Bio-Rad C1000 Touch Thermal Cycler with 96-Well Fast Reaction Module
The Bio-Rad C1000 Touch Thermal Cycler with 96-Well Fast Reaction Module is a high-performance gradient PCR system designed for fast, precise, and flexible DNA amplification. Combining Bio-Rad's advanced C1000 Touch control platform with its high-speed 96-well reaction module, this configuration is well suited for conventional PCR, cloning, genotyping, mutagenesis, cycle sequencing, assay development, primer optimization, sequencing preparation, and other molecular biology applications.
The installed 96-Well Fast Reaction Module accommodates 96 x 0.2 mL PCR tubes or one compatible 96-well PCR plate. Its maximum block ramp rate of 5°C/sec makes it considerably faster than the 96-Deep Well version of the C1000 Touch while maintaining excellent temperature accuracy and uniformity.
For PCR optimization, the system provides a programmable thermal gradient from 30°C to 100°C with a selectable temperature differential from 1°C to 24°C. Researchers can therefore evaluate multiple annealing temperatures within a single experiment rather than performing a series of separate PCR runs.
The C1000 Touch also provides an 8.5-inch color touchscreen, graphical protocol programming, Protocol AutoWriter, extensive onboard and USB protocol storage, adjustable heated-lid control, networking capabilities, exportable run logs, and support for additional S1000 thermal cyclers. Its modular chassis can also accept compatible Bio-Rad CFX optical reaction modules when real-time PCR capability is required.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, this Bio-Rad C1000 Touch is tested, cleaned, and prepared for laboratory use prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty from AIE.
Key Features
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Bio-Rad C1000 Touch Thermal Cycler
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96-Well Fast Reaction Module
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Capacity for 96 x 0.2 mL PCR tubes or one 96-well PCR plate
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Maximum ramp rate of 5°C/sec
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Average ramp rate of 3.3°C/sec
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0°C to 100°C temperature range
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±0.2°C temperature accuracy at 90°C
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±0.4°C well-to-well temperature uniformity
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Programmable 30°C to 100°C thermal gradient
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Adjustable 1°C to 24°C gradient differential
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8.5-inch color touchscreen
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Protocol AutoWriter and graphical programming
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More than 1,000 typical protocols stored onboard
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USB protocol storage and file transfer
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Adjustable heated lid
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Interchangeable reaction-module architecture
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Compatible with CFX optical modules for real-time PCR conversion
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Can control up to three additional S1000 thermal cyclers
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Used and refurbished by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day AIE warranty
Overview
The Bio-Rad C1000 Touch was designed as a modular thermal cycling platform capable of supporting both routine PCR and more demanding research workflows. Its interchangeable reaction modules allow laboratories to select a block based on reaction format, throughput, and desired cycling speed.
This particular instrument is equipped with Bio-Rad's 96-Well Fast Reaction Module.
Unlike the 96-Deep Well configuration, which prioritizes compatibility with both 0.2 mL and larger 0.5 mL tubes, the Fast module is optimized around standard 0.2 mL PCR vessels and rapid thermal transitions.
The result is a conventional PCR system that combines a familiar 96-well format with a maximum ramp rate of 5°C/sec.
