The Benchmark TC9639 Thermal Cycler (SKU T5000-96, US plug; a 230 V EU-plug version is available by special order) is a medium-to-high-throughput thermal cycler featuring a multi-format sample block that accepts 96 × 0.2 mL tubes/strip tubes, 39 × 0.5 mL tubes, or 1 nonskirted 96-well plate — eliminating the cost and storage of multiple interchangeable blocks. Per brochure, the chassis includes a large color touch screen with next-generation program wizard and proprietary algorithm that simulates sample temperature for precise heating/cooling control within tight tolerances.
Voltage options: This unit can be ordered with European voltage requirements (230V/50Hz). Contact us to order.
Key Specifications
| SKU | T5000-96 (US plug) |
| Type | Thermal cycler with multi-format sample block |
| Sample block capacity | 96 × 0.2 mL tubes/strip tubes OR 39 × 0.5 mL tubes OR 1 nonskirted 96-well plate |
| In-situ adapter | T5000-A-IS (4 slides — fits T5000-96 multi-format block) |
| Temperature control range | 0 – 100 °C |
| Temperature control mode | Simulated sample OR block (operator-selectable) |
| Accuracy / uniformity | ±0.2 °C / ±0.2 °C |
| Maximum ramp rate | 4 °C/second |
| Heated lid temperature | 30 – 112 °C (user adjustable; auto-shuts off when block < 35 °C) |
| Program memory | Unlimited with flash drive (programs stored in public folders, password-protected folders, or flash drive) |
| Increments / decrements | Yes — time AND temperature |
| Power failure restart | Yes |
| Power supply | Universal 75–275 V, 50/60 Hz (chassis accepts both voltages — only plug differs between -96 variants) |
| Communication | USB, LAN, RS232 |
| Display | Large full-color touch screen with program wizard |
| Dimensions | 10.2 × 14.2 × 9.9 in / 26 × 36 × 25 cm (W × D × H) |
| Weight | 16 lbs / 7.3 kg |
| Sister SKU (384-well block) | T5000-384 |
Why Multi-Format Block — One Block, Three Workflows
Traditional thermal cyclers offer multiple interchangeable blocks sold as separate accessories — labs needing both 0.2 mL tube and 0.5 mL tube workflows must purchase two blocks, store both, and swap between protocols. The TC9639 multi-format block eliminates this:
| Workflow format | Capacity per cycle |
| 0.2 mL tubes / strip tubes | 96 tubes (full 8 × 12 plate equivalent) |
| 0.5 mL tubes | 39 tubes |
| 96-well plate (nonskirted) | 1 plate (96 reactions) |
| Slides (with T5000-A-IS adapter) | 4 slides for in-situ PCR workflows |
Workflow advantages: the single block gives one chassis coverage of tube, strip, plate, and slide workflows with no block-swap downtime — the operator switches protocols within a single cycler without hardware changes — while reducing procurement cost (one block instead of separate 0.2 / 0.5 / plate blocks) and storage/inventory overhead (one block takes one storage spot).
For workflows requiring 384-well plate format, step to the T5000-384 sister chassis which has a dedicated 384-well plate block.
Touch-Screen Program Wizard
Per brochure: *"A large, full color touch screen serves as the operations center where all functions are accessed. Starting at the 'Home' screen, simply touch an icon to view the last run, enter the program library or use the program wizard to quickly enter a new protocol."*
Per brochure, the program wizard offers single-screen protocol setup (guided entry without multi-screen navigation), a graphic protocol display for visual confirmation, and touch-editing of any step to modify time or temperature. It supports time and temperature increments / decrements for touchdown PCR and similar adaptive protocols, selectable slower ramp rates for sensitive workflows, and unlimited storage across public folders, password-protected folders, or a flash drive. A full virtual keyboard handles alphanumeric naming, and the touchscreen works with gloves — no glove removal during setup.
Heated Lid + Simulated Sample Temperature
Fully adjustable heated lid prevents condensation and sample evaporation during cycling. Lid temperature is programmable (30–112 °C); when block temperature is below 35 °C, the lid automatically shuts off to prevent damage during low-temperature workflows or post-run cooling.
