OHAUS Pioneer PX125DZH Analytical Balance

Overview

The OHAUS Pioneer PX125DZH Analytical Balance is a high-precision mass measurement instrument engineered for routine analytical weighing tasks in regulated laboratory environments—including QC/QA labs, academic research facilities, and pharmaceutical production support areas. Operating on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) principle, the PX125DZH delivers stable, drift-compensated measurements with 0.01 mg readability across its 120 g maximum capacity. Its design emphasizes metrological integrity under variable ambient conditions—featuring temperature-stabilized load cell electronics, draft shield compatibility (sold separately), and active electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation via an integrated red ESD bar positioned directly above the weighing chamber. Unlike basic precision balances, the PX125DZH meets the functional prerequisites for ISO/IEC 17025-compliant calibration verification and supports traceable weight recording when paired with compliant data management systems.

Key Features

• 0.01 mg readability with 120 g maximum capacity—optimized for low-mass sample quantification in formulation, titration, and reference standard preparation.
• Dual-line LCD display: top line shows real-time mass value; bottom line provides dynamic operational guidance—including unit selection, calibration status, and menu navigation cues—reducing operator dependency on printed manuals.
• Robust mechanical architecture: die-cast aluminum base ensures vibration damping and long-term structural stability; 304 stainless steel weighing pan resists corrosion from solvents, acids, and particulate abrasion.
• Integrated ESD control system: conductive red ESD bar neutralizes static charge buildup on samples and containers prior to placement, minimizing measurement artifacts common in low-humidity or polymer-handling environments.
• Dual communication interfaces: native USB-B (virtual COM port) and RS-232 ports enable direct connectivity to LIMS, ELN, or standalone PCs—supporting ASCII-based data export with configurable delimiters and timestamping.
• Calibration flexibility: internal calibration motor actuates automated adjustment using built-in reference masses; external calibration accommodates user-provided NIST-traceable weights for independent verification per ASTM E898 or USP <41> requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PX125DZH accommodates standard analytical sample vessels—including weighing boats, vials, crucibles, and filter papers—within its 120 mm diameter weighing pan. Optional draft shields (PX-DRAFT series) provide Class I environmental isolation per ISO 9001 Annex A.3. While not certified to OIML R76 or NTEP standards for legal-for-trade use, the balance conforms to key performance criteria outlined in ISO 17025:2017 (clause 6.4.3) for equipment suitability, including repeatability verification (≤0.02 mg at 10% load), eccentricity testing, and sensitivity drift assessment. Its firmware supports audit trail-enabling configurations compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned software platforms when used in conjunction with validated third-party data capture tools.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software is bundled; however, the PX125DZH transmits ASCII-formatted data packets via both USB and RS-232, enabling seamless integration with industry-standard platforms such as LabWare LIMS, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, or open-source solutions like OpenLab CDS. Each transmission includes weight value, unit symbol (g/mg/µg), net/gross/tare indicator, date/time stamp (if enabled via host), and status flags (e.g., “STAB”, “CAL”, “OVER”). Firmware version 2.1+ supports auto-zero tracking and configurable auto-stabilization thresholds—critical for GLP-compliant recordkeeping where manual transcription errors must be minimized.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing, excipient ratio verification, and USP <41>-compliant balance performance checks.
• Academic Research: Stoichiometric reagent preparation, gravimetric analysis of precipitates, and calibration of volumetric glassware per ASTM E542.
• Materials Science: Powder density determination, catalyst loading accuracy validation, and thin-film mass deposition monitoring.
• Food & Beverage QA: Nutrient fortification dosage verification, moisture loss tracking (via drying oven–balance tandem workflows), and allergen cross-contact risk assessment.
• Environmental Testing: Filter mass gain analysis for PM2.5/PM10 particulate sampling per EPA Method 201A.

FAQ

What is the minimum sample mass recommended for reliable measurement at 0.01 mg readability?
For optimal uncertainty contribution (<0.1% relative standard deviation), OHAUS recommends ≥10 mg net sample mass under controlled lab conditions (20–25°C, <50% RH, no air currents).
Does the PX125DZH support automatic tare logging with timestamps?
No—the balance itself does not store tare events. Timestamped tare records require external software capture via USB/RS-232 interface.
Is the internal calibration mass certified to NIST-traceable standards?
Yes—the factory-installed internal reference mass is individually calibrated against NIST-traceable standards and documented in the unit’s Certificate of Conformance (CoC), supplied with each instrument.
Can the PX125DZH be validated per IQ/OQ/PQ protocols?
Yes—OHAUS provides downloadable IQ/OQ protocol templates and test procedures aligned with ASTM E898, ISO 17025, and EU GMP Annex 15 guidelines. PQ execution requires user-defined acceptance criteria and environmental monitoring.
What draft shield models are mechanically compatible with the PX125DZH?
The OHAUS PX-DRAFT-120 (acrylic, hinged front door) and PX-DRAFT-120S (stainless steel, sliding door) are fully compatible and maintain full readability specification when installed.