Key Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Bio-Rad |
| Model |
C1000 Touch |
| Equipment Type |
Conventional PCR Thermal Cycler |
| Reaction Module |
96-Well Fast Reaction Module |
| Reaction Module Catalog Number |
1840196 |
| Complete System Catalog Number |
1851196 |
| Sample Capacity |
96 x 0.2 mL tubes |
| Plate Capacity |
1 x 96-well PCR plate |
| Temperature Range |
0°C to 100°C |
| Maximum Ramp Rate |
5°C/sec |
| Average Ramp Rate |
3.3°C/sec |
| Temperature Accuracy |
±0.2°C of programmed target at 90°C |
| Temperature Uniformity |
±0.4°C well-to-well within 10 sec of reaching 90°C |
| Gradient Capability |
Yes |
| Gradient Range |
30°C to 100°C |
| Gradient Differential |
1°C to 24°C |
| Temperature Control Modes |
Calculated and block |
| Display |
8.5-inch color LCD touchscreen |
| Programming |
Step-based graphical and automatic |
| Protocol AutoWriter |
Yes |
| Protocol Memory |
More than 1,000 typical programs onboard |
| Additional Storage |
USB flash drive |
| USB Ports |
5 USB-A, 1 USB-B |
| Networking |
Yes |
| Heated Lid |
Adjustable |
| Instant Incubation |
Yes |
| S1000 Control |
Up to 3 additional S1000 thermal cyclers |
| Real-Time PCR Upgrade |
Compatible CFX optical reaction modules |
| Dimensions |
Approx. 13"W x 18"D x 8"H |
| Manufacturer Weight |
Approx. 23 lb. / 10 kg |
| Maximum Input Power |
Approx. 850 W |
| Frequency |
50–60 Hz, single phase |
| Condition |
Used / Refurbished |
| AIE Warranty |
90 Days |
Common Applications
The Bio-Rad C1000 Touch is suitable for conventional PCR amplification, gradient PCR, cloning, genotyping, mutagenesis, cycle sequencing, primer optimization, assay development, molecular screening, sequencing preparation, and other nucleic-acid research.
The combination of a standard 96-well format and fast thermal performance makes this configuration particularly useful for laboratories running established PCR protocols repeatedly throughout the day. Its gradient capability also gives researchers the flexibility needed to develop and optimize new methods on the same instrument.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The C1000 Touch is a strong fit for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical research laboratories, academic molecular biology groups, genomics facilities, university core laboratories, contract research organizations, agricultural biotechnology laboratories, research hospitals, and other facilities performing routine or developmental PCR.
It can work as a primary standalone thermal cycler in a smaller molecular biology laboratory or as the control center for a larger Bio-Rad thermal cycling setup using additional S1000 instruments.
96-Well Fast Reaction Module
The defining feature of this configuration is Bio-Rad's 96-Well Fast Reaction Module.
The block accommodates 96 x 0.2 mL PCR tubes or one compatible 96-well PCR plate. This standard format works well with commonly used PCR consumables and supports a broad range of conventional amplification protocols.
Where the Fast module distinguishes itself is thermal performance. Its maximum ramp rate reaches 5°C/sec, with an average ramp rate of approximately 3.3°C/sec.
For laboratories running multiple PCR batches per day, faster transitions between denaturation, annealing, and extension temperatures can contribute to shorter overall cycling times.
5°C/sec Maximum Ramp Rate
Ramp rate describes how quickly the reaction block can transition from one programmed temperature to another.
The 96-Well Fast module provides a maximum ramp rate of:
5°C/sec
and an average ramp rate of approximately:
3.3°C/sec.
This is substantially faster than the 2.5°C/sec maximum ramp rate of Bio-Rad's 96-Deep Well module.
Actual PCR run time depends on the complete protocol, including hold times, number of cycles, reaction volume, temperature differences, and other programmed conditions. The faster block nevertheless provides an important advantage for laboratories where thermal cycling throughput matters.
Temperature Range & Accuracy
The 96-Well Fast Reaction Module operates from 0°C to 100°C, covering the full range needed for conventional PCR protocols and many other temperature-controlled molecular biology procedures.
Bio-Rad specifies temperature accuracy of ±0.2°C of the programmed target at 90°C.
Precise temperature control is important when protocols use tightly optimized annealing conditions. Small deviations can affect primer binding, amplification efficiency, and specificity, particularly with challenging templates or primer sets.
Temperature Uniformity
Bio-Rad specifies well-to-well temperature uniformity of ±0.4°C within 10 seconds of reaching 90°C.
Good uniformity helps ensure that samples located at different positions within a 96-well plate experience similar thermal conditions.
