Thermo Forma 3140

Brand : Forma

Product Code : SKU 3177DD INC

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Thermo Forma 3140 Series II Tri-Gas CO₂/O₂ Incubator

Modern cell culture increasingly requires more than simply maintaining temperature and carbon dioxide concentration. Research involving stem cells, regenerative medicine, cancer biology, embryo culture, and physiologically relevant cell models often demands precise oxygen regulation to recreate the low-oxygen environments found within living tissues. The Thermo Forma 3140 Series II Tri-Gas Incubator was designed specifically for these advanced applications by combining accurate CO₂ control, programmable oxygen regulation, and the exceptional thermal stability of a water-jacketed incubation system. With a 6.5 cubic foot (184-liter) chamber, infrared CO₂ sensing, and oxygen control from 1% to 21%, the Forma 3140 provides laboratories with the flexibility to perform both conventional cell culture and hypoxic research within a single incubator.

Unlike standard CO₂ incubators that operate only under atmospheric oxygen conditions, the Forma 3140 allows researchers to precisely regulate oxygen concentrations to better simulate in vivo physiology. Its triple-wall water-jacketed construction provides outstanding temperature uniformity while protecting valuable cultures during brief power interruptions. Continuous HEPA air filtration, polished stainless steel construction, and an intuitive microprocessor control system further support long-term culture success by maintaining a clean, stable incubation environment. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma 3140 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with an advanced tri-gas incubation platform at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.

Key Features

Approximately 6.5 cu. ft. (184 L) chamber capacity
Water-jacketed triple-wall construction
Infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor
Oxygen control from 1% to 21%
CO₂ range from 0% to 20%
Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 45°C
Continuous HEPA filtration
ISO Class 5 (Class 100) chamber air quality
Polished stainless steel interior
Heated dual-pane inner glass door
Digital Enviro-Scan microprocessor controls
Adjustable stainless steel shelving
Audible and visual alarms
Remote alarm capability
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Designed for Physiologic Oxygen Research

The defining feature of the Thermo Forma 3140 is its ability to reproduce physiologic oxygen concentrations that more closely resemble conditions found inside the human body. While atmospheric oxygen measures approximately 21%, many tissues naturally exist between 1% and 8% oxygen. By allowing researchers to regulate oxygen independently of carbon dioxide, the Forma 3140 supports experiments that would be difficult or impossible in a conventional CO₂ incubator.

This capability makes the incubator particularly valuable for laboratories studying stem cell differentiation, cancer biology, angiogenesis, developmental biology, ischemia, wound healing, and regenerative medicine. Researchers can create reproducible hypoxic environments while maintaining the stable temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels required for healthy cell growth.

The spacious 6.5 cubic foot chamber accommodates tissue culture flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, spinner flasks, roller bottles, and other commonly used culture vessels. Adjustable shelving allows the chamber to be configured for changing experimental workflows while maximizing available incubation space.

Common Applications

The Thermo Forma 3140 is commonly used for:

Stem cell research
Hypoxic cell culture
Cancer biology
Tumor microenvironment research
Regenerative medicine
Tissue engineering
Embryology and IVF research
Primary mammalian cell culture
Angiogenesis studies
Ischemia and reperfusion research
Pharmaceutical development
Biotechnology research
Cell therapy development
Long-term maintenance of oxygen-sensitive cell lines

Its ability to independently regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide makes the Forma 3140 an excellent solution for laboratories performing advanced cell culture under physiologic oxygen conditions.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The Thermo Forma 3140 is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, university research laboratories, hospital research centers, IVF laboratories, regenerative medicine programs, and contract research organizations performing advanced mammalian cell culture.

The incubator is particularly valuable for laboratories transitioning from conventional atmospheric cell culture toward more physiologically relevant hypoxic research models. Its combination of large chamber capacity and precise environmental control also makes it well suited for core research facilities supporting multiple investigators.

Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability

Unlike direct-heat incubators that prioritize rapid recovery, the Thermo Forma 3140 emphasizes maximum thermal stability through its triple-wall water-jacketed construction. The water jacket surrounds the incubation chamber with a large thermal reservoir that minimizes temperature fluctuations during routine door openings and provides additional protection for valuable cultures during short-term power interruptions.

An infrared CO₂ sensor continuously monitors carbon dioxide concentrations independently of chamber humidity, providing highly accurate atmospheric regulation throughout long-term culture experiments. Oxygen concentrations can be programmed from 1% to 21%, allowing researchers to precisely reproduce physiologic or hypoxic conditions while maintaining temperatures from ambient +5°C to 45°C. Together, these systems create a highly stable incubation environment for demanding research applications.

Physiologic Oxygen Control

For many advanced cell culture applications, oxygen concentration is just as important as temperature and carbon dioxide. Cells grown under atmospheric oxygen often behave differently than cells cultured under the lower oxygen concentrations found naturally within human tissues. The Forma 3140 addresses this challenge through programmable oxygen control that allows researchers to establish reproducible hypoxic conditions tailored to specific experimental protocols.

Continuous HEPA filtration further enhances the incubation environment by filtering the entire chamber air volume approximately once every minute, restoring ISO Class 5 (Class 100) air quality shortly after door openings. Combined with the polished stainless steel chamber, removable shelving, and heated dual-pane inner glass door, these features help protect valuable cultures throughout extended incubation periods while reducing the risk of contamination.

