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LAB EQUIPMENT REPAIRS, INCLUDING ULTRALOW FREEZERS, FRIDGES, CENTRIFUGES AND MORE - Click here for details
LAB EQUIPMENT REPAIRS, INCLUDING ULTRALOW FREEZERS, FRIDGES, CENTRIFUGES AND MORE - Click here for details

Thermo Scientific 3940 environmental chamber with CO2 and humidity control

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Product Code : SKU 3175I INC
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Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber with CO₂ and Humidity Control

Environmental chambers are essential for laboratories that require precise control of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions over extended testing periods. The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber with CO₂ and Humidity Control is designed to provide exceptional environmental stability for applications including pharmaceutical stability studies, tissue culture, plant research, insect rearing, product shelf-life testing, and other environmental simulation protocols. Featuring a 29 cubic foot (821-liter) chamber, programmable temperature, humidity, and CO₂ control, and a durable solid insulated door for light-sensitive applications, the Forma 3940 provides a versatile solution for laboratories requiring tightly controlled environmental conditions.

Unlike standard laboratory incubators, the 3940 combines refrigeration, heating, humidity regulation, and optional carbon dioxide control in a single platform, allowing researchers to reproduce complex environmental conditions over long-term experiments. This particular configuration includes CO₂ control from ambient to 20%, humidity control to 95% RH, and two heavy-duty shaker-ready shelves, making it well suited for laboratories performing large-scale biological studies or stability testing using orbital shakers and other equipment. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a high-capacity environmental chamber at substantial savings compared to purchasing new equipment.


Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber Key Features

  • 29 cu. ft. (821 L) chamber capacity

  • Temperature range: 0°C to 60°C

  • CO₂ control from ambient to 20%

  • Humidity control from ambient to 95% RH

  • Solid insulated door for light-sensitive applications

  • Refrigerated environmental chamber

  • Digital temperature and humidity controllers

  • Temperature resolution of 0.1°C

  • Directed airflow plenum system

  • Two heavy-duty shaker-ready shelves installed

  • Accommodates up to nineteen adjustable shelves

  • RTD temperature sensor

  • Suitable for ICH stability testing

  • 208/220V operation

  • 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange


Designed for Environmental Simulation and Stability Testing

The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 is engineered to provide precise environmental control for laboratories requiring more than simple incubation. Independent control of temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide allows researchers to reproduce environmental conditions encountered during pharmaceutical stability testing, long-term biological studies, plant growth research, and other controlled-environment applications. The chamber's refrigerated design maintains temperatures both below and above ambient, while its programmable humidity system creates stable moisture conditions for sensitive samples.

This configuration is particularly well suited for laboratories performing ICH stability studies, where maintaining consistent environmental conditions over weeks or months is critical for generating reliable data. The solid insulated door also protects light-sensitive samples while improving thermal efficiency throughout extended testing protocols.


Common Applications - Thermo Environmental Chamber

The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber is commonly used for:

  • ICH pharmaceutical stability studies

  • Drug shelf-life testing

  • Packaging validation

  • Accelerated aging studies

  • Environmental simulation

  • Controlled humidity testing

  • Cell culture requiring CO₂ supplementation

  • Plant growth and plant physiology research

  • Seed germination studies

  • Entomology and insect rearing

  • Food and beverage stability testing

  • Biological and life science research

Environmental chambers are commonly paired with laboratory refrigerators for sample storage, ultralow temperature freezers for long-term preservation, biosafety cabinets for sterile sample preparation, and centrifuges for routine laboratory sample processing.


Thermo 3940 Ideal Laboratory Environments

The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 is an excellent choice for pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, university research laboratories, agricultural research facilities, government laboratories, food science laboratories, environmental testing facilities, and quality assurance laboratories. Its large chamber capacity and precise environmental control make it particularly valuable for laboratories performing long-duration studies, stability testing, or large-scale biological research requiring tightly controlled environmental conditions.

Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber Performance and Environmental Stability

The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber is designed to maintain stable environmental conditions during extended research and testing protocols where even minor fluctuations can affect experimental outcomes. Independent control of temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide allows laboratories to create precisely defined environmental conditions for weeks or months at a time. The chamber's refrigerated heating and cooling system provides accurate temperature regulation across a broad operating range, while the directed airflow plenum promotes uniform conditions throughout the large chamber interior.

For laboratories performing pharmaceutical stability studies, plant research, biological incubation, or environmental simulation, consistent environmental control is essential for generating reproducible data. The 3940 combines RTD temperature sensing, programmable humidity control, and optional carbon dioxide supplementation with a solid insulated door that minimizes heat transfer and protects light-sensitive samples. Together, these features provide a reliable platform for applications requiring exceptional long-term environmental stability.


Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Typical Samples and Testing Applications

The Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber supports a wide variety of biological, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial testing applications. Common samples include pharmaceutical products undergoing stability studies, biologics, vaccines, diagnostic reagents, packaged medical devices, food and beverage products, cosmetic formulations, agricultural products, plant tissue cultures, seedlings, seeds, insects, microbial cultures, and other materials requiring carefully controlled environmental conditions.

Researchers also utilize the chamber for ICH stability testing, accelerated aging studies, shelf-life determination, environmental stress testing, packaging validation, controlled humidity experiments, plant physiology research, insect colony maintenance, fermentation studies, and specialized cell culture protocols requiring simultaneous temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide control.


Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber Specifications

Specification Details
Manufacturer Thermo Scientific
Model Forma 3940
Equipment Type Environmental Chamber with CO₂ & Humidity Control
Chamber Capacity 29 cu. ft. (821 L)
Temperature Range 0°C to 60°C
Temperature Accuracy ±0.1°C at 37°C
Temperature Uniformity ±0.3°C
Humidity Range Ambient to 95% RH
CO₂ Control Range Ambient to 20%
Temperature Sensor RTD
Airflow System Directed Airflow Plenum
Standard Shelves 2 Heavy-Duty Shaker-Ready Shelves
Maximum Shelf Capacity 19 Shelves
Internal Dimensions 31 × 27 × 60 in. (W × D × H)
External Dimensions 38 × 32 × 88.5 in. (W × D × H)
Door Configuration Solid Insulated Door
Electrical Requirements 208–220V
Weight Contact American Instrument Exchange

Specifications are compiled from Thermo Scientific manufacturer documentation and American Instrument Exchange product information. Certain specifications may vary depending on production year and factory-installed options. Please verify installation requirements prior to purchase.


Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber Frequently Asked Questions

How is an environmental chamber different from a standard laboratory incubator?

An environmental chamber independently controls temperature, humidity, and—on this model—carbon dioxide concentration, allowing laboratories to simulate a much wider range of environmental conditions than a conventional incubator. This makes it suitable for stability testing, environmental simulation, and other long-term research applications.

Why does this chamber have a solid insulated door instead of a glass door?

The solid insulated door improves thermal efficiency while protecting light-sensitive samples from ambient laboratory lighting. It is particularly beneficial for pharmaceutical stability studies, plant research, and other applications where light exposure could influence experimental results.

Can the Forma 3940 be used for ICH stability testing?

Yes. The combination of programmable temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide control makes the chamber well suited for many pharmaceutical stability testing protocols, including studies performed in accordance with ICH guidelines.

What types of samples are commonly tested in this chamber?

Typical applications include pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, diagnostic reagents, cosmetics, food products, agricultural samples, plant materials, microbial cultures, packaged products, and research specimens requiring tightly controlled environmental conditions.

Are the installed shelves suitable for orbital shakers?

Yes. This chamber is equipped with two heavy-duty shaker-ready shelves that can support many laboratory shaker platforms and other heavier laboratory equipment, making it well suited for demanding biological and environmental research applications.

Does the chamber provide active carbon dioxide control?

Yes. This configuration includes programmable carbon dioxide control from ambient levels up to 20%, making it appropriate for specialized biological applications requiring elevated CO₂ concentrations in addition to controlled temperature and humidity.

Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber from American Instrument Exchange?

A refurbished Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Environmental Chamber from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a high-capacity environmental testing platform at a substantial savings compared to purchasing new equipment. Featuring an 821-liter chamber, temperature control from 0°C to 60°C, humidity control to 95% RH, carbon dioxide control to 20%, a solid insulated door, and heavy-duty shaker-ready shelves, the Forma 3940 is an excellent solution for pharmaceutical stability testing, environmental simulation, agricultural research, and long-term biological studies. Every unit is thoroughly inspected and tested prior to shipment and includes a 90-day warranty for added confidence.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Incubators
Ensure Quality and Stability Before Use

Used and refurbished laboratory incubators from American Instrument Exchange are thoroughly tested to ensure optimal performance and temperature stability with laboratory safety standards. Each unit undergoes a detailed inspection and functionality assessment to meet the needs of research, clinical, and industrial labs.

Why Testing Used Laboratory Incubators Is Essential

Before a laboratory incubator is reintroduced into any work environment, it must be tested for:
• Temperature uniformity and accuracy
• Airflow and humidity control (if applicable)
• Door seal integrity and insulation effectiveness
• Electrical and safety system compliance

Comprehensive testing reduces the risk of culture loss, contamination, and equipment failure—especially critical in applications involving cell culture, microbiology, pharmaceutical research, and diagnostics.

Our multi-point testing protocol for used and refurbished incubators ensures reliability, safety, and performance across all models and brands.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Incubators

1. Initial Visual Inspection
• Check for cosmetic damage, corrosion, and wear to exterior surfaces, door hinges, and gasket seals
• Inspect power cord, wiring, and display panel for any defects or signs of tampering
• Confirm that shelves, chamber components, and internal fixtures are present and undamaged

2. Functional Testing
• Power on the incubator and verify all display indicators and alarms function correctly
• Test door latch and seal mechanisms for proper closure and insulation
• Run basic temperature cycles to ensure the unit maintains stability over time

3. Temperature Accuracy and Uniformity Tests
• Test internal sensors and controllers using temperature probes
• Measure temperature consistency at multiple chamber locations over several hours
• Confirm that programmable temperature settings respond accurately

4. Airflow and Humidity Control (if applicable)
• Test internal fan operation and airflow distribution
• For humidified incubators, inspect and test humidity reservoirs, sensors, and control systems
• Check for condensation buildup and confirm environmental stability

5. Electrical Safety and Compliance Checks
• Ensure all electrical components are properly grounded
• Perform insulation resistance and leakage current tests
• Verify compliance with current electrical safety standards for laboratory equipment

6. Final Quality Assurance Checklist
• Perform full cycle testing at various temperature setpoints
• Document performance benchmarks and results

All refurbished incubators from American Instrument Exchange are backed by our commitment to quality and precision. With our strict testing procedures, you can rely on your incubator to deliver dependable results from day one.

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.