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Thermo Forma 320 CO₂ Incubator
Successful cell culture depends on maintaining a stable, reproducible incubation environment where temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and humidity remain consistent throughout the culture period. The Thermo Forma 320 CO₂ Incubator was designed to deliver this level of performance through a direct-heat air-jacketed system, providing excellent temperature uniformity, rapid recovery following door openings, and dependable environmental control for routine laboratory applications. With a 6.5 cubic foot (184-liter) chamber and an infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor, the Forma 320 is well suited for laboratories requiring accurate CO₂ regulation without the maintenance associated with water-jacketed incubators.
Unlike Thermo's Steri-Cycle models, which emphasize integrated sterilization and HEPA filtration, the Forma 320 focuses on delivering dependable incubation performance through efficient direct-heat technology. High-performance heating elements surrounding the chamber provide rapid temperature recovery after routine door openings, while advanced insulation minimizes heat loss and promotes chamber uniformity. The result is a reliable CO₂ incubator capable of supporting a wide variety of mammalian cell culture applications in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, clinical, and academic laboratories. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma 320 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium direct-heat incubator at substantial savings compared with purchasing new equipment.
Key Features
Approximately 6.5 cu. ft. (184 L) chamber capacity
Direct-heat air-jacketed incubation system
Infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor
Temperature range from ambient +5°C to 50°C
CO₂ range from 0% to 20%
Relative humidity up to approximately 95%
Microprocessor temperature and CO₂ controls
Polished stainless steel chamber
Heated inner glass door
Adjustable stainless steel shelves
Rapid temperature recovery following door openings
Digital environmental controls
Audible and visual alarms
Optional HEPA airflow system on some configurations
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange
Designed for Accurate Environmental Control
The Thermo Forma 320 was engineered for laboratories that prioritize consistent incubation conditions and fast environmental recovery during everyday cell culture. Rather than relying on the thermal mass of a water jacket, the incubator uses a direct-heat design that surrounds the chamber with high-performance heating elements and advanced insulation. This approach reduces warm-up time while allowing the incubator to quickly return to programmed conditions after routine access.
A defining feature of the Forma 320 is its infrared CO₂ sensor, which provides highly accurate carbon dioxide measurement without being significantly affected by changes in chamber humidity. This makes the incubator particularly attractive for laboratories performing long-term tissue culture, where maintaining stable CO₂ concentrations is critical for preserving media pH and ensuring reproducible experimental results.
The spacious 6.5 cubic foot chamber accommodates tissue culture flasks, Petri dishes, multiwell plates, roller bottles, spinner flasks, and other commonly used culture vessels. Adjustable shelving allows researchers to customize the chamber layout for changing workflows while maximizing usable incubation capacity.
Common Applications
The Thermo Forma 320 is commonly used for:
Mammalian cell culture
Primary cell culture
Stem cell research
Cancer biology
Tissue engineering
Hybridoma production
Protein expression
Pharmaceutical research
Biotechnology research
Clinical laboratory research
Academic life science research
Long-term maintenance of established cell lines
Its combination of rapid temperature recovery and accurate infrared CO₂ monitoring makes it particularly well suited for laboratories requiring dependable environmental stability throughout routine cell culture workflows.
Ideal Laboratory Environments
The Thermo Forma 320 is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, university research laboratories, hospital research centers, government laboratories, and contract research organizations performing routine mammalian cell culture.
Its 6.5 cubic foot chamber offers sufficient capacity for individual research groups while also making it an excellent choice for shared laboratory environments. The incubator can serve as a primary tissue culture incubator or as a dedicated system for maintaining specialized cell lines or long-term research projects.
Temperature Recovery and Environmental Stability
The hallmark of the Thermo Forma 320 is its direct-heat environmental management system. Heating elements positioned around the incubation chamber provide rapid response to temperature changes, allowing the incubator to recover quickly after routine door openings while maintaining excellent chamber uniformity. Temperature control from 5°C above ambient to 50°C supports a wide variety of mammalian cell culture protocols.
Unlike thermal conductivity sensors, the incubator's infrared CO₂ sensor measures carbon dioxide concentration independently of chamber humidity, providing more stable CO₂ regulation during routine laboratory operation. This improved measurement accuracy is especially valuable for laboratories performing sensitive cell culture work where even small fluctuations in CO₂ can influence media pH and cell viability. High relative humidity—up to approximately 95%—helps reduce evaporation of culture media during extended incubation periods.
Reliable CO₂ Monitoring
One of the primary advantages of the Thermo Forma 320 is its use of infrared CO₂ sensing rather than a traditional thermal conductivity sensor. Infrared technology continuously measures carbon dioxide concentration without relying on changes in the thermal properties of chamber air, making it far less susceptible to fluctuations caused by humidity or routine environmental changes.
