Thermo Scientific™ Forma™ Steri-Cycle

CO₂ Incubator
Cell Culture
Innovation

The Forma Steri-Cycle series represents a new era in advanced incubator design — combining THRIVE™ active airflow, 180°C sterilization, and ISO Class 5 HEPA filtration for your most demanding research, pharmaceutical, and clinical applications.

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<10min
Full parameter recovery after 30 sec door opening
180°C
Steri-Run sterilization on all internal surfaces
ISO5
HEPA cleanroom air quality inside the chamber
Forma Steri-Cycle — Product Overview
THRIVE™ Active Airflow 180°C Steri-Run ISO Class 5 HEPA
Forma Steri-Cycle i250
Forma Steri-Cycle i160 · i250
165 L or 255 L · SST or 100% Copper interior

Rapid Recovery

THRIVE technology restores temperature, CO₂ and humidity to set points in under 10 minutes following a 30-second door opening.

Complete Protection

ISO Class 5 HEPA filtration, 180°C Steri-Run sterilization, and 100% copper or electropolished stainless steel interiors work together against contamination.

Enhanced Simplicity

The iCAN™ touchscreen, automatic electronic door lock, and intuitive menu system let you focus on research, not instrument management.

Exclusive Technology

THRIVE™
Active Airflow

Revolutionary proprietary airflow technology ensures every cell sample experiences identical conditions — uniform temperature, CO₂, and humidity throughout the entire chamber.

01

In-Chamber Fan — Uniform Atmosphere

A precise, variable-speed fan gently and evenly distributes clean, humidified air throughout the chamber, preventing desiccation of cultures.

02

Direct-Heat Humidification

Incoming air flows over a directly heated water reservoir, delivering 50% faster humidity recovery compared to standard water pan designs.

03

In-Line HEPA Filtration

The airstream passes through an in-line HEPA filter, removing microbes and particles before air reaches your cultures.

04

Auto-Stop on Door Opening

The fan automatically stops during door openings to minimize air exchange, then temporarily accelerates upon closing for immediate recovery.

Forma Steri-Cycle open with cell culture flasks
Interior shelves and humidity reservoir
Scientist loading incubator
<10 min
Full recovery of temp, CO₂ and humidity after 30 sec door opening
50%
Faster humidity recovery vs. standard water pan design

"Everything we do is cell based. There is just no comparison since we got the copper. The uniformity and the comfort level is simply amazing."

— Laboratory Manager, 14 years working with mammalian cell lines
Sensor Technology

CO₂ Sensor
Options

Choose between proven thermal conductivity (TC) and the revolutionary IR180Si infrared sensor — both delivering precise, maintenance-free CO₂ monitoring.

Recommended · Revolutionary

IR180Si™ Infrared Sensor

Replaces the traditional incandescent IR light source with silicon MEMS emitter technology for improved stability and up to 50% longer service life.

Internal auto-calibration prevents drift from ambient condition changes
Unaffected by temperature, humidity, oxygen, or barometric pressure variations
CO₂ recovery to set point in under 5 minutes after door opening
Temperature-resistant — no removal required during sterilization
Up to 50% longer service life vs. conventional IR sensors
Proven · Reliable

TC (Thermal Conductivity) Sensor

Time-tested CO₂ sensing technology providing stable and reliable results for a broad range of culturing applications and throughput levels.

Widely accepted, lab-proven technology
Ideal for standard and high-volume cell culture work
In-situ placement — maintenance-free during normal operation
Economic choice for value-oriented laboratory workflows
Forma Steri-Cycle display panel — 37°C and CO2 readout
iCAN™ display — real-time parameter readout
Technician reading the Forma Steri-Cycle display
Intuitive front-panel interface for at-a-glance monitoring

Advanced In-Situ Sensor Technology

Probes and gas sensors are positioned inside the chamber for immediate response to any deviation.

Dual Temperature Probes

PID controller prevents overshoot during recovery. Temperature returns to set point in under 5 minutes after door opening.

Zirconium Oxide O₂ Sensor

Precise oxygen control from 1–21% (hypoxic) and 5–90% (hyperoxic) on tri-gas models. Auto-calibration on demand.

Maintenance-Free Design

Robust in-situ sensor placement eliminates removal during sterilization cycles and separate cleaning activities.

