Applied Biosystems™ PowerFlex™ Thermal Cycler

The PowerFlex™ Thermal Cycler is available in 96-well and 3 x 32-well formats. The system is suitable for a wide range of PCR applications, including cloning, genotyping, sequencing, mutagenesis, automation workflows, and high-throughput screening.

PowerFlex™ Thermal Cycler features

• Temperature accuracy of ±0.15°C (35–99.9°C)
• Well-to-well uniformity of <0.4°C at 95°C and <0.3°C at 72°C
• Maximum ramp rate of 7.0°C/sec
• VeriFlex™ Blocks technology for precise PCR optimization
• Independent block control (3 x 32-well format)
• Simulation Mode for protocol transfer
• 10.1-inch touchscreen user interface
• Smart Help integrated service support
• Compatibility with fully skirted, semi-skirted, and non-skirted PCR plates

Precise thermal control for reproducible PCR

The PowerFlex™ Thermal Cycler is engineered to meet stringent PCR temperature control requirements. With ±0.15°C temperature accuracy and tight well-to-well uniformity, the system supports consistent amplification across the entire block. Uniform heating and cooling help reduce variability between wells, which is critical for comparative analyses and high-throughput workflows.

The maximum ramp rate of 7.0°C/sec reduces overall PCR run time while maintaining amplification performance and data integrity.

VeriFlex™ Blocks technology for PCR optimization

The PowerFlex™ Thermal Cycler incorporates Applied Biosystems™ VeriFlex™ Blocks technology. The 96-well configuration includes up to six independently controlled temperature zones across a 30°C range. Users can define minimum and maximum temperatures, select a midpoint, or program individual zone temperatures.

Unlike traditional gradient blocks that estimate intermediate temperatures, VeriFlex™ Blocks allow direct control of defined temperature zones, enabling precise and reproducible PCR optimization.

The 3 x 32-well configuration includes independently controlled blocks, allowing multiple protocols to run simultaneously.

Flexible block configurations

The PowerFlex™ Thermal Cycler supports laboratories with varying throughput requirements:

• 96-well, 0.2 mL block format
• 3 x 32-well, 0.2 mL block format with independent control
• 2 x 384-well format with independent control (available later)

The 3 x 32-well format enables 3 users or protocols to be run within the same instrument. This configuration is particularly suited for shared laboratories, core facilities, and workflows requiring concurrent assay development or multiple users.

Simulation Mode for protocol transfer

Simulation Mode allows the PowerFlex™ Thermal Cycler to emulate ramp rates and cycling behavior from legacy Applied Biosystems thermal cyclers and selected competitor systems. This feature helps reduce or eliminate the need for protocol re-optimization when transitioning to a new instrument.

Simulation Mode supports workflow continuity and simplifies instrument upgrades within established laboratories.

User interface and connectivity

The PowerFlex™ Thermal Cycler features a 10.1-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) touchscreen with an intuitive graphical user interface for protocol setup, editing, and monitoring.

The system includes:

• Onboard protocol storage
• USB connectivity
• Ethernet connectivity
• Optional Wi-Fi connectivity using the Applied Biosystems™ High-Power USB Wi-Fi Module (Cat. No. A26774)

Cloud-enabled connectivity through the Thermo Fisher™ Connect Platform allows remote protocol management, scheduling, and run monitoring.

Smart Help and service support

Smart Help functionality enables direct submission of technical support or service requests from the PowerFlex™ Thermal Cycler. Instrument log files and run history can be attached automatically to facilitate troubleshooting and accelerate resolution.

Service plans are available to support long-term instrument performance, including:

• AB Repair Center Service
• Rapid Exchange Service
• Multiplex Dynamic Temperature Verification (MDTV) and Planned Maintenance
• Qualification services (IQ/OQ)

Reliability and sustainability

PowerFlex™ Thermal Cyclers are manufactured using components that undergo environmental and mechanical stress testing to support long-term reliability.

The instrument design incorporates sustainability considerations, including reduced energy consumption through sleep mode functionality, use of recycled materials in selected components and recyclable components in the packaging.