Centrifuges, widely used in laboratories and industrial production, rely heavily on operational stability to ensure effective separation and safe operation. As one of the core components, the rotor plays a decisive role in overall performance, service life, and safety. This paper analyzes how different rotor materials affect centrifuge stability in terms of mechanical properties, thermal characteristics, and durability.

Currently, centrifuge rotors are mainly made from the following materials:

Aluminum alloy

Lightweight, easy to process, and low-cost, suitable for medium- and low-speed centrifuges.

Titanium alloy

High strength and excellent corrosion resistance, used for high- and ultra-high-speed centrifuges.

Carbon fiber composites

Extremely low density and outstanding fatigue resistance, a rapidly developing advanced material.

Stainless steel

Strong and wear-resistant, commonly used where chemical corrosion resistance or large capacity is required.

The mass distribution of the rotor directly determines the dynamic balance of the centrifuge. Aluminum alloy has low density and low inertia during start and stop, which reduces energy consumption. However, its insufficient stiffness at high speed can cause slight deformation, affecting balance.

Titanium alloy, with moderate density and high strength, maintains good balance while remaining lightweight, making it suitable for speeds above 20,000 rpm. Carbon fiber rotors, with a density only one-quarter that of metals, exhibit minimal deformation under centrifugal force, achieving superior operational stability compared with traditional metallic materials.

Rotors endure extremely high centrifugal stresses during operation, so yield strength and fatigue life are critical. Although aluminum alloy is lightweight, it has a relatively low yield strength and is prone to cracking over long-term use. Titanium alloy, with more than twice the strength of aluminum, offers excellent tensile and fatigue performance, maintaining structural stability through repeated start-stop cycles. Carbon fiber composites, formed by multilayer lamination and resin curing, exhibit exceptional fatigue resistance and vibration absorption, enhancing the overall smoothness of centrifuge operation.

In biochemical and pharmaceutical applications, centrifuges often operate in acidic, alkaline, or solvent-rich environments. Aluminum alloy is easily corroded and requires anodic oxidation treatment for protection. Titanium alloy has inherent chemical stability, making it suitable for harsh environments. Stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance but adds significant weight, increasing energy consumption. Carbon fiber rotors resist chemical corrosion and have low thermal conductivity, minimizing thermal deformation from rotational heating and maintaining high-speed stability.

Aluminum alloy rotors are cost-effective, ideal for educational and general laboratory use. Titanium alloy rotors are more expensive but offer longer life and greater long-term economy. Carbon fiber composites, though currently the most expensive, feature lightweight, low energy consumption, and long lifespan, making them the preferred material for next-generation high-performance centrifuges. As manufacturing advances and material costs decline, carbon fiber rotors are expected to see broader application in high- and ultra-high-speed centrifuges.