Sartorius Practum5101-1CN Precision Balance

Overview

The Sartorius Practum5101-1CN is a high-reliability precision balance engineered for routine laboratory weighing tasks requiring consistent accuracy and operational robustness. Designed and manufactured in Germany, it employs electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) technology — the industry-standard principle for analytical and precision balances — to deliver stable, drift-resistant measurements across variable environmental conditions. With a maximum capacity of 5100 g and readability of 100 mg, the Practum5101-1CN bridges the functional gap between top-loading and analytical balances, making it ideal for applications where moderate resolution meets high throughput demands. Its compact footprint (216 × 360 × 95 mm), low mass (~3.1 kg), and integrated ergonomic draft shield support flexible placement on shared lab benches or mobile workstations without compromising stability. The balance conforms to fundamental metrological requirements outlined in OIML R76 and EN 45501, and its mechanical overload protection system safeguards the load cell against accidental overloading up to 150% of nominal capacity — a critical reliability feature in teaching labs and QC environments where user experience varies.

Key Features

• Electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) sensor architecture ensuring long-term calibration stability and minimal thermal drift
• Regulatory lock function preventing unauthorized changes to setup parameters — essential for audit-readiness in GLP and GMP-regulated workflows
• Draft shield with optimized geometry and rigid construction, enabling reproducible weighing under ambient air currents without compromising accessibility
• Mini-USB interface supporting direct connection to Sartorius YDP40 standard lab printer for GLP-compliant, timestamped weight records (no internal memory or audit trail; external printer required)
• Mechanical overload protection rated to 7650 g (150% of max capacity), extending service life in multi-user environments
• Multi-language UI (12 languages including English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese) with intuitive icon-based navigation on full-color touchscreen display
• Preconfigured application modes: piece counting, percentage weighing, density determination (with optional kit), checkweighing, peak hold, and dynamic weighing for unstable samples

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Practum5101-1CN accommodates samples up to 5100 g on its 180 mm diameter stainless-steel pan. Its open draft shield design supports containers of varying height and geometry, including beakers, weighing boats, and crucibles — though users must ensure sample placement remains centered to maintain repeatability. While not certified for hazardous or corrosive environments (no IP rating or chemical resistance coating), the balance meets baseline electrical safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and EMC compliance (EN 61326-1). It supports external calibration using Class M2 weights (not included), and its linearity deviation of ≤300 mg across full range complies with ISO 8655-6 and USP tolerance thresholds for non-analytical weighing. Regulatory lock functionality satisfies basic instrument control requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated printer output — however, the balance itself does not store calibration history, user logs, or electronic signatures.

Software & Data Management

The Practum5101-1CN operates as a standalone instrument with no embedded data storage, network connectivity, or PC software integration. All data export occurs via real-time printing through the optional YDP40 thermal printer, which generates hard-copy reports containing date/time stamp, gross/net/tare values, unit, and operator ID (if manually entered). Printouts adhere to GLP documentation conventions when used in conjunction with laboratory SOPs governing manual entry and record retention. The mini-USB port enables firmware updates only — it does not support data logging, CSV export, or bidirectional communication with LIMS or ELN systems. For laboratories requiring digital traceability, Sartorius recommends pairing this model with third-party serial-to-USB data capture hardware and compliant middleware.

Applications

This balance serves core functions across education, pharmaceutical QA/QC, metallurgical assay (e.g., gold/carat weighing), academic research, and industrial raw material verification. Typical use cases include batch formulation checks in compounding labs, reagent preparation for wet chemistry, student experiments in general chemistry and physics courses, and inventory reconciliation in warehouse settings. Its 100 mg readability and 1.5 s stabilization time support rapid throughput in high-volume sample handling — especially when combined with pre-tared containers or automated tare workflows. While not intended for microgram-level analysis or regulated release testing per ICH Q5, it fulfills USP criteria for “moderate-accuracy” weighing where uncertainty budgets permit ±300 mg total error.

FAQ

Does the Practum5101-1CN support internal calibration?

No — it is externally calibrated only, requiring certified Class M2 test weights.
Is the balance compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?

It supports Part 11 compliance only at the procedural level when used with YDP40 printer and documented SOPs; it lacks electronic audit trails, user authentication, or secure data storage.
Can it be connected to a computer for data logging?

Not natively — the mini-USB port is firmware-update-only; data capture requires external serial interface hardware.
What is the warranty coverage?

Standard Sartorius global warranty: 2 years parts and labor, extendable via service contract.
Is the draft shield removable for cleaning?

Yes — the acrylic shield is tool-free detachable and compatible with mild detergent and lint-free cloth cleaning protocols.