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Thermo Forma 310 Direct Heat CO₂ Incubator
Maintaining a stable incubation environment is essential for successful mammalian cell culture, tissue engineering, and other sensitive biological applications. The Thermo Forma 310 Direct Heat CO₂ Incubator was designed to provide dependable temperature control, accurate carbon dioxide regulation, and high humidity in a compact, easy-to-operate platform. Featuring a 184-liter (6.5 cubic foot) chamber, direct heat technology, a polished stainless steel interior, and microprocessor controls, the Forma 310 has become a trusted incubator in research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical facilities, and clinical laboratories around the world.
Unlike traditional water-jacketed incubators, the Forma 310 uses a direct heat system that delivers rapid temperature recovery following routine door openings while reducing weight and simplifying installation. The Model 310 utilizes a thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor for dependable atmospheric regulation from 0% to 20% CO₂, while maintaining temperatures from 5°C above ambient to 50°C. High humidity levels help minimize media evaporation during extended culture periods, and the stackable cabinet design allows laboratories to maximize valuable floor space without sacrificing incubation capacity. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma 310 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a proven cell culture incubator at significant savings compared with purchasing new equipment.
Thermo Forma 310 Direct Heat CO₂ Incubator Key Features
Approximately 184 L (6.5 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Direct heat incubation system
Temperature range from 5°C above ambient to 50°C
Thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor
CO₂ range from 0% to 20%
High-humidity incubation environment
Polished stainless steel interior
Microprocessor temperature and CO₂ controls
Inner tempered glass door
Stackable cabinet design
Audible and visual alarm system
Adjustable stainless steel shelving
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for Reliable Cell Culture
The Thermo Forma 310 was engineered for laboratories requiring dependable environmental control for routine mammalian cell culture and other biological research applications. Its 184-liter chamber provides generous space for tissue culture flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, and other standard laboratory vessels while maintaining stable temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide conditions.
The direct heat design minimizes recovery times after door openings, allowing cultures to return quickly to their programmed environment. Combined with microprocessor-based controls and dependable CO₂ regulation, the Forma 310 supports consistent experimental conditions throughout extended incubation periods.
Common Applications
The Thermo Forma 310 Direct Heat CO₂ Incubator is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Cancer biology
Tissue engineering
Regenerative medicine
Pharmaceutical research
Biotechnology research
Vaccine development
Academic biomedical research
Clinical laboratory research
Long-term cell culture studies
Its combination of stable environmental control, generous chamber capacity, and straightforward operation makes it suitable for both routine laboratory workflows and advanced biological research.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Forma 310 is well suited for university research laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospital research facilities, clinical laboratories, and contract research organizations performing routine mammalian cell culture.
Its stackable design also makes it an excellent solution for laboratories looking to increase incubation capacity while conserving valuable floor space.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
The Forma 310 utilizes a direct heat heating system designed to maintain uniform chamber temperatures while rapidly recovering after routine door openings. Temperature control is maintained over a range of 5°C above ambient to 50°C, with microprocessor electronics continuously monitoring chamber conditions for consistent performance. The thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor regulates carbon dioxide concentrations from 0% to 20%, providing dependable atmospheric control for standard cell culture applications.
The incubator maintains relative humidity levels approaching 95% at 37°C using a large humidity reservoir that helps minimize evaporation of culture media during long-term incubation. An inner tempered glass door allows researchers to inspect cultures while minimizing disruption to the chamber environment, improving recovery following routine observation.
Direct Heat Performance and Laboratory Reliability
The direct heat design eliminates the need for a water jacket while still providing excellent environmental stability. This reduces overall instrument weight, simplifies installation, and allows the incubator to respond more rapidly to temperature changes following door openings.
The polished stainless steel chamber is designed for easy cleaning, while adjustable shelving provides flexibility for a wide range of culture vessels and laboratory workflows. Combined with programmable alarms, dependable environmental controls, and a compact footprint, the Thermo Forma 310 continues to be a reliable choice for laboratories requiring consistent cell culture performance.
Sample Storage Recommendations
The 184-liter (6.5 cubic foot) chamber of the Thermo Forma 310 provides ample space for laboratories performing routine cell culture, tissue engineering, and other biological research applications. The chamber accommodates T-flasks, tissue culture dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, spinner flasks, and other commonly used culture vessels while maintaining stable temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels.
Adjustable stainless steel shelves allow users to configure the chamber to suit a variety of vessel sizes and experimental workflows. For optimum environmental uniformity, culture vessels should be evenly distributed throughout the chamber with sufficient clearance between shelves to allow unrestricted air circulation. Proper spacing helps promote rapid recovery following door openings while maintaining consistent incubation conditions throughout the chamber.
Laboratories maintaining multiple cell lines or independent research projects often dedicate individual shelves to separate studies, reducing unnecessary handling while improving organization and minimizing opportunities for cross-contamination.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The Thermo Forma 310 utilizes a direct heat design that eliminates the need for a water jacket, reducing overall weight while simplifying installation and routine maintenance. The direct heat system also provides rapid temperature recovery after door openings, allowing the incubator to maintain stable environmental conditions without the added complexity associated with water-jacketed systems.
The polished stainless steel chamber is designed for straightforward cleaning, while the microprocessor controller continuously monitors chamber conditions to maintain accurate temperature and carbon dioxide levels. The thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor provides dependable atmospheric regulation for standard cell culture applications and can be calibrated as part of routine preventative maintenance.
