el-cheapo tabletop minifuge

thingiverse

Construct a mini centrifuge using a tabletop for six reaction tubes, by employing affordable components found at home. To achieve this, gather the following items: a Graupner Speed 400 motor (or an equivalent size), a 220V switch, a 220V to 6V transformer (35x42x30mm print-trafo, 6V, 3.2 VA), a bridge rectifier, a potentiometer suitable for regulating the motor's speed based on its ohm rating, two 3mm screws (5mm long), two 3mm threaded rods (1cm long) with slits sawed into them, and two 3mm nuts. Additionally, you will need an electric cord and basic soldering skills. Assemble the components, test the centrifuge inside a steel pot for initial runs, and run it at 6V to achieve 16.4 kRPM as per the motor's specifications. Print the rotor and casing parts using PLA filament with a 1.2mm wall thickness, 50% infill, and a 0.2mm slicing resolution using Cura and an Ultimaker printer. However, exercise caution during printing to prevent rotor breakage that may cause harm. High-speed rotating centrifuges can be hazardous. When printing the rotor and casing bottom without support material is possible, while the casing top requires support material.