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New Brunswick Galaxy 170R CO₂ Incubator
The New Brunswick Galaxy 170R CO₂ Incubator is a 170 L direct-heat cell culture incubator designed for mammalian cell culture, tissue culture, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, cancer research, and other applications requiring stable temperature, CO₂, and elevated humidity. Combining a fanless six-sided direct-heating system, infrared CO₂ sensor, automatic CO₂ AutoZero, onboard datalogging, and a copper-lined chamber, the Galaxy 170R provides a controlled cell culture environment without relying on a circulation fan to distribute heat throughout the chamber.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, this New Brunswick Galaxy 170R is particularly well suited for laboratories that value straightforward direct-heat incubation, infrared CO₂ measurement, and a copper interior for additional contamination control. Its approximately 170 L chamber provides full-size cell culture capacity while the fanless design reduces internal mechanical components and maximizes usable chamber space.
Key Features
Approximately 170–174 L (6.0 cu. ft.) cell culture chamber
Six-sided direct-heating system
Fanless chamber design
Temperature range from approximately ambient +4°C to 50°C
Approximately ±0.3°C temperature uniformity under specified conditions
0.2–20% CO₂ control range
Solid-state infrared CO₂ sensor
Automatic CO₂ AutoZero function
Copper-lined chamber on this unit
Copper shelves on this unit
High-humidity cell culture environment
Removable humidity tray
Approximately 95% RH at 37°C under specified conditions
Onboard 72-hour datalogging and graphical trend display
Microprocessor controls with LCD display
Adjustable independent door heater
Programmable audible and visual alarms
Chamber access ports
Compact full-size CO₂ incubator footprint
Professionally inspected and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included
New Brunswick Galaxy 170R Overview
The New Brunswick Galaxy 170R was designed around a direct-heat, fanless approach to CO₂ incubation. Instead of using a mechanical circulation fan to distribute heated air, heating elements positioned around the chamber warm the interior from multiple sides.
Six-sided direct heating helps establish uniform chamber conditions while eliminating the fan assembly found in many mechanically circulated incubators. For cell culture laboratories, this provides two potential advantages: fewer internal mechanical components that require cleaning and maintenance, and more usable chamber space.
The chamber provides approximately 170–174 L of capacity, placing the Galaxy 170R in the conventional full-size CO₂ incubator category. Its relatively shallow chamber and external footprint allow it to provide substantial culture capacity without requiring an unusually deep laboratory bench.
This particular American Instrument Exchange unit is equipped with a copper-lined chamber and copper shelving. Copper surfaces are commonly used in cell culture incubators because of their inherent antimicrobial properties, providing another contamination-control measure alongside routine cleaning and good aseptic technique.
The Galaxy 170R also incorporates more advanced monitoring capabilities than many basic CO₂ incubators of its generation. An LCD control system provides access to chamber conditions, alarm information, and historical performance data, while the onboard datalogger allows researchers to review recent environmental trends.
Common Applications
The New Brunswick Galaxy 170R is well suited for mammalian cell culture, tissue culture, cancer research, stem cell research, immunology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, vaccine research, molecular biology, and other applications requiring a controlled CO₂ atmosphere.
For conventional mammalian cell culture, the Galaxy 170R can maintain the commonly used combination of approximately 37°C, elevated humidity, and 5% CO₂ required for bicarbonate-buffered culture media. Its adjustable 0.2–20% CO₂ range provides flexibility for protocols requiring different atmospheric conditions.
The approximately 170 L chamber provides enough capacity for routine research groups working with multiple culture vessels simultaneously. Four shelves are standard on the Galaxy 170R platform, with the chamber capable of accepting additional shelves when greater sample density is required.
The fanless configuration may also appeal to laboratories seeking a relatively simple chamber design. Eliminating a circulation fan reduces the number of internal components exposed to the humidified culture environment and removes a potential surface on which contaminants can accumulate.
The New Brunswick Galaxy 170R provides the controlled temperature, CO₂ concentration, and elevated humidity required for a broad range of conventional cell culture procedures. Its approximately 170 L chamber provides enough capacity for routine research while remaining manageable for laboratories that do not require an oversized reach-in incubator.
Common Cell Types
Mammalian cell lines
Primary cells
Fibroblasts
Epithelial cells
Cancer cell lines
Immune cells
Hybridoma cultures
Stem and progenitor cells
Common biotechnology and pharmaceutical research cell lines
Typical Culture Vessels
T-flasks
Multiwell plates
Cell culture dishes
Petri dishes
Culture bottles
Microplates
Culture tubes
Suspension culture flasks
The chamber measures approximately 21.3"W × 17.5"D × 27.3"H, providing useful vertical capacity while keeping chamber depth relatively modest.
