Eppendorf AG - Eppendorf MasterCycler Thermal Cycler

• DNA amplification for molecular biology research and diagnostics.
• Gene expression analysis through reverse transcription PCR.
• Genotyping for genetic studies and disease screening.
• Cloning and mutagenesis procedures in biotechnology.
• Pathogen detection in clinical and food safety laboratories.

Typical block format

Commonly features a 96-well block, though 48-well or 384-well formats are also found for this class of equipment.

Temperature range

Typically operates within a range of 4°C to 99°C.

Heating/cooling rate

For this class of equipment, heating rates commonly exceed 3°C/s and cooling rates can be over 2°C/s.

Power supply

Units of this type commonly require a standard laboratory power supply, typically 230V, 50/60Hz for the UK market.

Lid type

Typically features a heated lid to prevent condensation and ensure consistent reaction volumes.

Footprint

For this class of equipment, dimensions are typically compact, designed for benchtop use in a laboratory setting.

• What is a thermal cycler used for?

  A thermal cycler, also known as a PCR machine, is used to amplify DNA and RNA segments via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by rapidly changing temperatures.

• What maintenance is typically required for an Eppendorf MasterCycler?

• Can this unit be used for real-time PCR?

• What consumables are needed for a thermal cycler?

• Is this unit suitable for high-throughput applications?

• What should I check when buying a used thermal cycler?

PCR machines and thermal cyclers are regarded as reliable workhorses in molecular biology laboratories. Buyers typically value precision temperature control, consistent cycling performance, and straightforward programming interfaces. When purchasing used equipment, inspectors should verify heating block accuracy, check thermal uniformity across wells, and confirm software compatibility with current laboratory systems. Common strengths include durability, ease of maintenance, and sustained performance across numerous applications in research, diagnostics, and quality control settings.

General overview for this equipment type