Forma 3956 Reach-In CO₂ Incubator
The Forma 3956 Reach-In CO₂ Incubator is a large-capacity environmental chamber designed for cell culture, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and other laboratory applications requiring controlled temperature, CO₂, and elevated humidity on a much larger scale than a conventional benchtop incubator. With an approximately 32 cu. ft. reach-in chamber, temperature control from ambient +5°C to 60°C, and a 0–20% CO₂ range, the Forma 3956 provides substantial capacity for laboratories maintaining large numbers of culture vessels, oversized containers, or higher-volume experimental workloads.
Available used and refurbished from American Instrument Exchange, the Forma 3956 remains a useful option for laboratories that need large-capacity CO₂ incubation without investing in a newer reach-in chamber. Its upright cabinet configuration provides significantly more usable culture space than standard 5- to 8-cu.-ft. CO₂ incubators, while the glass door allows researchers to inspect samples without immediately exposing the chamber to the surrounding laboratory environment.
Key Features
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Approximately 32 cu. ft. reach-in chamber
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Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 60°C
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0–20% CO₂ control range
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Microprocessor-controlled temperature and CO₂ systems
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Thermal conductivity CO₂ sensing
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High-humidity operation for cell culture applications
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Large upright chamber for high-volume incubation
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Glass door for viewing cultures and samples
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Stainless steel chamber construction
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Adjustable shelving for flexible culture configurations
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Fan-assisted air circulation
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User-programmable temperature and CO₂ alarms
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Internal electrical outlet for compatible laboratory equipment
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Professionally inspected and tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included
Forma 3956 Reach-In CO₂ Incubator Overview
The Forma 3956 addresses a very different capacity requirement than a conventional benchtop CO₂ incubator. Instead of a chamber measuring roughly 150 to 250 liters, this reach-in system provides approximately 32 cu. ft. of usable incubation space, making it suitable for laboratories with large-scale culture requirements or samples that simply will not fit efficiently into smaller chambers.
The tall upright interior can be configured with multiple shelves, allowing researchers to organize large quantities of flasks, dishes, bottles, plates, and other culture vessels within a single controlled environment. Shelving can be repositioned to create additional vertical clearance when larger vessels or specialized experimental apparatus must be accommodated.
Temperature is controlled from approximately 5°C above ambient to 60°C using a microprocessor-based system. Fan-assisted circulation distributes conditioned air throughout the large chamber, helping maintain consistent environmental conditions around samples positioned at different heights.
CO₂ concentration is adjustable from 0–20% and monitored using a thermal conductivity sensor. Elevated humidity helps reduce evaporation from culture media during prolonged incubation, making the Forma 3956 suitable for large-scale cell culture and other biological applications requiring a warm, humidified, CO₂-enriched atmosphere.
For laboratories that routinely exceed the capacity of conventional CO₂ incubators, the Forma 3956 can consolidate cultures that might otherwise require several smaller units into a single large environmental chamber.
Common Applications
The Forma 3956 is well suited for large-scale mammalian cell culture, biotechnology research, pharmaceutical development, tissue culture, vaccine research, cell biology, process development, production support, and other applications requiring substantially more controlled incubation space than a conventional benchtop system can provide.
Its reach-in format can be particularly valuable for laboratories working with large numbers of culture vessels, oversized containers, specialized experimental setups, or high-throughput projects. The large chamber also provides flexibility for shared facilities where different researchers or projects require dedicated shelf space within a common controlled environment.
Large-scale cell culture workflows may combine the Forma 3956 with biosafety cabinets for aseptic culture handling and laboratory centrifuges for cell harvesting and sample processing. Laboratory refrigerators provide storage for media and reagents, while ultra-low temperature freezers can support long-term preservation of cell stocks and other biological materials.
Cell Types & Culture Recommendations
The Forma 3956 provides the controlled temperature, CO₂, and humidified environment required for a broad range of conventional CO₂-dependent culture applications. The primary reason to select this model over a standard laboratory CO₂ incubator is not necessarily a different type of culture, but the substantially greater amount of usable chamber space.
Common Cell Types
Typical Culture Vessels & Equipment
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T-flasks
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Multiwell plates
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Cell culture dishes
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Roller bottles
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Media and culture bottles
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Large culture vessels
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Racks containing multiple culture containers
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Compatible powered laboratory equipment
The tall chamber and adjustable shelving make the Forma 3956 particularly adaptable. Laboratories can configure numerous shelves for high-density storage of smaller vessels or remove and reposition shelves to create clearance for larger containers and experimental apparatus.
An internal electrical outlet can also support appropriately rated powered equipment within the controlled chamber. This can expand the incubator's usefulness for specialized applications, although equipment dimensions, electrical load, heat output, and compatibility with humidified incubation conditions should always be evaluated before use.
Environmental Control & Contamination Protection
Maintaining uniform conditions becomes increasingly important as chamber size increases. The Forma 3956 uses fan-assisted circulation to continuously mix the chamber atmosphere and distribute temperature, CO₂, and humidity throughout its large upright interior.