Four perforated shelves are standard for the Galaxy 170R platform, with each measuring approximately 20.5"W × 16.8"D. The platform can accommodate additional shelving when applications involve shorter culture vessels and greater sample density.
Contamination Control & Environmental Stability
Contamination control is particularly important in any CO₂ incubator because its warm, humidified environment can also support the growth of unwanted microorganisms. The Galaxy 170R addresses this through a combination of chamber design, simplified internal components, and—in this particular unit—a copper-lined interior.
The fanless chamber design eliminates the circulation fan and associated ductwork found in many mechanically circulated incubators. This reduces the number of internal components and surfaces that must be cleaned and allows easier access to the chamber interior during routine maintenance.
The chamber itself uses a deep-drawn design intended to minimize seams and difficult-to-clean areas.
This particular Galaxy 170R adds another contamination-control feature through its copper-lined chamber and copper shelves. Copper has inherent antimicrobial characteristics and has long been used in CO₂ incubator interiors to help inhibit microbial survival on exposed surfaces.
Copper does not make the chamber sterile and does not replace routine cleaning, appropriate aseptic technique, or proper culture handling. It does, however, provide an additional passive contamination-control measure that distinguishes this unit from standard stainless-steel Galaxy 170R configurations.
Humidity is generated through a removable stainless steel water tray. Under standard culture conditions, the system can provide approximately 95% relative humidity at 37°C, helping minimize evaporation from culture media during extended incubation.
An independently controlled heated door helps manage condensation and maintain stable conditions around the chamber opening.
Temperature, CO₂ & Cell Culture Performance
The New Brunswick Galaxy 170R combines six-sided direct heating, microprocessor temperature control, infrared CO₂ measurement, passive humidification, and continuous environmental monitoring to maintain conditions suitable for cell culture.
Temperature can be programmed in 0.1°C increments from approximately 4°C above ambient to 50°C. The heating system uses multiple matched temperature sensors to monitor chamber and door conditions, with published temperature stability of approximately ±0.1°C at 37°C and uniformity within approximately ±0.3°C under specified ambient conditions.
Unlike older incubators that use thermal conductivity CO₂ sensors, the Galaxy 170R incorporates a solid-state infrared CO₂ sensor.
Infrared sensing measures CO₂ concentration independently of chamber humidity, making it particularly appropriate for the high-humidity conditions encountered during routine cell culture. The system provides a CO₂ control range of approximately 0.2% to 20%, with control of approximately ±0.1% and stability of approximately ±0.2% at a 5% CO₂ setpoint under specified conditions.
The Galaxy 170R also incorporates an automatic CO₂ AutoZero function. Automatic zeroing helps maintain sensor accuracy over time without requiring the same manual zero-reference procedures associated with some older CO₂ measurement systems.
Another useful feature is the incubator's onboard datalogger. The control system records recent chamber conditions and allows users to review graphical temperature and CO₂ information, door-opening events, and alarm history directly from the incubator.
This can help researchers identify environmental disruptions that may have occurred between routine checks. A culture that experienced repeated door openings or a temporary CO₂ deviation, for example, can be evaluated with more context than would be available from simply viewing the current chamber conditions.
Programmable alarms provide additional protection when chamber conditions move outside established parameters.
For laboratories seeking a full-size CO₂ incubator with fanless direct heating, IR CO₂ sensing, historical performance data, and a copper interior, the Galaxy 170R offers a particularly useful combination of established cell culture technology and contamination-control features.
