Thermo Scientific Forma FDE60086FA Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer
The Thermo Scientific Forma FDE60086FA Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer is a high-capacity laboratory freezer designed for biobanks, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, clinical laboratories, and research institutions requiring dependable long-term storage at temperatures as low as -86°C. Offering 28.8 cubic feet (816 L) of storage capacity with room for approximately 600 standard 2-inch storage boxes or 60,000 2 mL cryovials, the FDE60086FA provides exceptional storage capacity while maintaining outstanding temperature uniformity and energy-efficient operation.
The Forma FDE Series is part of Thermo Scientific's Standard Performance (STP) family of ultra-low temperature freezers. Powered by the innovative H-drive hydrocarbon refrigeration system, the FDE60086FA combines sustainable refrigeration technology with an intuitive H-drive Information Center (HIC) touchscreen interface, quiet operation, ergonomic cabinet design, and advanced security features. Together, these technologies provide dependable sample protection while reducing energy consumption and laboratory heat output.
Many laboratories pair ultra-low freezers with laboratory refrigerators, biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, and cryogenic storage systems to build complete biological sample storage workflows.
Thermo Scientific Forma FDE60086FA Key Features
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Manufacturer: Thermo Scientific
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Model: Forma FDE60086FA
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Forma FDE Series (Standard Performance)
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28.8 cu. ft. (816 L) capacity
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Temperature range: -50°C to -86°C
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Capacity for approximately 600 standard 2-inch storage boxes
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Approximately 60,000 × 2 mL cryovials
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H-drive hydrocarbon refrigeration technology
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H-drive Information Center (HIC) touchscreen controller
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Capacitive touchscreen operable while wearing laboratory gloves
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Four insulated inner doors
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Vacuum insulation panel construction
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Manual defrost
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Audible and visual alarm system
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USB data download
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Event logging
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Temperature mapping
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Remote monitoring capability
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Secure passcode protection
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Padlock-compatible outer door
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Quiet operation (approximately 50–53 dBA)
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Natural hydrocarbon refrigerants
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Refurbished and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange
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90-day warranty included.
Overview
The Forma FDE60086FA was engineered for laboratories that require dependable ultra-low temperature storage with an emphasis on simplicity, reliability, and sustainability. The H-drive hydrocarbon refrigeration system provides excellent temperature stability while consuming significantly less energy than many conventional cascade refrigeration systems.
Unlike older ultra-low freezers that relied on complex control panels, the H-drive Information Center provides an intuitive touchscreen interface with temperature display, alarm management, event logging, system diagnostics, and USB data export. The ergonomic cabinet design places frequently used controls at eye level while four insulated inner doors reduce cold-air loss during routine sample retrieval.
Common Applications
The FDE60086FA is commonly used for long-term storage of DNA, RNA, plasma, serum, tissue specimens, stem cells, bacterial cultures, viral collections, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, purified proteins, microbiology isolates, clinical specimens, pharmaceutical reference materials, forensic evidence, and other valuable biological samples requiring storage at temperatures as low as -86°C.
Ideal Laboratory Types
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Biobanks
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Biotechnology laboratories
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Pharmaceutical manufacturers
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Hospital laboratories
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Clinical research laboratories
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Academic research institutions
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Government research laboratories
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Public health laboratories
Why Choose the Thermo Scientific Forma FDE60086FA?
The FDE60086FA offers an excellent combination of storage capacity, dependable performance, and ease of operation. Its H-drive refrigeration system minimizes energy consumption while maintaining exceptional temperature stability. The large 600-box capacity, intuitive touchscreen controls, ergonomic cabinet layout, and quiet operation make it an excellent choice for laboratories managing extensive biological sample collections without the higher cost of premium research freezer platforms.
Typical Stored Materials
Typical stored materials include DNA libraries, RNA samples, plasma, serum, tissue specimens, stem cells, bacterial cultures, viral isolates, purified proteins, monoclonal antibodies, microbiology collections, vaccine stocks, pharmaceutical standards, cell pellets, and other irreplaceable biological materials requiring ultra-low temperature preservation.
Thermo Scientific Forma FDE60086FA Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Thermo Scientific |
| Model |
Forma FDE60086FA |
| Product Type |
Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer |
| Temperature Range |
-50°C to -86°C |
| Capacity |
28.8 cu. ft. (816 L) |
| Storage Capacity |
Approximately 600 standard 2-inch storage boxes |
| Cryovial Capacity |
Approximately 60,000 × 2 mL vials |
| Exterior Dimensions (W × D × H) |
39.6" × 37.8" × 78" |
| Interior Dimensions (W × D × H) |
34.4" × 28.3" × 51.2" |
| Electrical Requirements |
115V, 60Hz |
| Cooling Technology |
H-drive hydrocarbon refrigeration |
| Controller |
H-drive Information Center (HIC) touchscreen |
| Inner Doors |
Four insulated compartment doors |
| Defrost |
Manual |
| Insulation |
Vacuum insulation panels with water-blown polyurethane foam |
| Noise Level |
Approximately 50–53 dBA |
| Shipping Weight |
Approximately 820 lbs. |
| Warranty |
90-Day Warranty from American Instrument Exchange |
Specifications compiled from Thermo Scientific manufacturer literature and American Instrument Exchange product information.
Refurbishment & Testing Process
Every Thermo Scientific Forma FDE60086FA received by American Instrument Exchange undergoes a comprehensive inspection before shipment. Our technicians verify temperature accuracy using calibrated monitoring equipment, inspect the H-drive refrigeration system, touchscreen controller, alarm functions, USB data logging, door seals, insulation, and cabinet integrity. Each freezer is thoroughly cleaned, performance tested, and verified to maintain manufacturer temperature specifications before shipment.
Laboratories purchasing ultra-low freezers frequently also purchase laboratory refrigerators, cryogenic storage tanks, biosafety cabinets, and centrifuges from American Instrument Exchange.
Shipping & Installation Considerations
The FDE60086FA ships by freight from American Instrument Exchange. Before installation, verify adequate electrical service, sufficient ventilation clearance, and floor loading capacity. Allow the freezer to stabilize at the desired operating temperature before loading valuable samples. Using compatible storage racks and minimizing door-open times will help maximize temperature stability and preserve sample integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many storage boxes does the FDE60086FA hold?
The Forma FDE60086FA accommodates approximately 600 standard 2-inch storage boxes, providing storage for roughly 60,000 standard 2 mL cryovials, depending on rack configuration.
What is the H-drive Information Center (HIC)?
The H-drive Information Center is Thermo Scientific's touchscreen control interface that provides temperature monitoring, alarm management, event logging, diagnostics, USB data download, and security settings through an intuitive capacitive display that can be operated while wearing laboratory gloves.
Why does the FDE60086FA have four inner doors?
The four insulated inner doors reduce cold-air loss during sample retrieval by exposing only a portion of the storage compartment at a time. This helps improve temperature stability and reduces recovery time after door openings.
How is the freezer tested before shipment?
Every refurbished Thermo Scientific Forma FDE60086FA is inspected and performance tested by American Instrument Exchange technicians. Temperature accuracy, refrigeration performance, controller operation, alarm systems, door seals, and overall cabinet functionality are verified before shipment.
