Guides

Step 2

Opening Your Freeze Dryer

Find the right panel to remove, avoid stripped screws, and compare your internals against reference photos.

Open the correct panel

Use the panels below based on where your freeze dryer screen is mounted.

Top screen: if your screen is above your chamber, start by removing the top panel. Unscrew the top line of screws that attach the lid, then gently lift and pull back to access the inside.

On newer freeze dryers, you may need to remove all screws along the top and rear of the freeze dryer plus the screws affixing the screen to the top panel.

Bottom screen: if your screen is below the chamber, remove the right side panel. Unscrew the area around the bottom side vent on the right. You do not need to remove the entire shroud.

  • For both styles, check the securing screws on the back of the freeze dryer.
  • Top screen units usually need the top-most rear row removed.
  • Bottom screen units usually need the right-side panel loosened from both the back and side.
  • Use an Allen wrench that fits cleanly so you do not strip the screws.

Reference photos

Compare your freeze dryer internals against these photos before removing the ribbon cable.

Freeze dryer panel reference photo
Panel reference
Older Pharma/Home freeze dryer internals
Pharma/Home 2022 and before
Alternate older Pharma/Home freeze dryer internals
Pharma/Home 2022 and before alternate
Newer Pharma/Pro freeze dryer internals
Pharma/Pro 2023+ reference 1
Newer Pharma/Pro freeze dryer internals
Pharma/Pro 2023+ reference 2
Newer Pharma/Pro freeze dryer internals
Pharma/Pro 2023+ reference 3
Newer Pharma/Pro freeze dryer internals
Pharma/Pro 2023+ reference 4