New Brunswick Galaxy 170R Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
New Brunswick Scientific
Product Series
Galaxy R
Model
170R
Equipment Type
Direct-Heat CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
Approximately 170–174 L (6.0–6.1 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
Ambient +4°C to 50°C
Temperature Control
±0.1°C
Temperature Stability
±0.1°C at 37°C
Temperature Uniformity
≤±0.3°C under specified conditions
Heating System
Six-sided direct heat
Chamber Circulation
Fanless
CO₂ Range
0.2–20%
CO₂ Control
±0.1%
CO₂ Stability
±0.2% at 5% CO₂
CO₂ Sensor
Solid-state infrared
CO₂ AutoZero
Yes
Required CO₂ Pressure
Approximately 5 psi (0.35 bar)
Humidity
Approximately 95% RH at 37°C
Humidification
Removable water tray
Humidity Tray Capacity
Approximately 2.5 L
Chamber Interior
Copper lined on this unit
Shelves
Copper on this unit
Standard Shelf Count
4
Maximum Shelves
Up to 8 with appropriate configuration
Shelf Dimensions
Approximately 20.5"W × 16.8"D
Controller
Microprocessor with LCD display
Datalogging
Onboard graphical datalogger
Access Ports
25 mm
Interior Dimensions (W × D × H)
Approximately 21.3" × 17.5" × 27.3"
Exterior Dimensions (W × D × H)
Approximately 27" × 26.7" × 33.4"
Approximate Weight
198 lb. with standard features
Electrical Requirements
100–120V, 50/60 Hz platform configuration
Maximum Rated Power
Approximately 1300 W
Configuration
Full-size benchtop / stackable CO₂ incubator
Specifications are based on the New Brunswick Galaxy 170R platform and this individual American Instrument Exchange unit. The copper-lined chamber and copper shelves are features of this particular incubator and should not be assumed for every Galaxy 170R. New Brunswick also offered optional oxygen control, cooling, high-temperature disinfection, BMS relay contacts, and other configurations. Confirm installed options, shelving, electrical requirements, chamber materials, and accessories for the individual unit before purchase.
New Brunswick Galaxy 170R Frequently Asked Questions
What is different about the Galaxy 170R's fanless heating system?
The Galaxy 170R uses six-sided direct heating instead of a mechanical circulation fan. Heat is applied around the chamber and distributed through the chamber surfaces, eliminating the need for a fan assembly inside the incubator. This reduces internal mechanical components while preserving more usable chamber space.
What type of CO₂ sensor does the New Brunswick Galaxy 170R use?
The Galaxy 170R uses a solid-state infrared CO₂ sensor with automatic zeroing. Unlike thermal conductivity sensors, IR CO₂ measurement operates independently of chamber humidity, making it well suited for humidified cell culture environments.
What is the advantage of the copper interior on this Galaxy 170R?
Copper surfaces have inherent antimicrobial properties that can help reduce microbial survival on exposed chamber surfaces. This particular American Instrument Exchange Galaxy 170R has both a copper-lined chamber and copper shelves. Copper supplements—but does not replace—routine cleaning and proper aseptic technique.
Does the Galaxy 170R record chamber conditions?
Yes. The Galaxy 170R incorporates an onboard datalogger with graphical displays that allows users to review recent chamber performance, including temperature, CO₂, door-opening events, and alarm information. This provides more historical information than a basic incubator that displays only current conditions.
What is the temperature range of the Galaxy 170R?
The standard Galaxy 170R operates from approximately 4°C above ambient to 50°C. New Brunswick also offered a cooling-system option for applications requiring operation closer to or below ambient temperature, but that capability should only be specified when confirmed on an individual unit.
Does the New Brunswick Galaxy 170R control oxygen?
Oxygen control was optional rather than standard on the Galaxy 170R. New Brunswick offered configurations for reduced-oxygen and broader oxygen-control applications. Buyers requiring hypoxic or hyperoxic culture conditions should confirm that the individual incubator is equipped with the appropriate O₂-control hardware.
Does the Galaxy 170R have high-temperature disinfection?
High-temperature disinfection was available as an option on the Galaxy 170R platform and should not be assumed to be present on every unit. The installed configuration should be confirmed before purchase.
Is this New Brunswick Galaxy 170R refurbished?
Used New Brunswick Galaxy 170R CO₂ incubators offered by American Instrument Exchange are inspected, cleaned, and tested prior to shipment. Temperature and CO₂ performance are evaluated to verify chamber conditions and the accuracy of the controls and readouts. The direct-heating system, infrared CO₂ sensor, AutoZero function, datalogger, alarms, door heating, and other installed components are tested as applicable, with components replaced as necessary. Refurbished equipment includes a 90-day warranty.
Click Hereto see the New Brunswick Galaxy 170R CO2 incubator on the American Instrument Exchange YouTube channel.
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Incubators Ensure Quality and Stability Before Use
Used and refurbished laboratory incubators from American Instrument Exchange are thoroughly tested to ensure optimal performance and temperature stability with laboratory safety standards. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection and functionality assessment to meet the needs of research, clinical, and industrial labs.