This can be particularly important when a full plate represents one experiment and differences between wells need to reflect biological or experimental variables rather than positional temperature differences.
Gradient PCR Capability
The 96-Well Fast Reaction Module is gradient enabled.
Researchers can program a thermal gradient across a range of 30°C to 100°C with a differential between the lowest and highest temperatures of 1°C to 24°C.
Instead of assigning the entire block one temperature during a particular step, the system can expose different portions of the reaction block to different temperatures.
This is especially useful during annealing-temperature optimization.
Primer Optimization & Assay Development
Determining the best annealing temperature is one of the most common challenges when developing a new PCR assay.
An annealing temperature that is too low can encourage nonspecific primer binding. A temperature that is too high can reduce primer binding and amplification yield.
Gradient PCR allows a researcher to evaluate multiple conditions during one experiment. After examining the resulting PCR products, the most successful temperature can be selected for the final protocol.
This capability makes the C1000 Touch useful not only for routine amplification but also for primer development, assay optimization, troubleshooting, cloning method development, genotyping assay development, and other research workflows.
Peltier Thermal Control
The C1000 Touch uses Peltier-based heating and cooling to move the reaction block rapidly between programmed temperatures.
A conventional PCR protocol repeatedly cycles samples through denaturation, annealing, and extension stages. Peltier technology allows these transitions to occur electronically without compressors or circulating thermal fluids.
The combination of Peltier control and the Fast reaction block allows the system to deliver both rapid temperature transitions and repeatable thermal conditions.
8.5-Inch Color Touchscreen
The C1000 Touch incorporates an 8.5-inch color LCD touchscreen that provides direct access to protocol programming, run monitoring, stored methods, instrument settings, and file management.
The graphical interface represents a major advantage over older text-based thermal cyclers.
Researchers can visually review the sequence of temperatures, hold times, cycles, gradients, and other protocol parameters before beginning a run, making complex methods easier to understand and modify.
Protocol AutoWriter
Bio-Rad's Protocol AutoWriter helps users create an initial PCR protocol without manually entering every cycling step.
The researcher enters information such as polymerase, amplicon length, and primer annealing temperature and selects an appropriate cycling speed. The system then suggests a protocol that can be reviewed and modified before use.
AutoWriter does not replace assay optimization, but it can provide a useful starting point when establishing a new PCR method.
Protocol Storage & File Management
The C1000 Touch stores more than 1,000 typical PCR protocols in onboard memory.
Additional protocols can be stored using a USB flash drive, giving laboratories effectively unlimited removable storage for method files.
This is useful in shared laboratories where multiple researchers, projects, or departments use the same thermal cycler. Established methods can be retained rather than recreated for each experiment, helping improve workflow consistency and reducing setup time.
Calculated & Block Temperature Control
The C1000 Touch supports both calculated and block temperature-control modes.
Calculated control estimates the temperature experienced by the sample based on thermal-transfer behavior, while block control regulates according to the measured temperature of the reaction block.
Having both options can be useful when transferring established PCR protocols from different thermal cycler platforms.
A method originally developed using block control can continue to use that approach, while other protocols can take advantage of calculated sample-temperature control.
Adjustable Heated Lid
The heated lid applies controlled heat above the PCR vessels during cycling.
This helps limit condensation on tube caps and plate seals, keeping reaction liquid at the bottom of the vessel and helping preserve the intended reagent concentration.
The heated-lid system also eliminates the need for the mineral-oil overlays commonly used with older generations of PCR equipment.
Instant Incubation
The C1000 Touch can be used for simple temperature-controlled incubation without creating a complete cycling program.
The Instant Incubation function allows the block to hold samples at a selected temperature, extending the usefulness of the instrument beyond conventional PCR.
Potential uses include enzyme incubations, DNA denaturation, restriction-related procedures, post-PCR holds, and other temperature-controlled molecular biology steps.
