Sartorius Signum Series Industrial Balance

Overview

The Sartorius Signum Series Industrial Balance is an engineered solution for high-reliability mass measurement in demanding production, logistics, and quality control environments. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the Signum platform integrates three distinct weighing technologies—strain-gauge-based SIWR and SIWA modules, plus the high-precision electromagnetic force compensation SIWS module—to deliver application-specific performance across diverse industrial workflows. Its compact footprint and robust mechanical architecture make it suitable for integration into conveyor lines, filling stations, packaging cells, and warehouse sorting systems. The balance operates on OIML R76 principles for legal-for-trade applications, with optional factory certification enabling compliance with metrological requirements for Class II (medium accuracy) and Class III (ordinary accuracy) use cases per national weights and measures regulations.

Key Features

• Triple-technology weighing architecture: Select between strain-gauge (SIWR/SIWA) for cost-effective durability or electromagnetic force compensation (SIWS) for enhanced linearity, repeatability, and long-term stability under thermal or mechanical stress.
• Ruggedized enclosure with optional IP65-rated housing—certified against dust ingress and low-pressure water jets—enabling deployment in humid, dusty, or washdown-prone industrial zones.
• Three configurable display and output indication modes: net/gross/tare, percentage deviation, and checkweighing status—each programmable via front-panel interface or remote configuration.
• Large stainless-steel weighing pan (340 mm × 240 mm) optimized for stability during dynamic loading and compatible with standard industrial containers, trays, and tote bins.
• Scalable readability range from 35,000 division (d) up to 350,000 d, supporting both high-capacity bulk weighing and fine-resolution process checks without hardware changeover.
• Multi-protocol connectivity: Standard RS232, optional Ethernet TCP/IP, USB device/host, and analog 4–20 mA outputs enable seamless integration with PLCs, MES, SCADA, and ERP systems.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Signum Series accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—including powders, granules, packaged goods, metal components, and liquid-filled vessels—without requiring recalibration between load categories. Its mechanical damping and advanced digital filtering minimize vibration-induced drift in high-traffic factory floors. All models comply with international metrological standards including OIML R76, EN 45501, and ISO/IEC 17025 (when operated within accredited calibration intervals). Factory-certified variants support traceable verification to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB in Germany) and are documented for GLP/GMP-aligned quality records. Optional audit trail logging meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when used with compliant software interfaces.

Software & Data Management

Sartorius provides the optional LabX® Light software for local data capture, user management, and report generation—including customizable PDF certificates with embedded metadata (operator ID, timestamp, environmental conditions, calibration status). Raw weight data streams can be exported via ASCII or CSV formats for statistical process control (SPC) analysis. For enterprise-level integration, the balance supports Modbus TCP and OPC UA protocols, allowing real-time synchronization with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and electronic batch records (EBR). All firmware updates are delivered through Sartorius’ secure update portal, ensuring continued alignment with evolving cybersecurity and regulatory expectations.

Applications

• Inline checkweighing in pharmaceutical blister packaging and vial filling lines
• Raw material receipt verification and inventory reconciliation in chemical and food processing plants
• Dynamic batching and recipe dosing in additive manufacturing powder handling
• Quality gate inspection for automotive component assemblies prior to shipping
• Warehouse receiving and pallet load verification under ISO 9001 audit frameworks
• Environmental monitoring labs performing solid waste characterization per ASTM D5231

FAQ

Is the Signum Series certified for trade use in the United States?

Yes—models with factory certification meet NIST Handbook 44 requirements for Class III devices and are registered with the National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) upon request.
Can the balance operate reliably near variable-frequency drives (VFDs) or welding equipment?

Yes—the SIWS electromagnetic module includes active shielding and EMI-filtered power supply design, validated per IEC 61326-1 for electromagnetic compatibility in industrial settings.
What is the recommended calibration interval under continuous operation?

Sartorius recommends daily zero-checks, weekly span verification using certified test weights, and full external calibration every 3–6 months depending on usage frequency and environmental stability—documented per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5.
Does the IP65 option cover the entire terminal and connection ports?

Yes—the IP65 rating applies to the full housing, including sealed membrane keypad, display bezel, and all cable entry points; however, optional I/O modules (e.g., relay outputs) must be specified with matching ingress protection.
Can multiple Signum units be managed centrally via network?

Yes—using Sartorius’ Balance Control Center (BCC) software, up to 32 balances can be monitored, configured, and audited simultaneously over Ethernet, with role-based access control and automated log archiving.