For laboratories performing sensitive mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, or long-term incubation studies, this level of CO₂ accuracy helps maintain more stable bicarbonate-buffered media conditions throughout the culture period. Combined with rapid temperature recovery and a polished stainless steel chamber that is easy to clean and maintain, the Forma 320 provides dependable environmental control for a broad range of research applications.
Sample Storage Recommendations
With approximately 6.5 cubic feet (184 liters) of usable chamber capacity, the Thermo Forma 320 provides ample space for laboratories performing routine and high-volume cell culture. The chamber accommodates T-flasks, culture dishes, multiwell plates, spinner flasks, roller bottles, cell culture bags, and other vessels commonly used in mammalian cell culture, biotechnology research, and pharmaceutical development.
Adjustable stainless steel shelves allow researchers to configure the chamber for a variety of vessel sizes while maximizing available incubation space. For optimal environmental performance, culture vessels should be arranged with sufficient spacing to promote unrestricted airflow throughout the chamber. Proper organization supports uniform temperature, humidity, and CO₂ distribution while allowing the incubator to recover quickly following routine door openings.
Many laboratories dedicate specific shelves to individual cell lines, research groups, or experimental protocols to improve organization and reduce unnecessary chamber access. Minimizing door openings helps preserve environmental stability, particularly during long-term cell culture experiments where consistent incubation conditions are critical.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The Thermo Forma 320 was engineered to provide dependable environmental control while minimizing the maintenance associated with traditional water-jacketed incubators. Its direct-heat air-jacketed design eliminates the need for a water jacket, reducing warm-up time and allowing the incubator to respond quickly to changes in chamber temperature.
Because heating elements surround the incubation chamber directly, the Forma 320 restores programmed temperatures rapidly after routine access while maintaining excellent temperature uniformity throughout the chamber. The heated inner glass door further reduces heat loss by allowing researchers to inspect cultures before opening the insulated outer door, minimizing environmental disruption.
The infrared CO₂ sensor also contributes to long-term operating efficiency by providing stable carbon dioxide measurements with minimal influence from humidity fluctuations. Combined with the corrosion-resistant stainless steel chamber and straightforward maintenance requirements, the Forma 320 offers an efficient and dependable incubation solution for laboratories operating continuously throughout the year.
Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo Forma
Model
320
Incubator Type
Direct-Heat Air-Jacketed CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
Approximately 184 L (6.5 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
Ambient +5°C to 50°C
CO₂ Range
0% to 20%
CO₂ Sensor
Infrared (IR)
Humidity Control
Up to Approximately 95% Relative Humidity
Chamber Material
Polished Stainless Steel
Door Configuration
Heated Inner Glass Door with Insulated Outer Door
Controller
Digital Microprocessor
Display
Digital Display
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 and Visual
Electrical Requirements
120 V
Approximate Weight
Approximately 250 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 distinguishes the Thermo Forma 320 from other Thermo Forma CO₂ incubators?
The Forma 320 combines a direct-heat air-jacketed heating system with an infrared CO₂ sensor, delivering rapid temperature recovery and highly accurate carbon dioxide regulation. It is designed for laboratories that prioritize stable environmental control without the added maintenance of a water-jacketed incubator.
Why is an infrared CO₂ sensor advantageous?
Infrared (IR) sensors measure carbon dioxide concentration independently of humidity, providing more accurate and stable CO₂ regulation than thermal conductivity sensors. This helps maintain consistent media pH and creates a more stable environment for sensitive cell cultures.
What types of laboratories commonly use the Forma 320?
The Forma 320 is widely used in biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, university research facilities, hospital research centers, government laboratories, and contract research organizations performing routine mammalian cell culture and tissue culture research.
How does the direct-heat design improve incubation performance?
Direct-heat technology surrounds the chamber with heating elements that respond rapidly to temperature changes. This allows the incubator to recover quickly after door openings while maintaining excellent temperature uniformity throughout the chamber.
What applications is the Forma 320 best suited for?
The incubator is commonly used for mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, cancer biology, hybridoma production, tissue engineering, protein expression, pharmaceutical development, biotechnology research, and other applications requiring stable environmental control.
Does the Forma 320 support long-term cell culture?
Yes. The combination of rapid temperature recovery, precise infrared CO₂ regulation, high humidity, and uniform chamber conditions makes the incubator well suited for extended culture experiments where environmental consistency is essential.
Is the Thermo Forma 320 appropriate for shared laboratory use?
Absolutely. The spacious 6.5 cubic foot chamber provides ample capacity for multiple investigators or research projects, while adjustable shelving allows cultures to be organized efficiently within the incubator.
Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Forma 320 from American Instrument Exchange?
Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Forma 320 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium direct-heat CO₂ incubator featuring rapid temperature recovery and accurate infrared CO₂ monitoring 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 cell culture applications.
Click Hereto see the Thermo Forma 320 CO2 Incubator 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.