C1000 Touch 96-Well Fast vs. 96-Deep Well
Bio-Rad offered both Fast and Deep Well 96-position modules for the C1000 Touch.
The 96-Well Fast module accommodates 96 x 0.2 mL tubes or one 96-well plate and provides a maximum ramp rate of 5°C/sec.
The 96-Deep Well module accommodates 96 x 0.2 mL tubes, 48 x 0.5 mL tubes, or one 96-well plate but has a maximum ramp rate of 2.5°C/sec.
The choice therefore comes down largely to application.
For laboratories primarily using standard 0.2 mL PCR consumables and prioritizing faster cycling, the 96-Well Fast configuration is the better fit.
For laboratories that need compatibility with larger 0.5 mL tubes, the Deep Well version provides additional flexibility.
C1000 Touch vs. S1000
The C1000 Touch and S1000 are part of the same Bio-Rad 1000-Series platform and can use the same standard interchangeable reaction modules.
When equipped with identical modules, their underlying block performance is similar. The primary difference is control and system architecture.
The C1000 Touch adds the large color touchscreen, graphical programming, Protocol AutoWriter, extensive file management, USB connectivity, networking, security options, exportable run logs, optical-module compatibility, and centralized control of additional S1000 thermal cyclers.
The S1000 is a simpler thermal cycler that can operate independently or serve as an expansion instrument controlled by a C1000 Touch.
Expandable Multi-Cycler Platform
One C1000 Touch can directly control up to three additional Bio-Rad S1000 thermal cyclers.
This gives laboratories a practical path for increasing PCR throughput. A facility can begin with a single C1000 Touch and add S1000 units as sample volume grows rather than replacing the original system.
A C1000 Touch plus three S1000 instruments creates a four-cycler workstation with centralized control while still allowing different instruments to support different appropriate PCR workflows.
Larger PC-controlled configurations can support additional 1000-Series systems for high-throughput environments.
Conventional PCR vs. Real-Time PCR
With the 96-Well Fast Reaction Module installed, the C1000 Touch is a conventional endpoint PCR thermal cycler.
It precisely controls reaction temperature but does not measure fluorescent signals during amplification.
After conventional PCR, amplified DNA can be evaluated using methods such as gel electrophoresis, sequencing, fragment analysis, cloning, or other downstream molecular techniques.
Real-time PCR, or qPCR, requires an optical detection system capable of measuring fluorescence during amplification.
Upgrade Path to CFX Real-Time PCR
One of the most unusual features of the C1000 Touch is that the chassis was designed to accept both conventional thermal blocks and compatible Bio-Rad CFX optical reaction modules.
A compatible CFX96 or CFX384 optical module can convert an appropriate C1000 Touch chassis into a real-time PCR platform.
This means a laboratory purchasing the C1000 Touch for conventional PCR can potentially retain the chassis if its future needs expand into qPCR.
The optical module itself must be present for real-time fluorescence detection; the standard 96-Well Fast module does not provide qPCR capability.
Cloning Applications
The C1000 Touch is well suited for PCR associated with molecular cloning.
Researchers can use it for insert amplification, colony PCR, vector verification, construct confirmation, mutagenesis, and other amplification steps.
Gradient capability can be particularly valuable when developing amplification conditions for new inserts or primer pairs.
Genotyping Applications
Conventional PCR remains widely used for research genotyping.
The 96-Well Fast C1000 Touch can support transgenic animal screening, gene-editing confirmation, plant genetics, research cohort analysis, knockout verification, and other PCR-based genotyping methods.
Its 96-well format provides enough throughput for substantial sample batches without requiring the smaller reaction volumes associated with 384-well systems.
Sequencing & Molecular Biology Workflows
PCR thermal cycling is frequently used upstream of sequencing and other analytical techniques.
The C1000 Touch can support amplicon generation, sequencing preparation, target amplification, cycle sequencing, molecular screening, and other temperature-controlled nucleic-acid workflows.