Temperature is controlled by a microprocessor PID system, providing precise regulation across the operating range. The platform is designed for temperature uniformity of approximately ±0.3°C at 37°C under specified operating conditions, helping cultures positioned on different shelves experience comparable incubation temperatures.
CO₂ concentration is regulated from 0–20% using a thermal conductivity sensor and microprocessor PID control. Programmable alarms can alert laboratory personnel when temperature or CO₂ conditions move outside established parameters, providing additional protection for cultures during extended or unattended incubation periods.
The incubator also supports high-humidity operation, with selectable humidity conditions exceeding approximately 80% RH in medium-humidity operation and 90% RH in high-humidity operation. Maintaining elevated humidity helps reduce evaporation from culture media during long-term incubation, particularly important when large numbers of vessels are housed within the chamber.
Stainless steel interior construction provides a durable, corrosion-resistant surface for routine cleaning. The large glass door allows researchers to visually inspect cultures and experimental setups before opening the chamber, helping reduce unnecessary environmental disturbances.
For a vintage reach-in incubator such as the Forma 3956, the primary value lies in the combination of large culture capacity and straightforward environmental control. Laboratories that do not require modern touchscreen controls, integrated high-temperature sterilization, or advanced electronic data management can still obtain substantial usable incubation capacity from this proven platform.
Forma 3956 Reach-In CO₂ Incubator Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Forma Scientific |
| Model |
3956 |
| Equipment Type |
Reach-In CO₂ Incubator |
| Chamber Capacity |
Approximately 32 cu. ft. for AIE-listed unit |
| Temperature Range |
Ambient +5°C to 60°C |
| Temperature Control |
Microprocessor PID |
| Temperature Setpoint Resolution |
0.1°C |
| Temperature Uniformity |
Approximately ±0.3°C at 37°C |
| CO₂ Range |
0–20% |
| CO₂ Control |
Microprocessor PID |
| CO₂ Sensor |
Thermal conductivity |
| CO₂ Readability |
0.1% |
| Humidity |
Selectable medium/high humidity operation |
| High Humidity |
Greater than 90% RH under specified conditions |
| Air Circulation |
Fan-assisted |
| Interior Material |
Stainless steel |
| Door |
Glass |
| Shelving |
Adjustable stainless steel |
| Internal Electrical Outlet |
Available for compatible equipment |
| Access Ports |
Side access ports on applicable configurations |
| Approximate Interior Dimensions (W × H × D) |
31" × 60" × 27" |
| Approximate Exterior Dimensions (W × H × D) |
38" × 80" × 33" |
| Approximate Weight |
500 lb. |
| Electrical Requirements |
Configuration dependent; confirm individual unit |
| Alarms |
Temperature, CO₂, and power monitoring |
The American Instrument Exchange listing identifies this Forma 3956 as having approximately 32 cu. ft. of chamber capacity. Published specifications for different versions of the 3950 Series vary, so dimensions, electrical requirements, chamber capacity, shelving, and installed features should be confirmed for the individual incubator before purchase.
Forma 3956 Reach-In CO₂ Incubator Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Forma 3956 different from a standard CO₂ incubator?
The biggest difference is capacity. The Forma 3956 is a full-height reach-in incubator with approximately 32 cu. ft. of chamber space, compared with roughly 5 to 8 cu. ft. for many conventional laboratory CO₂ incubators. It is intended for laboratories that need to incubate substantially larger quantities of cultures or larger vessels within a single controlled environment.
What is the temperature and CO₂ range of the Forma 3956?
The AIE-listed Forma 3956 provides a temperature range of approximately 5°C above ambient to 60°C and a 0–20% CO₂ range, allowing it to support a broad range of conventional CO₂-dependent culture applications.
Is the Forma 3956 suitable for large-scale cell culture?
Yes. Large-scale cell culture is one of the strongest use cases for a reach-in CO₂ incubator. The tall chamber can accommodate numerous shelves of culture vessels or be reconfigured for larger containers and specialized experimental setups.
Does the Forma 3956 control humidity?
The Forma 3956 supports elevated-humidity operation, including a high-humidity setting exceeding approximately 90% RH under specified conditions. High humidity helps limit evaporation from culture media during extended incubation.
Why would a laboratory choose an older reach-in incubator instead of several smaller CO₂ incubators?
A single reach-in chamber can consolidate large quantities of cultures into one controlled environment and can accommodate vessels or equipment that may not fit inside conventional incubators. Smaller incubators offer advantages in segregation and redundancy, however, so the better approach depends on culture volume, workflow, available space, and the consequences of having multiple projects housed in one chamber.
Is this Forma 3956 refurbished?
Used Forma 3956 reach-in incubators offered by American Instrument Exchange are inspected, cleaned, and tested prior to shipment. CO₂ incubators are evaluated for temperature and CO₂ performance, with components replaced as necessary to restore proper operation. Refurbished equipment includes a 90-day warranty.
