Hardware: Dremelfuge Classic

Developer:

Cathal Garvey

Date:

12/29/09

Description:

Design for mini-centrifuge rotor that fits onto a Dremel tool shaft. 6-tube capacity. 3D-printing suitable for manufacturing. Open-Source Hardware. Design files available at thingiverse.com, 3D prints available at Shapeways.com.

Cathal Garvey:“Intended basic applications of Dremelfuge include column purification (tested to work with miniprep columns) and bacterial/cell debris pelleting (under testing). With standard microcentrifuge tubes, the average rotary distance is 4cms.”

Design Files

thingiverse.com – License unknown

Related Hardware:

– Keegofuge

Previous Coverage:

DIY Centrifuge using Dremel Tool

More Information:

Cathal Garvey, 3/21/10: After a design revision which is now “official” and for sale on Shapeways, the Dremelfuge can hold tubes securely, with liquid load, up to the full speed of a Dremel 300. At a top speed of 33,000 RPM, this means the tubes experience about 52,000RCF (g).

For scale, my lab centrifuge used daily does up to 14,000g and I’ve never practically needed higher. I gather high gees are used to perform sucrose gradients, and I’m told that 52,000g is enough to pellet DNA. I’ll be sure to experiment.