Sample Storage Recommendations

With approximately 6.5 cubic feet (184 liters) of usable chamber capacity, the Thermo Forma 3140 provides ample incubation space for laboratories conducting both routine cell culture and advanced hypoxic research. The spacious interior accommodates T-flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, spinner flasks, roller bottles, cell culture bags, embryo culture systems, and other vessels commonly used in biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and pharmaceutical research.

Adjustable stainless steel shelving allows researchers to configure the chamber for a variety of vessel sizes while maximizing usable incubation capacity. To maintain uniform environmental conditions, culture vessels should be evenly distributed throughout the chamber with adequate spacing to promote unrestricted airflow. Proper organization supports consistent temperature, humidity, oxygen, and CO₂ distribution while minimizing localized environmental variation.

Many laboratories dedicate specific shelves or sections of the chamber to individual research programs or oxygen-sensitive cell lines. Because hypoxic cultures can require extended incubation with minimal disturbance, reducing unnecessary door openings helps preserve environmental stability and minimizes recovery time following chamber access.

Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs

The Thermo Forma 3140 was engineered for laboratories where long-term environmental stability is more important than rapid heating cycles. Its triple-wall water-jacketed construction surrounds the chamber with a large thermal reservoir that minimizes temperature fluctuations while providing additional protection during brief power interruptions.

Although water-jacketed incubators require more time to reach operating temperature than direct-heat models, they excel at maintaining highly stable chamber conditions during continuous operation. This thermal stability makes the Forma 3140 particularly well suited for long-term experiments involving valuable or oxygen-sensitive cell cultures where even small environmental changes may influence experimental outcomes.

Continuous HEPA filtration helps maintain cleaner chamber air throughout routine operation, while the polished stainless steel interior and removable shelving simplify routine maintenance. Together, these design features support dependable long-term operation in research laboratories performing demanding cell culture applications.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Thermo Forma
Model	3140 Series II
Incubator Type	Water-Jacketed Tri-Gas CO₂/O₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity	Approximately 184 L (6.5 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range	Ambient +5°C to 45°C
CO₂ Range	0% to 20%
O₂ Control Range	1% to 21%
CO₂ Sensor	Infrared (IR)
Air Filtration	Continuous HEPA Filtration
Chamber Air Quality	ISO Class 5 (Class 100)
Humidity Control	Up to Approximately 95% Relative Humidity
Chamber Material	Polished Stainless Steel
Door Configuration	Heated Dual-Pane Inner Glass Door
Construction	Triple-Wall Water Jacket
Controller	Enviro-Scan Digital Microprocessor
Shelving	Adjustable Stainless Steel Shelves
Interior Dimensions	Approximately 20.0" W × 20.0" D × 31.0" H
Exterior Dimensions	Approximately 27.5" W × 33.0" D × 39.0" H
Alarm System	Audible, Visual, and Remote Alarm Capability
Electrical Requirements	120 V
Approximate Weight	Approximately 360 lb

Specifications are believed to be accurate but may vary depending on factory-installed options. Please verify all specifications prior to purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Thermo Forma 3140 different from a standard CO₂ incubator?

The Forma 3140 is a tri-gas incubator, allowing researchers to independently control oxygen, carbon dioxide, and temperature. This enables physiologic and hypoxic cell culture that cannot be achieved with conventional CO₂ incubators operating at atmospheric oxygen levels.

Why is oxygen control important for cell culture?

Many tissues within the human body naturally exist in oxygen concentrations between 1% and 8%, substantially lower than atmospheric oxygen. Controlling oxygen allows researchers to create more physiologically relevant culture conditions for stem cells, cancer cells, and other oxygen-sensitive cell types.

What are the benefits of a water-jacketed incubator?

The triple-wall water jacket provides exceptional temperature stability by surrounding the chamber with a large thermal mass. This minimizes temperature fluctuations during routine door openings and helps protect valuable cultures during short-term power interruptions.

Why does the Forma 3140 use an infrared CO₂ sensor?

Infrared CO₂ sensors measure carbon dioxide independently of chamber humidity, providing highly accurate atmospheric regulation over long incubation periods. This helps maintain stable media pH and supports reproducible experimental conditions.

What types of research is the Forma 3140 best suited for?

The incubator is commonly used for stem cell research, regenerative medicine, cancer biology, tumor microenvironment studies, embryology, IVF research, tissue engineering, angiogenesis, ischemia research, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, and other applications requiring precise oxygen regulation.

How does continuous HEPA filtration benefit researchers?

The HEPA filtration system continuously recirculates and filters chamber air, restoring ISO Class 5 (Class 100) air quality after routine door openings. Cleaner chamber air helps reduce contamination risk during long-term cell culture experiments.

Is the Thermo Forma 3140 suitable for shared research laboratories?

Yes. The 6.5 cubic foot chamber provides sufficient capacity for multiple investigators, while its precise environmental controls allow laboratories to support a wide range of advanced cell culture applications within a single incubator.

Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Forma 3140 from American Instrument Exchange?

Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma 3140 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium tri-gas incubator capable of precise oxygen, carbon dioxide, and temperature control at substantial savings compared with buying new equipment. Every incubator is inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty, providing confidence that it is ready to support demanding stem cell, hypoxia, and advanced cell culture research.

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.

Please contact our team at info@americaninstrument.com for more details.

FAQ

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

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.