Its ability to store established methods is useful when these procedures are repeated routinely.
Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Research
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical laboratories can use the C1000 Touch for assay development, DNA amplification, molecular cloning, biomarker research, genotyping, mutagenesis, sequencing preparation, and general research screening.
The combination of fast thermal performance and gradient optimization makes the 96-Well Fast configuration useful during both method development and routine research.
Academic & Core Laboratory Applications
The C1000 Touch is also well suited for shared academic and core laboratory environments.
A single instrument can store protocols for many researchers, while the touchscreen simplifies operation for users with varying levels of thermal-cycler experience.
Core facilities can also take advantage of the S1000 expansion architecture when additional conventional PCR capacity is required.
Refurbishment & Testing by American Instrument Exchange
Thermal cyclers rely on accurate heating and cooling, consistent reaction-block performance, reliable electronics, a properly functioning heated lid, and responsive control systems.
American Instrument Exchange tests used and refurbished laboratory equipment to confirm proper operation before shipment. For a thermal cycler such as the C1000 Touch, evaluation focuses on the major operating functions of the instrument, including the controller, reaction module, heating and cooling operation, program execution, touchscreen, heated lid, and general electrical and mechanical condition.
If customers have particular testing requirements or want the instrument evaluated under specific operating conditions, they can discuss those requirements with American Instrument Exchange before shipment.
The instrument is also thoroughly cleaned and prepared for laboratory use.
Refurbished Bio-Rad PCR Systems from American Instrument Exchange
Purchasing a refurbished Bio-Rad C1000 Touch can provide laboratories with a capable PCR platform at a significantly lower acquisition cost than many current-generation thermal cyclers.
The 1000-Series platform remains especially attractive for laboratories that already own compatible Bio-Rad equipment, reaction modules, PCR consumables, or established protocols.
American Instrument Exchange supplies used and refurbished thermal cyclers along with centrifuges, microcentrifuges, incubators, shakers, refrigerators, freezers, ultra-low freezers, biosafety cabinets, and other laboratory equipment.
This Bio-Rad C1000 Touch is backed by a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
Shipping & Installation
The C1000 Touch chassis measures approximately 13"W x 18"D x 8"H and weighs approximately 23 lb. according to Bio-Rad's published specifications.
Its compact benchtop design makes installation relatively straightforward. Laboratories should provide a stable work surface, adequate ventilation around the instrument, appropriate electrical service, and enough surrounding workspace to load and unload PCR plates safely.
Compatible 0.2 mL PCR tubes or 96-well PCR plates and appropriate caps or seals are required for this Fast reaction module.
For laboratories performing PCR routinely, sample preparation should be organized according to appropriate contamination-control procedures to minimize the possibility of amplified DNA contaminating pre-PCR work areas.
Related Laboratory Equipment
Laboratories using the Bio-Rad C1000 Touch may also need microcentrifuges, benchtop centrifuges, vortex mixers, pipettes, appropriate PCR workstations or clean benches for nonhazardous pre-PCR workflows, electrophoresis equipment, gel documentation systems, laboratory refrigerators, laboratory freezers, ultra-low freezers, and real-time PCR systems.
American Instrument Exchange supplies refurbished and new laboratory equipment for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic, clinical research, and industrial laboratories.
Bio-Rad C1000 Touch with 96-Well Fast Reaction Module FAQs
What is the Bio-Rad C1000 Touch?
The C1000 Touch is a modular PCR thermal cycler designed for conventional DNA amplification, gradient PCR, cloning, genotyping, assay development, mutagenesis, cycle sequencing, and other molecular biology applications.
Which reaction module is installed on this C1000 Touch?
This instrument includes Bio-Rad's 96-Well Fast Reaction Module.
What is the Bio-Rad catalog number for the Fast module?
The 96-Well Fast Reaction Module is catalog number 1840196. Bio-Rad listed the complete C1000 Touch system with this module as catalog number 1851196.
How many samples can the Fast module accommodate?