Why Testing Used Laboratory Incubators Is Essential
Before a laboratory incubator is reintroduced into any work environment, it must be tested for:
• Temperature uniformity and accuracy
• Airflow and humidity control (if applicable)
• Door seal integrity and insulation effectiveness
• Electrical and safety system compliance
Comprehensive testing reduces the risk of culture loss, contamination, and equipment failure—especially critical in applications involving cell culture, microbiology, pharmaceutical research, and diagnostics.
Our multi-point testing protocol for used and refurbished incubators ensures reliability, safety, and performance across all models and brands.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Incubators
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Check for cosmetic damage, corrosion, and wear to exterior surfaces, door hinges, and gasket seals
• Inspect power cord, wiring, and display panel for any defects or signs of tampering
• Confirm that shelves, chamber components, and internal fixtures are present and undamaged
2. Functional Testing
• Power on the incubator and verify all display indicators and alarms function correctly
• Test door latch and seal mechanisms for proper closure and insulation
• Run basic temperature cycles to ensure the unit maintains stability over time
3. Temperature Accuracy and Uniformity Tests
• Test internal sensors and controllers using temperature probes
• Measure temperature consistency at multiple chamber locations over several hours
• Confirm that programmable temperature settings respond accurately
4. Airflow and Humidity Control (if applicable)
• Test internal fan operation and airflow distribution
• For humidified incubators, inspect and test humidity reservoirs, sensors, and control systems
• Check for condensation buildup and confirm environmental stability
5. Electrical Safety and Compliance Checks
• Ensure all electrical components are properly grounded
• Perform insulation resistance and leakage current tests
• Verify compliance with current electrical safety standards for laboratory equipment
6. Final Quality Assurance Checklist
• Perform full cycle testing at various temperature setpoints
• Document performance benchmarks and results
All refurbished incubators from American Instrument Exchange are backed by our commitment to quality and precision. With our strict testing procedures, you can rely on your incubator to deliver dependable results from day one.
Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Incubators Performance and Quality from American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every used laboratory incubator we sell goes through a repair and refurbishment protocol. Whether it’s a standard, CO₂, or refrigerated incubator, our goal is to restore each unit to laboratory-level performance—ensuring temperature accuracy, environmental stability, and long-term reliability in your lab.
Why Choose a Refurbished Laboratory Incubator from American Instrument Exchange?
• Fully tested for performance and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• Cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through reuse and restoration
• Refurbished by expert technicians with decades of lab equipment experience
Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol
Every incubator at American Instrument Exchange follows this comprehensive, multi-stage process:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Visual inspection for cosmetic wear, corrosion, dents, or broken components
• Mechanical assessment of door hinges, gaskets, seals, and chamber components
• Document any missing parts or issues requiring repair or replacement
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Thorough internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive solutions
• Decontamination/cleaning of surfaces to remove biological, chemical, or particulate residue
• Cleaning of removable parts (e.g., shelves, trays, etc.)
3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair
• Repair or replacement of worn mechanical components such as door latches, fans, hinges, and seals
• Evaluation and repair of control panels, switches, thermostats, and displays
• Inspection and testing of wiring, fuses, relays, and power supplies
4. Environmental Control System Assessment
• For CO₂ incubators: CO₂ sensors, regulators, and gas delivery systems are tested
• For refrigerated incubators: compressors, condensers, and cooling systems are evaluated for performance and leaks
• Fan motors and airflow systems are tested to ensure uniform environmental conditions
5. Temperature and Sensor Testing
• All temperature sensors and controllers are tested using thermometers/probes
• Uniformity and accuracy tested at multiple chamber locations
• For humidified or CO₂ incubators, humidity and CO₂ stability are verified
6. Safety System Testing
• Test of over-temperature protection systems and alarms
• Evaluation of door sensors, safety interlocks, and power failure recovery
7. Final Quality Control and Documentation
• Full performance test run over 24 hours
• Validation of setpoints for temperature, CO₂ (if applicable), and humidity (if applicable)
• Final inspection and cleaning before packaging
• Complete service report
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted source for high-quality refurbished laboratory incubators. Our proven refurbishment protocol ensures every unit is reliable, accurate, and ready to meet the demands of your lab from day one.
Warranty Information
All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,
Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”
Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.
Return & Cancellation Policy
American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.
Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.
Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.
Ongoing and Extended Support Options
American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.
For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.
For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.
Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty. Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
How do you test and recondition the equipment?
Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality. We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.
How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?
We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.
Return and order cancellation policy
American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.
Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?
Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.
How does your price matching policy work?
We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.
Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?
Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.
1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.
Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?
Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.
