineered, Benchmark-distributed, with the same induction-drive durability and program-memory feature set as the larger Z-series instruments.
Voltage options: This unit can be ordered with European voltage requirements (230V/50Hz). Contact us to order.
Key Specifications
| Max. speed | 14,000 rpm |
| Max. RCF | 16,058 × g |
| Max. volume | 6 × 50 mL (in fixed-angle 50 mL rotor) |
| Speed range | 200 – 14,000 rpm |
| Running time | 10 s to 59 min 50 s (10 s increments); 1 min to 99 h 59 min (1 min increments); continuous mode |
| Program memory | 99 saved runs (including rotor type) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 13.7 in × 10.2 in × 17 in (35 × 26 × 43 cm) |
| Weight | 40 lb (18 kg) |
| Power | 120 V / 50 – 60 Hz, 170 W |
| Acceleration / deceleration | Selectable; quick-key short-spin |
| Noise level | < 60 dBA at max. speed |
| Safety standards | IEC 61010 |
Application Profile
Clinical sample prep. With a 6 × 50 mL fixed-angle rotor, the Z287-A handles primary-tube serum / plasma separation on 50 mL conical formats. With a microtube rotor, it covers the full microvolume work most clinical labs send through a microcentrifuge.
Mid-throughput molecular biology. 14,000 rpm / 16,058 × g covers virtually every common spin-column and miniprep elution step, plus protein precipitation work in the 12,000–16,000 × g range.
Cell-culture wash and pellet recovery. 50 mL conicals at 4,000–5,000 × g cover routine mammalian-cell pellet washes; switching to a microtube rotor handles small-batch pelleting from suspension cultures.
Teaching labs and shared core access. One-handed knob control, splash-proof keypad, gloves-friendly programming, and 99-slot program memory accommodate rotating users without protocol drift.
Right-sized for small clinical labs. The 13.7 × 17 inch footprint and 40 lb weight fit a standard bench, and the < 60 dBA operating noise is low enough for shared patient-adjacent or office-adjacent spaces.
Design Architecture
Microprocessor control with single-knob input. Large LCD displays speed (rpm or × g), time, and program number; a single turn-knob drives all input so the unit is operable one-handed and gloves-friendly.
Active imbalance identification with cut-off. Asymmetric loading or mid-spin tube failure triggers automatic shutdown.
Motor-driven lid lock. The lid cannot open while the rotor is in motion. Hard interlock.
Maintenance-free induction motor. No brush wear; designed for shared-use durability.
Quiet operation. < 60 dBA at max. speed — fits adjacent-to-workspace deployments where centrifuge noise would otherwise be disruptive.
Quick rotor exchange. Single-spindle wing-nut lift-off; rotor swap takes under a minute.
Splash-proof foil keypad for spill resistance during wet-bench use.
Quick acceleration / deceleration with short-spin quick-key for repetitive pulse spins during buffer changes or wash steps.
Ordering & Configuration
Ships without rotor. The Z287-A body ships with operator's manual and power cord. Select your rotor from the Z287-A rotor catalog (linked from this page) — the family includes fixed-angle 6 × 50 mL, 24 × microtube, swing-out 4-place options, and adapters for 0.2 / 0.5 / 1.5 / 2.0 / 5 / 15 / 30 mL formats.
Voltage variants: The 230 V / 50-60 Hz model is available by special order.
Compatible upgrades inside the Hermle line: For larger 200 mL-format swing-out work, see the Z327 Universal Centrifuge with 4 × 200 mL ceiling. For full 750 mL bottle capacity, see Z446. If sample-temperature control is required, the Z216-MK (microcentrifuge) and Z327-K (universal) refrigerated models live in the same distributor catalog.
Warranty & service: 5-Year Hermle warranty (3 years full + 2 years drivetrain). Rotor validation, balance checks, and North American service available through the Benchmark / Hermle distributor network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum speed and RCF of the Z287-A? 14,000 rpm / 16,058 × g.
What is the Z287-A's sample capacity? 6 × 50 mL in the fixed-angle 50 mL rotor; microtube rotors bring it down to 1.5/2.0 mL formats.
Does the Z287-A cover both microvolume and 50 mL work? Yes — it bridges microcentrifuge-class speed with 50 mL universal-volume capacity from a single 13.7 × 17 in footprint.
Does the Z287-A ship with a rotor? No — select from the Z287-A rotor catalog (fixed-angle 6 × 50 mL, 24 × microtube, swing-out 4-place, plus adapters for 0.2–30 mL formats).
What voltage does the Z287-A use? 120 V / 50–60 Hz standard; a 230 V / 50–60 Hz model is available by special order.