Simulated sample temperature control (vs simple block-temperature control) — the chassis's proprietary algorithm models sample temperature based on tube/plate format and ramp profile, achieving tight tolerance temperature control within sample (vs block-only cyclers where sample temperature lags behind block temperature). The operator can select between simulated sample OR block temperature control mode per workflow.
Universal Input Voltage Design
The TC9639 ships with Universal 75–275 V, 50/60 Hz power supply — the chassis itself accepts the full international voltage range. The only difference between the US-plug and EU-plug versions is the plug type on the included power cord. This simplifies international procurement vs cyclers requiring distinct voltage-variant chassis.
International plug type at order. Confirm at quote which plug type the destination outlet requires (NEMA 5-15 for US 115 V; UK BS 1363, Schuko, AS/NZS 3112 for international 230 V; or other regional plugs).
Application Profile
Medium-to-high-throughput PCR workflows — academic-research labs, sequencing cores, biotech R&D groups, clinical-research diagnostic labs running daily PCR / qPCR / RT-PCR throughput.
Multi-format laboratory standardization — labs running mixed tube / plate workflows benefit from the multi-format block eliminating per-format chassis or block-swap requirements.
Method-development PCR workflows — protocol-development workflows benefiting from touch-screen program wizard + flexible block format.
Educational laboratory PCR programs — molecular-biology coursework with multiple class-cohort PCR exercises across tube and plate formats.
In-situ PCR workflows — when paired with T5000-A-IS adapter, supports 4-slide in-situ PCR for tissue-section / cytology workflows.
Multi-investigator shared facilities — touch-screen with password-protected folders supports multi-investigator usage tracking and protocol confidentiality.
Field-deployment workflows — universal input voltage + 16 lbs portable weight supports field-lab deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sample formats does the multi-format block accept? 96 × 0.2 mL tubes / strip tubes, 39 × 0.5 mL tubes, or 1 nonskirted 96-well plate — plus 4 slides with the optional T5000-A-IS in-situ adapter.
What are the temperature specifications? 0–100 °C control range, ±0.2 °C accuracy and uniformity, and a 4 °C/second maximum ramp rate; the heated lid is adjustable 30–112 °C.
Is the T5000-96 an Accuris or Benchmark product? The SKU carries the T5000 (Accuris) prefix, but per brochure the product is the Benchmark-branded TC9639 thermal cycler.
What is the difference between the US and EU versions? The chassis accepts universal 75–275 V, 50/60 Hz — only the plug type on the included power cord differs between the US-plug (T5000-96) and EU-plug versions.
Is there a 384-well option? Yes — the T5000-384 sister chassis has a dedicated 384-well plate block.
Ordering & Configuration
Plug type at order. Confirm at quote whether the order is the US-plug (T5000-96) or EU-plug variant.
384-well workflow needs. Confirm whether the workflow needs 384-well plate format — if yes, the T5000-384 sister chassis with dedicated 384-well block is the right pick.
In-situ slide workflow. If the workflow includes slide-format PCR, plan to order the T5000-A-IS in-situ slide adapter alongside the chassis.
Confirm at quote: workflow format needs (tube/plate/slide), workflow throughput, plug type (US vs EU), in-situ adapter pairing if applicable, training requirements, and lead time.
Warranty: Per Benchmark standard warranty terms — confirm at quote.
Benchmark TC9639 Thermal Cycler family:
- T5000-96 (this product) — TC9639 with multi-format block
- Same chassis with EU plug (by special order)
- T5000-384 — TC9639 with 384-well block
- 384-well chassis with EU plug (by special order)
- T5000-A-IS — In-situ slide adapter (4 slides, fits T5000-96 multi-format block)
Pick the multi-format block (T5000-96) for tube + strip + 96-well plate flexibility; step to T5000-384 for 384-well workflows; add T5000-A-IS for slide-format in-situ PCR.
