The T5000-96-2D is the Turbo 2D Gradient configuration of Benchmark Scientific's TC9639 thermal cycler platform — a touch-screen-controlled 96-well thermal cycler with 2D gradient capability and a multi-format block that accepts 96 × 0.2 mL tubes or strips, 39 × 0.5 mL tubes, or a standard 96-well plate. This is the spec for medium-to-high-throughput PCR labs that run a mix of tube formats (some workflows in 0.5 mL tubes, others in 96-well plates, others in PCR strips) and need a single thermal cycler that handles them all without block-changeover. The 2D gradient capability allows the operator to optimize annealing temperature across the block in two dimensions — useful for primer-pair optimization where multiple variables are being tested simultaneously.
Voltage options: This unit can be ordered with European voltage requirements (230V/50Hz). Contact us to order.
Key Specifications
| Block format | Multi-format: 96 × 0.2 mL tubes or strips, 39 × 0.5 mL tubes, or 96-well plate |
| Gradient capability | 2D gradient — temperature gradient in two dimensions across the block |
| Display | Large full-color touchscreen |
| Program input | Program Wizard (single-screen guided protocol setup) + virtual keyboard for alphanumeric naming |
| Programming features | Time and temperature increments per step; adjustable ramp rates |
| Storage | Unlimited program storage; public folders, password-protected folders, or USB flash drive transfer |
| Heated lid | Yes — fully adjustable |
| Glove-compatible operation | Touchscreen works with gloves on |
| List price | $10,899 |
Application Profile
Standard endpoint PCR across the 96-well-format throughput typical of molecular-biology cores — the multi-format block accepts whatever tube format the workflow uses (strips, individual tubes, or plates) without block-swap.
2D gradient PCR for primer-pair optimization. The 2D gradient capability lets the operator vary annealing temperature across the block in two dimensions — useful for testing primer combinations where both forward and reverse primer Tm differ from the standard. Reduces the number of optimization runs required to find the right annealing window.
Multi-format throughput labs. Workflow pipelines that span 0.2 mL strips for quick screening, 0.5 mL tubes for larger volumes, and 96-well plates for batch screening — the multi-format block handles all three without block-changeover downtime.
Method development with adjustable ramp rates. Protocol fidelity studies where ramp rate (°C/sec) is being tuned for high-fidelity polymerases or specific annealing dynamics — the T5000's adjustable ramp rate supports protocol-development work that fixed-ramp cyclers can't.
Multi-user shared facilities. Unlimited program storage with public + password-protected folder structure means many users can store their protocols on the same instrument without protocol-collision; the touch screen + Program Wizard reduces protocol-entry time for new users.
Educational and teaching. The Program Wizard's single-screen guided protocol setup is engineered for users without prior thermal-cycler experience — appropriate for teaching environments where students learn PCR protocol design.
Design Architecture
Multi-format block. The block geometry accepts 0.2 mL tubes and PCR strips directly (96 positions), 0.5 mL tubes via different adapter geometry (39 positions per the brochure), and 96-well skirted or non-skirted plates. Block-format swaps are not required for the workflow types the multi-format block covers.
2D gradient capability. Standard gradient cyclers vary temperature in one dimension across the block (typically column-by-column). 2D gradient varies temperature in two dimensions — a finer-grained optimization grid for primer / template combinations.
Touch-screen Program Wizard. The defining usability feature — protocol setup happens on a single screen with a wizard-style flow rather than the multi-screen menu navigation of older thermal cyclers. Programs are shown graphically; editing is done by touching the step that requires modification.
Adjustable ramp rates. Protocol-fidelity tuning for high-fidelity polymerases (slower ramp), enzymatic specificity (sharper temperature transitions), or workflow-time optimization (faster ramp for routine PCR).
Heated lid (fully adjustable). Prevents condensation on the underside of tube caps / plate seals during the heated cycle steps. Adjustable height accommodates different tube heights and plate sealing methods.
Glove-compatible touchscreen. PCR setup happens in gloved environments; the capacitive touchscreen is engineered to work through nitrile and latex gloves without "glove mode" toggling.
Unlimited program storage. Public folders for shared lab protocols, password-protected folders for individual users, USB flash drive for portable protocol transfer. Virtual keyboard supports alphanumeric naming.
Quick-access icons for frequently used programs. Add icons to the home screen for instant launch — useful when a lab runs the same 3–5 PCR protocols repeatedly.
Last-run-recall function. Touch the Home icon to view the last run's parameters — useful for repeat runs and protocol troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tube formats does the block accept? The multi-format block accepts 96 × 0.2 mL tubes or strips, 39 × 0.5 mL tubes, or a standard 96-well plate — without a block-changeover.
What is 2D gradient capability? The block can vary annealing temperature in two dimensions rather than one, giving a finer optimization grid for primer-pair and template combinations.
Does the touchscreen work with gloves on? Yes — the capacitive touchscreen is engineered to operate through nitrile and latex gloves.
How are protocols stored? Unlimited program storage with public folders, password-protected folders, or USB flash-drive transfer.
How does it differ from the T5000-96? The T5000-96 offers standard 1D gradient at $6,535; the T5000-96-2D adds 2D gradient at $10,899.
Ordering & Configuration
Standard configuration. The T5000-96-2D ships with the instrument, multi-format 96-position block, heated lid, full-color touchscreen, USB ports, 115 V US power cord, operator's manual, and packaging materials.
Voltage variants:
- T5000-96-2D — 115 V US Plug (this SKU)
Family alternatives in the T5000 / TC9639 line:
- T5000-96 — 96-well multi-format block, standard (non-2D) gradient at $6,535 — the right pick when 1D gradient is sufficient for the workflow
- T5000-384 — 384-well block ($10,899.00) — for high-throughput 384-format PCR labs
- T3-0248G / -0332G — MultiCycler 228 / 332 — multi-block thermal cyclers for labs running multiple PCR protocols simultaneously
Use the quote request to specify: voltage and plug type, whether 2D gradient capability is needed (drives T5000-96-2D vs T5000-96 selection), training, and lead time.
Warranty: Manufacturer's standard Benchmark Scientific warranty applies.
2D vs standard gradient selection: standard 1D gradient (T5000-96) varies temperature across one block dimension — sufficient for most primer-pair Tm optimization. 2D gradient (T5000-96-2D, this product) varies temperature across two dimensions — the right pick for protocol-development labs running complex primer combinatorial optimization. The $4,400 price premium over the 1D-gradient T5000-96 earns its slot in protocol-development environments.
