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.
