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Thermo Forma 905 Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer
For many research laboratories, a 17 cubic foot ultra-low freezer offers the ideal balance between storage capacity and laboratory footprint. Large enough to support individual departments or growing research programs, yet compact enough to fit comfortably into most laboratory spaces, the Thermo Forma 905 Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer delivers dependable -86°C performance for long-term preservation of valuable biological samples.
With 17.3 cubic feet (489.9 liters) of storage capacity and room for approximately 300 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, the Forma 905 is an excellent choice for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, universities, clinical laboratories, and research institutions requiring dependable ultra-low temperature storage without the footprint of a larger biobank freezer. Its upright design makes organizing samples straightforward while supporting efficient day-to-day laboratory workflows.
Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included
Thermo Forma 905 Overview
The Forma 905 has earned a reputation as a dependable laboratory workhorse, offering the storage capacity needed for growing biological collections while maintaining a manageable footprint for individual laboratories and research departments. Its centralized eye-level information center places all controls, displays, and monitoring functions within easy view, simplifying everyday operation.
Four insulated inner compartment doors reduce cold air loss by exposing only a portion of the cabinet during sample retrieval. Combined with Thermo's proven two-stage cascade refrigeration system and thick polyurethane insulation, this design helps maintain stable storage temperatures while supporting rapid recovery after routine door openings. Two factory-installed access ports also make it easy to install independent temperature probes or external monitoring equipment without compromising cabinet integrity.
Common Applications
The Thermo Forma 905 is commonly used for storing stem cells, cell lines, DNA and RNA libraries, PBMCs, plasma and serum, tissue specimens, vaccines, protein samples, enzymes, pharmaceutical compounds, clinical trial materials, long-term biological collections, and more.
Its mid-capacity cabinet makes it particularly well suited for individual research laboratories, hospital departments, and biotechnology companies requiring dedicated ultra-low storage.
Ideal Laboratory Types
The Forma 905 is well suited for:
Biotechnology companies
Pharmaceutical manufacturers
Academic research laboratories
Hospitals
Clinical laboratories
Public health laboratories
Government research facilities
University core laboratories
Clinical research organizations
Laboratories seeking dependable ultra-low storage with excellent organization and a moderate footprint will appreciate the Forma 905's balance of capacity and accessibility.
Temperature Recovery & Inventory Organization
The Forma 905 provides space for approximately 300 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, allowing laboratories to organize samples by investigator, research project, or department while maintaining efficient inventory management.
Four insulated compartment doors help reduce cold air loss during routine sample retrieval, improving temperature recovery while minimizing thermal exposure for archived materials. Organizing cryoboxes by collection or investigator further reduces door-open time and supports long-term sample preservation.
Typical Stored Materials
The Thermo Forma 905 is commonly used to preserve stem cells, cell lines, PBMCs, DNA and RNA libraries, plasma, serum, tissue specimens, vaccines, protein samples, enzymes, pharmaceutical compounds, and other biological collections requiring storage down to -86°C.
Applications requiring temperatures approaching -196°C are generally better suited for dedicated cryogenic storage systems utilizing liquid nitrogen.
The Forma 905 utilizes Thermo's proven two-stage cascade refrigeration platform to provide dependable long-term ultra-low temperature performance. While newer ultra-low freezer platforms may emphasize reduced energy consumption, many laboratories continue to value the Forma 900 Series for its robust construction, serviceability, and long operating life. Routine condenser cleaning, adequate ventilation, and preventative maintenance will help maximize cooling efficiency and extend compressor life.
Specifications compiled from Thermo Scientific manufacturer literature and American Instrument Exchange product information.
Refurbishment & Testing Process
Every Thermo Forma 905 received by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection and extended performance evaluation before shipment. Our technicians verify pull-down performance, temperature stability, refrigeration operation, controller functionality, alarm systems, access ports, door seals, insulated inner doors, shelving, and overall cabinet condition before thoroughly cleaning the freezer for delivery.
The Thermo Forma 905 ships by freight from American Instrument Exchange. Before delivery, laboratories should verify doorway clearances, available floor space, electrical service, and adequate ventilation around the cabinet. Planning cryobox organization before installation can improve inventory management, simplify sample retrieval, and minimize door-open time during routine laboratory operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cryoboxes can the Thermo Forma 905 hold?
The Forma 905 accommodates approximately 300 standard 2-inch cryoboxes, making it an excellent choice for departmental laboratories and growing research programs.
Who is the Forma 905 best suited for?
The Forma 905 is ideal for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, universities, hospitals, and research laboratories that require dependable ultra-low storage without the footprint of a 23 or 28 cubic foot freezer.
What is the benefit of the four insulated inner doors?
The insulated compartment doors reduce cold air loss during sample retrieval by exposing only one section of the cabinet at a time, helping improve temperature recovery while protecting stored biological materials.
How is the freezer tested before shipment?
Every refurbished Thermo Forma 905 is inspected, cleaned, and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange technicians to verify refrigeration performance, pull-down capability, temperature stability, controller operation, alarms, and overall system reliability before shipment.
