DLAB TC1000-G Gradient Thermal Cycler
| Brand | DLAB |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Instrument Type | Gradient PCR Thermal Cycler |
| Sample Capacity | 96-well format (0.2 mL tubes, 8×12 strips, or full 96-well plates) |
| Temperature Range | 4–105°C (sample block), 30–110°C (heated lid) |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.3°C at 55°C |
| Temperature Uniformity | <0.3°C at 55°C |
| Max Ramp Rate | 5°C/sec |
| Gradient Range | 30–99°C |
| Gradient Span | 1–42°C |
| Block Material | Anodized aluminum |
| Display | 7-inch color TFT-LCD (800×480 resolution) |
| Control Interface | Capacitive touch screen |
| Program Storage | 16 folders × 16 programs/folder |
| Power Input | 100–120 V / 200–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 280 × 370 × 250 mm |
| Weight | 11 kg |
| Power Failure Protection | Yes |
| Temperature Display Resolution | ±0.1°C |
Overview
The DLAB TC1000-G Gradient Thermal Cycler is a precision-engineered instrument designed for robust, reproducible polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification under tightly controlled thermal conditions. Built upon Peltier-based thermoelectric heating and cooling architecture, the TC1000-G delivers rapid and symmetrical temperature transitions across the entire 96-well aluminum block—enabling high-fidelity DNA amplification, optimization of annealing conditions, and reliable endpoint or quantitative PCR (qPCR) setup. Its gradient functionality allows simultaneous testing of up to 12 distinct annealing temperatures across adjacent columns (spanning 1–42°C), eliminating sequential optimization runs and accelerating assay development. The system operates within a validated thermal range of 4–105°C for the sample block and 30–110°C for the heated lid—ensuring complete denaturation, consistent primer hybridization, and prevention of condensation during extended cycling.
Key Features
- High-performance Peltier module with dual-stage active cooling and heating control for precise thermal ramping at up to 5°C/sec
- Aluminum sample block with proprietary surface anodization for enhanced thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance
- Integrated heated lid with adjustable pressure and real-time temperature feedback to prevent evaporation and ensure seal integrity
- 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation and on-device program editing
- On-board file management supporting 256 user-defined protocols (16 folders × 16 programs), each configurable with up to 30 temperature steps and 99 cycles
- Automatic power-failure recovery: resumes interrupted runs from the last completed cycle upon restoration of supply voltage
- Dual-voltage auto-sensing power supply (100–120 V / 200–240 V, 50/60 Hz) for global laboratory deployment without external transformers
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TC1000-G accommodates standard 96-well PCR consumables—including 0.2 mL individual tubes, 8×12 strip tubes, and full-skirted or semi-skirted 96-well plates—ensuring compatibility with major reagent and plate manufacturers. All thermal specifications (accuracy ±0.3°C at 55°C; uniformity <0.3°C at 55°C; display resolution ±0.1°C) are verified per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration procedures traceable to NIST standards. The instrument supports GLP-compliant workflow documentation when paired with DLAB’s optional PC-based software suite, which logs timestamped cycle data, user actions, and environmental parameters. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, the firmware architecture permits audit-trail-enabling configurations suitable for regulated environments under internal SOP governance.
Software & Data Management
DLAB provides free PC-based thermal cycler control and analysis software compatible with Windows 10/11. The application enables remote protocol upload/download, real-time temperature curve visualization, comparative gradient analysis, and CSV export of thermal profiles and cycle logs. All user modifications—including parameter edits, folder reorganization, and program duplication—are timestamped and attributed. Firmware updates are delivered via USB flash drive with SHA-256 checksum verification to ensure integrity. No cloud connectivity or telemetry is enabled by default; data residency remains fully local unless explicitly configured by the end user.
Applications
- Optimization of primer annealing temperatures in multiplex and singleplex PCR assays
- Genotyping workflows requiring allele-specific amplification under variable stringency
- Site-directed mutagenesis and cloning vector preparation
- Preparation of templates for Sanger sequencing, NGS library construction, and CRISPR guide RNA validation
- Teaching laboratories performing standardized molecular biology curricula (e.g., AP Biology, undergraduate genetics labs)
- Routine diagnostic screening where thermal consistency across wells is critical for inter-run comparability
FAQ
What consumables are compatible with the TC1000-G?
Standard 0.2 mL thin-wall PCR tubes, 8-well strips, and full- or semi-skirted 96-well plates conforming to ANSI/SBS dimensional specifications.
Is the heated lid pressure adjustable?
Yes—the lid applies uniform mechanical pressure across the plate surface and features three preset compression levels optimized for different plate types and sealing methods.
Can I export raw temperature data for statistical analysis?
Yes—cycle-by-cycle block temperature readings, ramp rates, and dwell times are exportable as time-stamped CSV files via the PC software.
Does the TC1000-G support nested or touchdown PCR protocols?
Yes—its 30-step programming depth and programmable ramp rate modulation allow implementation of complex multi-phase thermal profiles, including step-down annealing and two-stage extension protocols.
How is temperature calibration maintained over time?
DLAB recommends annual verification using a NIST-traceable reference thermometer inserted into designated calibration wells; field-serviceable block sensors are replaceable without recalibration of the full system.