It accommodates 96 x 0.2 mL PCR tubes or one compatible 96-well PCR plate.
Can the 96-Well Fast module use 0.5 mL tubes?
No. Laboratories requiring 0.5 mL tube compatibility should use the 96-Deep Well module, which supports up to 48 x 0.5 mL tubes.
What is the maximum ramp rate?
The 96-Well Fast module has a maximum ramp rate of 5°C/sec.
What is the average ramp rate?
Bio-Rad specifies an average ramp rate of approximately 3.3°C/sec.
Is this faster than the C1000 96-Deep Well module?
Yes. The Fast module has a maximum ramp rate of 5°C/sec compared with 2.5°C/sec for the Deep Well module.
What is the temperature range?
The reaction block operates from 0°C to 100°C.
What is the temperature accuracy?
Bio-Rad specifies ±0.2°C of the programmed target at 90°C.
What is the temperature uniformity?
Bio-Rad specifies ±0.4°C well-to-well within 10 seconds of reaching 90°C.
Does this C1000 Touch support gradient PCR?
Yes. The 96-Well Fast Reaction Module is gradient enabled.
What is the gradient range?
The programmable gradient range is 30°C to 100°C.
How wide can the temperature gradient be?
The temperature differential can be programmed from 1°C to 24°C.
Why would I use gradient PCR?
Gradient PCR allows several temperatures to be evaluated during the same experiment, making it particularly useful for optimizing primer annealing temperatures and developing new assays.
Does the C1000 Touch have a touchscreen?
Yes. The instrument has an 8.5-inch color LCD touchscreen.
What is Protocol AutoWriter?
Protocol AutoWriter is Bio-Rad's automated protocol-development tool. It generates a suggested PCR method based on information entered by the user, such as polymerase, amplicon length, primer annealing temperature, and desired cycling speed.
How many protocols can the C1000 Touch store?
The instrument can store more than 1,000 typical programs onboard, with additional storage available using a USB flash drive.
Can the C1000 Touch control S1000 thermal cyclers?
Yes. One C1000 Touch can directly control up to three additional S1000 thermal cyclers.
Is this a real-time PCR system?
Not in this configuration. With the 96-Well Fast Reaction Module installed, the C1000 Touch performs conventional endpoint PCR.
Can the C1000 Touch be converted to real-time PCR?
A compatible C1000 Touch chassis can accept appropriate Bio-Rad CFX optical reaction modules, allowing the platform to be configured for real-time PCR.
Can it be used for cloning?
Yes. Common applications include insert amplification, colony PCR, vector verification, construct confirmation, and other molecular cloning workflows.
Can it be used for genotyping?
Yes. The C1000 Touch is well suited for conventional PCR-based genotyping and screening applications.
Can it be used for sequencing workflows?
Yes. It can support cycle sequencing, amplicon generation, target amplification, and other PCR steps used in sequencing workflows.
What is the difference between the C1000 Touch and S1000?
The two systems can use the same standard reaction modules, but the C1000 Touch adds the color touchscreen, graphical programming, Protocol AutoWriter, expanded file management, networking, security and reporting functions, optical-module compatibility, and the ability to control additional S1000 thermal cyclers.
What are the dimensions?
The C1000 Touch chassis measures approximately 13"W x 18"D x 8"H.
How much does it weigh?
Bio-Rad specifies approximately 23 lb. for the C1000 Touch chassis.
Is the C1000 Touch still manufactured?
The C1000 Touch and its original 1000-Series reaction modules are now legacy/discontinued Bio-Rad products. Refurbished systems remain an option for laboratories that want to continue using this established modular PCR platform.
Is this C1000 Touch available used and refurbished?
Yes. American Instrument Exchange offers this C1000 Touch with 96-Well Fast Reaction Module used and refurbished.
What warranty is included?
American Instrument Exchange includes a 90-day warranty with its used and refurbished equipment unless otherwise specified.