Models

Choose the Right
Incubator for Your Lab

Two chamber sizes — the compact i160 and the large-capacity i250 — both equipped with every Forma Steri-Cycle innovation and easily stackable.

Forma Steri-Cycle i160 and i250 side by side
i160 · 165 L
i250 · 255 L
Stackable configuration
SST or Copper interior
Compact

Forma i160

165 L — 5.8 cu.ft.
Scientist with cell culture flasks in front of i160

Compact footprint, readily stackable — ideal for standard to demanding cell culture applications across research and pharmaceutical labs.

Internal dimensions (w×h×d)470×607×576 mm
External dimensions637×900×880 mm
Operating weight83 kg (183 lbs)
Shelves (standard / max)3 / 10
Max shelf / total load10 / 30 kg
Power (Steri-Run)0.56 kW (1.06 kW) @ 230V
Large Capacity — New

Forma i250

255 L — 9.0 cu.ft.
Stacked dual Forma Steri-Cycle i160 on roller frame

255 L chamber for high-throughput and large vessel formats. Strengthened stainless steel models with optional reinforced shelves for low media level culturing.

Internal dimensions (w×h×d)607×670×629 mm
External dimensions774×968×934 mm
Operating weight97.5 kg (215 lbs)
Shelves (standard / max)3 / 12
Max shelf / total load (SST)14 / 42 kg*
Power (Steri-Run)0.76 kW (1.26 kW) @ 230V
Tri-Gas Option

Variable
O₂ Control

Many cell types thrive best at reduced oxygen concentrations. Variable oxygen control models generate physiological conditions to help your cells grow faster and healthier.

1–21%
Hypoxic Range
For primary cell, stem cell, and embryo research. Low oxygen generally produces faster growth, longer cell lifespan, and reduced oxidative stress markers.
5–90%
Hyperoxic Range
For lung, retina, and other oxygen-sensitive tissues. Wide-range precision control for specialized research in hyperoxic environments.
Scientist working in lab with incubator

Proven Science

Parrinello et al. (Nature Cell Biology, 2003) demonstrated that cells cultured under hypoxic conditions generally grow faster, live longer, and show lower stress compared to atmospheric O₂.

Tri-Gas Flexibility

Simultaneous management of CO₂, N₂, and O₂ to simulate complete physiological microenvironments for any cell type.

Contamination Control

Complete
Protection System

Normal indoor air contains 30–700 microorganisms/m³. Normal skin flora reaches 10,000 microorganisms/cm². Each door opening is a potential contamination event.

180°C Steri-Run™ Sterilization

Push-button, fully automatic overnight cycle reaching 180°C on all internal surfaces. Independently validated to achieve 12 log SAL — eliminating mycoplasma, mold, and bacterial spores.

ISO Class 5 HEPA Air Filtration

The entire chamber air volume is filtered every 60 seconds. Recovers to ISO Class 5 cleanroom quality within 5 minutes after a 30-second door opening per ISO 14644-1 and 14644-3.

Condensation-Free Humidification

The exclusive integrated covered humidity reservoir maximizes relative humidity without condensation, eliminating standing water that could become a breeding ground for contaminants.

180°C
On every internal surface — every cycle
Scientist loading samples into Forma Steri-Cycle
Fully automatic cycle — no separate autoclaving required
Third-party validated 12 log SAL with biological indicator testing
47-point temperature validation including glass door and shelves
New: electronic lock auto-engages at cycle start — worry-free sterilization
Eliminates: mycoplasma, fungal mold, vegetative and spore-form bacteria
Total cycle under 12 hours — easily scheduled overnight
12 log
Sterility Assurance Level
<12 h
Full cycle duration
47 pt
Temperature validation points
Interior Material

100% Pure
Copper Chamber

More cell culture professionals are choosing Thermo Scientific incubators with 100% pure copper interiors for their natural properties, durability, and ease of maintenance.

100% Solid Copper

Natural antimicrobial properties, easy to clean without special handling, long service life, sustainable and recyclable.

Electropolished Stainless Steel

Classic lab standard, smooth surface for easy visual inspection, suitable for GMP environments and external stainless steel casing option.

"Everything we do is cell based. The comfort level you can have with the copper is simply amazing. I've had stainless steel incubators before but there is just no comparison."

