Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-in Refrigerated Incubator

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Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator

The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator is designed for laboratories requiring accurate temperature control both below and above ambient while maintaining exceptional chamber stability over extended incubation periods. Featuring a spacious 29 cubic foot (821-liter) chamber, programmable refrigeration and heating, humidity control, optional carbon dioxide supplementation, and a solid insulated door, the Forma 3940 provides an ideal platform for pharmaceutical stability testing, refrigerated incubation, environmental simulation, and large-scale biological research. Its combination of precise temperature regulation and high-capacity storage makes it well suited for laboratories that routinely process large sample volumes or oversized research equipment.

Unlike conventional laboratory incubators that operate only above ambient temperatures, the Forma 3940 combines refrigeration and heating to maintain temperatures from 0°C to 60°C, allowing a single system to support refrigerated storage studies, biological incubation, accelerated aging protocols, and elevated-temperature testing. This particular configuration includes humidity control from above ambient to 95% RH, carbon dioxide control from ambient to 20%, and two heavy-duty shaker-ready shelves capable of supporting large orbital shakers and other high-weight laboratory equipment. Purchasing a refurbished Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with premium refrigerated incubation performance at a substantial savings compared to purchasing new equipment.

Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator Key Features

29 cu. ft. (821 L) chamber capacity
Temperature range: 0°C to 60°C
Refrigerated incubator for above- and below-ambient operation
Humidity control from above ambient to 95% RH
CO₂ control from ambient to 20%
Temperature resolution of 0.1°C
Excellent temperature uniformity (±0.3°C)
Directed airflow plenum system
LED humidity display
Two heavy-duty shaker-ready shelves installed
Accommodates multiple shelf configurations
Solid insulated door
Ideal for ICH drug stability studies
208/220V, 60 Hz operation
90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange

Designed for Refrigerated Incubation and Stability Testing

The Forma 3940 was engineered for laboratories requiring dependable temperature control across a wide operating range without sacrificing chamber uniformity. Its refrigeration system allows temperatures as low as 0°C, while the heating system supports incubation up to 60°C, making the chamber suitable for both refrigerated storage studies and elevated-temperature incubation. Thermo Scientific's directed airflow system continuously circulates conditioned air throughout the chamber to maintain excellent temperature consistency, even when supporting large product loads or shaker platforms.

This configuration also incorporates programmable humidity and carbon dioxide control, allowing researchers to maintain stable environmental conditions for sensitive biological samples, pharmaceutical products, and long-term incubation studies. The solid insulated door improves thermal efficiency while minimizing temperature fluctuations during extended testing protocols.

Common Applications

The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator is commonly used for:

Pharmaceutical drug stability studies
ICH storage testing
Shelf-life determination
Refrigerated biological incubation
Environmental simulation
Accelerated aging studies
Cell culture requiring humidity and CO₂ control
Plant biology research
Seed germination studies
Entomology research
Food and beverage stability testing
Quality assurance testing

Laboratories frequently pair refrigerated incubators with biosafety cabinets for sterile sample preparation, ultralow temperature freezers for long-term preservation, laboratory refrigerators for reagent storage, and centrifuges for routine sample processing to create a complete laboratory workflow.

Ideal Laboratory Environments

The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 is an excellent choice for pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, academic research laboratories, agricultural research facilities, government laboratories, environmental testing laboratories, and industrial quality assurance departments. Its large-capacity chamber, refrigeration system, humidity control, and carbon dioxide capability make it particularly valuable for laboratories performing long-duration studies where environmental stability and reliable temperature control are essential.

Why Choose a Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator?

Many laboratory applications require temperatures below ambient while maintaining stable humidity and, in some cases, elevated carbon dioxide concentrations. Standard laboratory incubators cannot provide refrigerated operation, while conventional refrigerators lack the temperature precision and environmental control necessary for regulated laboratory testing.

The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 bridges this gap by combining refrigeration, programmable heating, humidity regulation, and optional CO₂ control into a single high-capacity platform. Its broad operating range, excellent temperature uniformity, and heavy-duty shaker-ready configuration make it an outstanding choice for laboratories performing refrigerated incubation, pharmaceutical stability testing, environmental simulation, and other demanding research applications.

Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator Performance and Environmental Stability

The Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator is engineered to deliver precise environmental control for long-term biological studies, pharmaceutical stability testing, and other laboratory applications where temperature consistency is critical. Its refrigeration and heating systems maintain temperatures from 0°C to 60°C, allowing researchers to perform refrigerated storage studies as well as elevated-temperature incubation within a single chamber. Thermo Scientific's directed airflow plenum continuously circulates conditioned air throughout the interior, helping maintain excellent temperature uniformity even when the chamber is fully loaded or supporting heavy shaker platforms.

In addition to precise temperature regulation, this configuration provides programmable humidity control and carbon dioxide supplementation, allowing laboratories to maintain stable environmental conditions for sensitive biological samples and regulated testing protocols. The solid insulated door minimizes heat transfer and reduces recovery times following door openings, making the Forma 3940 well suited for extended experiments where consistent environmental conditions are essential for generating reproducible results.

Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator Typical Samples and Laboratory Applications

The Forma 3940 supports a broad range of biological, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial laboratory applications. Typical samples include pharmaceutical products undergoing stability testing, biologics, vaccines, diagnostic reagents, medical devices, cosmetic formulations, food and beverage products, plant tissue cultures, seeds, microbial cultures, insect colonies, fermentation studies, and other research materials requiring carefully controlled temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide conditions.

Researchers commonly utilize the chamber for ICH stability studies, accelerated aging protocols, refrigerated incubation, environmental simulation, shelf-life determination, packaging validation, controlled humidity experiments, plant physiology research, entomology studies, and specialized biological incubation procedures requiring both below-ambient temperature operation and precise environmental regulation.

Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Thermo Scientific
Model	Forma 3940
Equipment Type	Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator
Chamber Capacity	29 cu. ft. (821 L)
Temperature Range	0°C to 60°C
Temperature Resolution	0.1°C
Temperature Uniformity	±0.3°C
Humidity Range	Above Ambient to 95% RH
CO₂ Control Range	Ambient to 20%
Airflow System	Directed Airflow Plenum
Humidity Display	LED
Standard Shelves	2 Heavy-Duty Shaker-Ready Shelves
Maximum Shelf Capacity	Multiple Adjustable Shelf Positions
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, 60 Hz
Weight	Approximately 650 lb (295 kg)

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 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of a refrigerated incubator over a standard laboratory incubator?

A refrigerated incubator can maintain temperatures below ambient while also operating at elevated incubation temperatures. This makes it suitable for refrigerated storage studies, pharmaceutical stability testing, biological incubation, and environmental simulation without requiring multiple pieces of equipment.

Does this model include humidity and carbon dioxide control?

Yes. This configuration includes programmable humidity control from above ambient to 95% RH along with carbon dioxide control from ambient to 20%, making it suitable for specialized biological and pharmaceutical applications requiring tightly regulated environmental conditions.

What types of laboratories commonly use the Forma 3940?

The Forma 3940 is widely used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, academic research, agriculture, food science, environmental testing, government laboratories, and quality assurance departments performing long-term environmental studies or regulated stability testing.

Why does this model have heavy-duty shaker-ready shelves?

The reinforced shelves are designed to support larger laboratory equipment, including many orbital shakers and heavy sample loads. This allows researchers to perform incubation studies involving continuous agitation without sacrificing chamber stability.

Can the Forma 3940 be used for pharmaceutical stability testing?

Yes. Its broad temperature range, humidity regulation, carbon dioxide capability, and excellent temperature uniformity make it well suited for many pharmaceutical stability and shelf-life testing protocols.

Why does this model use a solid insulated door?

The solid insulated door improves thermal efficiency by minimizing heat transfer during operation. It also protects light-sensitive samples and helps maintain chamber stability throughout long-duration testing protocols.

Why purchase a refurbished Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator from American Instrument Exchange?

A refurbished Thermo Scientific Forma 3940 Reach-In Refrigerated Incubator from American Instrument Exchange provides laboratories with a premium environmental control 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%, heavy-duty shaker-ready shelves, and a solid insulated door, the Forma 3940 is an excellent solution for refrigerated incubation, pharmaceutical stability testing, environmental simulation, and long-term biological research. 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.