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Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ Incubator
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ Incubator is a high-performance direct heat cell culture incubator designed to provide precise control of temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide for mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, microbiology, and other life science applications. Featuring a 165-liter (5.8 cu. ft.) chamber, in-chamber HEPA filtration, active airflow technology, and a 180°C Steri-Run decontamination cycle, the Steri-Cycle 160i provides an optimal environment for sensitive cell culture work while helping minimize contamination. This refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i from American Instrument Exchange offers a cost-effective alternative to new equipment while delivering the reliable performance laboratories expect from one of the industry's most trusted CO₂ incubator platforms.
Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ Incubator Key Features
Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ incubator
165-liter (5.8 cu. ft.) chamber capacity
Direct heat chamber design
180°C Steri-Run overnight sterilization cycle
In-chamber HEPA filtration
ISO Class 5 air quality within the chamber
THRIVE™ active airflow system
Excellent temperature uniformity and rapid recovery
Heated humidity reservoir
Digital touchscreen controller
Available with thermal conductivity (TC) or infrared (IR) CO₂ sensor (configuration dependent)
Stainless steel or copper interior chamber (configuration dependent)
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included from American Instrument Exchange
Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ Incubator Overview
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i is engineered to provide the stable environmental conditions required for reproducible cell culture while simplifying contamination control. The direct heat chamber maintains uniform temperatures throughout the interior, while the THRIVE™ active airflow system gently circulates humidified air for rapid recovery following door openings. Continuous HEPA filtration removes airborne particulates from the chamber every 60 seconds, helping maintain ISO Class 5 clean-air conditions around valuable cultures. When routine cleaning is required, the integrated Steri-Run cycle heats all chamber surfaces to 180°C, eliminating contaminants without requiring removal or autoclaving of interior components.
Common Applications for the Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ Incubator
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i is commonly used for mammalian cell culture, stem cell research, cancer biology, tissue engineering, vaccine development, microbiology, virology, protein expression, pharmaceutical development, regenerative medicine, and molecular biology. Its stable environmental control and contamination-resistant design make it well suited for laboratories performing long-term cell culture experiments and sensitive biological research.
Ideal Lab Types for the Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ Incubator
This CO₂ incubator is well suited for biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, university research laboratories, clinical research facilities, hospital laboratories, cell therapy laboratories, regenerative medicine programs, IVF laboratories, and government research institutions. Laboratories utilizing biosafety cabinets, centrifuges, inverted microscopes, laboratory refrigerators, and ultra-low temperature freezers frequently incorporate CO₂ incubators into their cell culture workflows.
Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ Incubator Key Specifications
Specification
Details
Manufacturer
Thermo Scientific / Forma
Model
Steri-Cycle 160i
Equipment Type
Direct Heat CO₂ Incubator
Chamber Capacity
165 L (5.8 cu. ft.)
Temperature Range
Ambient +3°C to 55°C
Temperature Uniformity
±0.3°C at 37°C
Temperature Stability
±0.1°C at 37°C
CO₂ Range
1% to 20%
Relative Humidity
>93% at 37°C
Chamber Material
Copper or Electropolished Stainless Steel (configuration dependent)
Sterilization Cycle
180°C Steri-Run High-Temperature Cycle
Air Filtration
In-Chamber HEPA Filtration
Interior Dimensions
18.5" W × 22.7" D × 23.9" H
Exterior Dimensions
25.1" W × 34.6" D × 35.4" H
Electrical Requirements
120V, 50/60 Hz
Condition
Refurbished
Specifications compiled from Thermo Scientific manufacturer literature, distributor technical references, and American Instrument Exchange product information.
Refurbishment and Testing Process
At American Instrument Exchange, each refurbished CO₂ incubator is inspected and evaluated by our technicians prior to shipment. Testing procedures may include verification of temperature accuracy, CO₂ control, humidity system operation, HEPA filtration performance, controller functionality, display operation, door seal integrity, fan operation, alarm systems, and general operational evaluation. The sterilization cycle and chamber heating performance are verified whenever practical, and components showing excessive wear are serviced or replaced as needed to help ensure dependable laboratory performance. Final cleaning and inspection are completed before packaging and shipment.
Shipping and Installation Considerations
The Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i should be installed on a stable laboratory floor or bench with adequate clearance for ventilation and service access. Buyers should verify electrical compatibility and provide an appropriate CO₂ gas supply before operation. Following installation, the incubator should be allowed to stabilize at operating temperature before introducing valuable cultures. The unit is carefully packaged and shipped via freight to protect the chamber, controller, refrigeration-free heating system, and internal components during transport.
Related Laboratory Equipment
Laboratories purchasing CO₂ incubators often also require biosafety cabinets, inverted microscopes, centrifuges, ultra-low temperature freezers, laboratory refrigerators, water baths, and analytical balances. American Instrument Exchange offers a wide selection of refurbished laboratory equipment to support cell culture, biotechnology research, pharmaceutical development, microbiology, and life science laboratories.
Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ Incubator Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of the Steri-Cycle 160i?
The Steri-Cycle 160i provides 165 liters (5.8 cubic feet) of usable chamber space, making it suitable for a wide range of routine and high-volume cell culture applications.
How does the 180°C Steri-Run cycle help prevent contamination?
The Steri-Run cycle heats all internal chamber surfaces to 180°C, providing a validated high-temperature decontamination cycle that eliminates microbial contaminants without requiring removal of shelves or interior components.
What is the purpose of the HEPA filtration system?
The in-chamber HEPA filter continuously recirculates and filters chamber air, achieving ISO Class 5 air quality within minutes and reducing airborne contaminants that could affect sensitive cell cultures.
Does this incubator recover quickly after the door is opened?
Yes. The THRIVE™ active airflow system and direct heat chamber are designed for rapid recovery of temperature, humidity, and CO₂ concentration after routine door openings, helping maintain stable culture conditions.
What warranty is included?
This refurbished Thermo Forma Steri-Cycle 160i CO₂ Incubator includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.
CLICK HEREto see the Thermo Forma i160 on our 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.
