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Thermocycler

The Thermocycler as seen from the top right. The lid is open to show the thermal block inside.

Additional Documentation

For complete instructions on module installation and use, see the Thermocycler Module Instruction Manual.

Thermocycler features

The Opentrons Thermocycler Module is a fully automated on-deck thermocycler designed for hands-free PCR in a 96-well plate format. It is compatible with the Flex Gripper, other deck-mounted hardware, and is fully supported in the Opentrons App and Python API. When used with a reusable rubber seal or single-use PCR plate lid, the module's heated lid provides a tight seal that helps ensure efficient sample heating and minimizes evaporation, crucial for reliable and repeatable experimental results.

Heating and cooling

The Thermocycler's block can heat and cool, and its lid can heat, with the following temperature profile:

  • Thermal block temperature range: 4–99 °C

  • Thermal block maximum heating ramp rate: 4.25 °C/s from ambient to 95 °C

  • Thermal block maximum cooling ramp rate: 2.0 °C/s from 95 °C to ambient

  • Lid temperature range: 37–110 °C

  • Lid temperature accuracy: ±1 °C

The automated lid can be opened or closed as needed during protocol execution.

Thermocycler profiles

The Thermocycler can execute profiles: automatically cycling through a sequence of block temperatures to perform heat-sensitive reactions.

Software control

The Thermocycler is fully programmable in Protocol Designer and the Python Protocol API.

Outside of protocols, the Opentrons App can display the current status of the Thermocycler and can directly control the block temperature, lid temperature, and lid position.

Thermocycler lids and seals

The Thermocycler is compatible with two different plate seals to help protect your samples: the single-use Opentrons Tough PCR Auto-sealing Lid and reuseable rubber automation seals.

Opentrons Tough PCR lids

The Opentrons Tough PCR Auto-sealing lids are single-use lids that prevent cross-contamination and evaporation during Thermocycler incubation periods. They are gripper-compatible and can be stacked directly on the deck or placed in a specialized deck riser.

Tough PCR lid image

These lids are manufactured in cleanroom facilities that meet ISO 14644-1 Class 8 standards. They also have a "Sterile-R" designation, which means they're irradiated to a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10-6. Each box contains documentation certifying the lids are free of ATP, pyrogens, DNA, DNase, RNase, and PCR inhibitors.

Reuseable seals

These are adhesive-backed ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) seals you manually apply to the Thermocycler lid. Each seal can be reused up to 20 times.

Reuseable seals image

Unlike the Opentrons Tough PCR lids, reuseable seals are not sterile. They must be cleaned and sanitized before each use.

Warning

Do not use the Opentrons Tough Auto-sealing PCR Lid and a rubber automation seal on the Thermocycler at the same time. This combination prevents the module's lid from closing properly, which can cause temperature control problems and mechanical damage. Always remove the rubber seal before running protocols that use the disposable PCR lid. PCR lid and rubber seal warning

Thermocycler specifications

Specification Details
Dimensions (lid open) 244.95 × 172 × 310.1 mm (L/W/H)
Dimensions (lid closed) 244.95 × 172 × 170.35 mm (L/W/H)
Weight (including rear duct) 8.4 kg
Power adapter voltage 100–240 V at 50/60 Hz
Power adapter current 8.5–5 A
Overvoltage Category II
Environmental conditions Indoor use only
Ambient temperature 20–25 °C (ideal); 2–40 °C (acceptable)
Relative humidity 30–80%, non-condensing
Altitude Up to 2000 m above sea level
Ventilation requirements At least 20 cm / 8 in between the unit and a wall