Combined with its durable construction, dependable environmental control, and relatively simple mechanical design, the Forma 310 offers an economical solution for laboratories seeking reliable long-term incubation performance.
Thermo Forma 310 Direct Heat CO₂ Incubator Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo Scientific
Model
Forma 310
Incubator Type
Direct Heat CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
184 L (6.5 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
Ambient +5°C to 50°C
Heating System
Direct Heat
CO₂ Range
0% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor
Thermal Conductivity
Relative Humidity
Up to 95% at 37°C
Chamber Material
Polished Stainless Steel
Interior Dimensions
23.5" W × 22.0" D × 23.5" H
Exterior Dimensions
27.8" W × 28.3" D × 39.0" H
Electrical Requirements
115 V, 50/60 Hz
Approximate Weight
185 lb (84 kg)
Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.
Thermo Forma 310 Direct Heat CO₂ Incubator Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of a direct heat incubator?
Direct heat incubators warm the chamber using electric heating elements rather than a surrounding water jacket. This design reduces instrument weight, simplifies installation, and provides rapid temperature recovery after routine door openings.
Is the Forma 310 suitable for routine mammalian cell culture?
Yes. The Forma 310 was designed specifically for mammalian cell culture and provides stable temperature, carbon dioxide, and humidity control suitable for routine research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and clinical laboratory applications.
What type of CO₂ sensor does the Forma 310 use?
The Forma 310 uses a thermal conductivity CO₂ sensor to regulate chamber carbon dioxide concentrations between 0% and 20%. This sensor provides dependable performance for standard laboratory cell culture applications.
Can the Forma 310 accommodate different culture vessel sizes?
Yes. Adjustable stainless steel shelves allow the chamber to be configured for T-flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, spinner flasks, and a variety of other laboratory vessels.
Does the incubator include an inner glass door?
Yes. The heated tempered glass inner door allows users to observe cultures while minimizing environmental disturbance and improving recovery after the outer door is opened.
What laboratories commonly use the Thermo Forma 310?
The Forma 310 is commonly found in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, universities, hospitals, research institutes, and clinical laboratories performing mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, tissue engineering, and related biological applications.
Is the Forma 310 a good choice for laboratories with limited floor space?
Yes. The Forma 310 features a stackable cabinet design, allowing laboratories to increase incubation capacity while making efficient use of valuable laboratory floor space.
Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Forma 310 from American Instrument Exchange?
Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma 310 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a dependable direct heat CO₂ incubator at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment. Combining a 184-liter chamber, rapid direct heat recovery, stable thermal conductivity CO₂ control, and a durable stainless steel interior, the Forma 310 delivers reliable performance for a wide range of cell culture applications. Every incubator is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty for added confidence.
Want to view a video of this unit? Click Hereto see the Thermo Forma 310 on the American Instrument Exchange YouTube channel.
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished CO₂ Laboratory Incubators Ensure Atmosphere Control, Temperature Accuracy, and Regulatory Compliance
At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished CO₂ incubators undergo a multi-step testing and calibration process. These procedures are designed to ensure precise environmental control, microbial safety, and long-term reliability—critical for cell culture, IVF, tissue engineering, and pharmaceutical R&D applications.
Why Testing Used CO₂ Incubators Is Essential
Before a CO₂ incubator is redeployed into a laboratory, it must be thoroughly tested for:
• CO₂ sensor accuracy and gas concentration control
• Temperature uniformity and stability
• Humidity system function
• HEPA filtration and contamination control
• Electrical and safety compliance
Proper testing ensures viable growth environments for sensitive cultures and prevents costly contamination or culture loss in high-stakes lab environments.
Our standardized refurbishment protocol ensures used CO₂ incubators deliver laboratory grade performance at a fraction of the cost of comparable new units.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used CO₂ Incubators
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Inspect the exterior for corrosion, dents, or door alignment issues
• Check door gasket integrity and hinge function
• Verify presence and condition of internal shelves, water pans, and humidity trays
• Examine power cords, gas connectors, and display interfaces for signs of wear
2. Functional Startup Test
• Power on the unit and check for successful system boot
• Verify touchscreen or keypad response, and test all user-programmable settings
• Check door alarms and temperature/CO₂ alerts
3. Temperature Control and Uniformity Testing
• Use temperature probes to verify internal temperature accuracy
• Monitor temperature uniformity across multiple chamber zones
• Ensure fast recovery times after door openings
4. CO₂ Sensor Testing and Gas Delivery System Test
• Test accuracy of infrared (IR) or thermal conductivity (TC) CO₂ sensors using certified reference gas and probes/Fyrite analyzers
• Test inlet pressure regulators and gas flow control systems
• Confirm stable CO₂ levels at multiple setpoints (e.g., 5%, 10%)
• Check for proper mixing and diffusion throughout the chamber
5. Humidity and Contamination Control Testing
• Test humidity generation (via water pan or active system) and verify chamber RH levels
• Inspect HEPA filters (if equipped) and airflow systems for particulate control
• Sanitize interior and confirm antimicrobial coatings or copper components are intact
6. Electrical Safety and Compliance Check
• Ensure proper grounding and insulation of all electrical components
• Perform leak and continuity testing
• Verify the unit meets electrical safety standards for laboratory environments
7. Final Quality Assurance and Performance Validation
• Run a 24-hour performance cycle with monitored CO₂, temperature, and RH
• Document data and final readings
• Complete service report
All refurbished CO₂ incubators sold by American Instrument Exchange are tested to meet the performance demands of today's advanced laboratory workflows—ensuring safety, precision, and peace of mind with every unit.
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.