— Laboratory Manager, 14 years with mammalian cell lines including adherent, suspension, hybridoma and stem cells
Cleaning the copper interior of a Forma Steri-Cycle incubator
Cu
Cuprum · 29 · 63.546
Antimicrobial
Durable
Recyclable
Easy Clean
Cell-Safe
Long Life
Control Interface

iCAN™
Touchscreen

The intelligent iCAN touchscreen interface provides complete data visibility — door-mounted for easy access, with on-screen prompts, error logs, data logging, trend graphing and multilingual support.

Real-time rH monitoring with blue full-bar icon — low water alarm for critical levels
ISO 5 icon confirms chamber has reached cleanroom air quality
On-demand data and error logs — downloadable history via rear USB port
Programmable reminders for HEPA filter, Steri-Run, and Autostart calibration
Programmable access code for settings and information security
Languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin
Optional 4–20 mA output for external data collection (Thermo Scientific™ Smart Vue™)
Technician reading iCAN touchscreen display
iCAN™ — LIVE MONITOR ● ISO Class 5 Active
Temperature
37.0 °C
CO₂
5.0 %
Humidity
≥93 %
O₂ (optional)
5.0 %
HEPA Filter
✓ OK
Steri-Run
Scheduled
Accessories

Complete Your
Lab Setup

Extensive accessories — from stacking adapters and reinforced shelves to CO₂-resistant shakers and gas regulators — let you customize the Forma Steri-Cycle for any workflow.

Forma Steri-Cycle accessories — HEPA filter, CO2 resistant shaker, regulator
Thermo Scientific CO2-resistant orbital shaker with Erlenmeyer flasks

Stacking & Frames

Stacking adapters, low-profile and high roller frames allow flexible dual- or single-chamber arrangements with efficient Steri-Run heat dissipation.

CO₂-Resistant Shaker

Designed for use inside CO₂ incubators — available with standard or universal platform at 120 V and 230 V configurations.

Gas Accessories

2-stage regulators for CO₂, N₂, and O₂ gas tanks. External gas guard with automatic changeover to reserve tank ensures uninterrupted supply.

Specifications

Full Technical
Data Sheet

Parameter Forma i160 (165 L) Forma i250 (255 L)
Construction
Chamber interiorElectropolished SST or 100% solid copperElectropolished SST or 100% solid copper
Exterior casing18 ga cold-rolled steel, powder coated18 ga cold-rolled steel, powder coated
Access port42 mm diameter42 mm diameter
Data outputsRemote alarm, USB, optional 4–20 mARemote alarm, USB, optional 4–20 mA
Dimensions
Internal (w × h × d)470 × 607 × 576 mm607 × 670 × 629 mm
External (w × h × d)637 × 900 × 880 mm774 × 968 × 934 mm
Operating weight83 kg (183 lbs)97.5 kg (215 lbs)
Shelving
Shelf dimensions (w × d)423 × 465 mm560 × 500 mm
Shelves (standard / max)3 / 103 / 12
Max shelf / total load10 / 30 kg10/30 kg (Cu) · 14/42 kg* (SST)
Electrical
Rated voltage1/N/PE AC (±10%), 230 V / 220 V / 120 V / 100 V
Rated power (Steri-Run)0.56 kW (1.06 kW) @ 230V0.76 kW (1.26 kW) @ 230V
Rated frequency50 / 60 Hz
Temperature
Control accuracy± 0.1°C
Range3°C above ambient to 55°C
Uniformity< ± 0.3°C
Tracking alarm± 1°C
Sterilization
Cycle temperature180°C on all internal surfaces
Cycle durationUnder 12 hours
Humidity
Relative humidity @ 37°C≥ 93%
Reservoir capacitymax. 3 L / min. 0.5 L
CO₂
Control accuracy± 0.1%
Range1 – 20%
Gas puritymin. 99.5% or medical quality
O₂ (optional)
Control accuracy± 0.1%
Hypoxic range1 – 21%
Hyperoxic range5 – 90%
Tracking alarm± 1%
Get in Touch

Ready for Your
Next Breakthrough?

The Forma Steri-Cycle series is ready for anything — from basic research to leading-edge applications. Contact our team for a personalized quote or live demonstration.

Personalized Quote We'll respond within 1 business day
Live Demonstration See the Forma Steri-Cycle in action
2-Year Warranty Parts and labor included
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