a hybrid metal / composite centrifuge is described which can be designed and manufactured for large sizes which have traditionally been of metal construction only . the hybrid metal / composite centrifuge combines an “ all composite ”, fully disposable , centrifuge rotor with a reusable metal center tube which retains the rotor bearings . this design combines a fully disposable composite rotor , for example made of an incinerable plastic material , with a removable and reusable metal centertube .