CLICK HEREto see the Thermo Forma 905 -86 Ultralow freezer on our YouTube channel
Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Ultralow Freezers Ensure -80°C Stability and Critical Sample Protection
Used and refurbished ultralow freezers from American Instrument Exchange are rigorously tested to ensure reliable long-term storage at temperatures as low as -80°C. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection, full system evaluation, and extended runtime testing to meet the high standards required by research, clinical, and biorepository environments.
Why Testing Used Ultralow Freezers Is Essential
Before an ultralow freezer is placed back into service, it must be carefully tested for:
• Temperature stability and uniformity at ultralow levels (e.g., -70°C to -86°C)
• Cascade refrigeration system functionality and compressor health
• Seal and insulation effectiveness to prevent thermal loss
• Electrical safety, alarm functionality, and system compliance
Thorough testing helps prevent temperature excursions and equipment failure—crucial for protecting sensitive materials such as biological samples, vaccines, enzymes, and research specimens.
Our structured ULT testing protocol ensures each refurbished unit delivers dependable performance and long-term reliability.
Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Ultralow Freezers
1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Inspect external cabinet, hinges, and door gaskets for wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check power cords, plugs, and control interfaces for signs of wear or tampering
• Verify that internal racks, shelving, and chamber components are intact and operational
2. Functional Startup and Control Testing
• Power on the unit and confirm successful initialization of digital displays and alarm systems
• Test control panels, keypad responsiveness, and user-setpoint functionality
• Verify that door seals close tightly and form a secure barrier
3. Temperature and -80°C Stability Testing
• Test and evaluate internal temperature sensors thermometers/probes
• Monitor temperature performance at multiple chamber points over extended runtimes
• Confirm uniformity and stability at key setpoints, including -70°C, -80°C, and -86°C
4. Refrigeration System and Cascade Compressor Evaluation
• Test dual-stage (cascade) compressor function, startup times, and cycling behavior
• Evaluate evaporator coils, heat exchangers, and vacuum insulation panels for performance and integrity
• Check for refrigerant leaks, low-pressure faults, and abnormal compressor noise
5. Alarm and Safety System Verification
• Test high/low temperature alarms, power failure alerts, and battery backup systems (if equipped)
• Verify lockout controls, alarm delay settings, and door-open indicators
6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation
• Run a continuous multi-day test cycle at -80°C to confirm sustained performance
• Document temperature logs, controller accuracy, and compressor behavior
• Complete a detailed service report
Dependable Performance from American Instrument Exchange
All refurbished ultralow freezers from American Instrument Exchange are tested to exacting standards for performance, safety, and reliability. With our rigorous inspection and testing procedures, you can trust your ULT freezer to deliver consistent -80°C storage from day one—ideal for research, clinical, pharmaceutical, and biobanking applications.
Repair and Refurbishment Protocol for Used Ultralow Freezers -80°C Storage Performance from American Instrument Exchange
At American Instrument Exchange, every used ultralow temperature freezer (ULT freezer) undergoes a rigorous, multi-step refurbishment protocol designed to restore reliable -80°C performance. Whether upright, chest-style, or undercounter, our refurbished ULT freezers are tested and restored to deliver the cold storage precision required for biological samples, vaccines, enzymes, and other temperature-sensitive materials.
Why Choose a Refurbished Ultralow Freezer from American Instrument Exchange?
• Fully tested for -80°C cold storage stability and compressor performance
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to expensive new ULT units
• Environmentally responsible through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by experienced technicians specializing in laboratory-grade refrigeration
Every ultralow freezer sold by American Instrument Exchange is carefully evaluated and restored through the following process:
1. Initial Intake & Inspection
• Exterior inspection for dents, corrosion, or physical damage
• Evaluation of door seals, hinges, and internal chamber components
• Documentation of missing parts or components requiring repair
2. Cleaning and Decontamination
• Comprehensive interior and exterior cleaning using non-abrasive cleaners
• Removal of dust, frost buildup, and residual contaminants
• Decontamination of all internal surfaces and removable parts like shelves and drawers
3. Mechanical and Electrical Repairs
• Replacement or repair of worn or damaged components (door latches, hinges, gaskets, etc.)
• Inspection and repair of control boards, displays, sensors, and switches
• Electrical system evaluation, including fuses, wiring, relays, and connectors
4. Ultralow Refrigeration System Assessment
• Testing of dual-stage compressors and cascade cooling system
• Evaluation of heat exchangers, evaporator coils, and vacuum insulation panels
• Inspection for refrigerant leaks, low pressure, or signs of compressor fatigue
• Verification of thermal insulation integrity
5. Temperature and Performance Testing
• Testing of internal temperature sensors and controllers
• Multi-point testing to verify chamber temperature uniformity at -80°C
• Long-duration, multi-day operational testing to ensure sustained ultralow performance
6. Safety and Compliance Checks
• Electrical safety testing and grounding verification
• Alarm function tests for high/low temperature alerts and power failure warnings
7. Final Quality Control and Documentation
• Multi-day runtime validation at -80°C
• Recording of temperature logs, compressor cycle data, and performance benchmarks
• Final inspection and service/testing report completed
Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange
With over 50 years in the lab equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is your trusted source for refurbished ultralow freezers. Our certified refurbishment protocol ensures each ULT freezer delivers the precision, performance, and reliability your lab needs—at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.
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.
