Defender® 6000 Washdown Scale

Overview

The Defender® 6000 Washdown Scale is a high-integrity industrial floor scale engineered for rigorous hygienic environments where moisture resistance, chemical exposure, and frequent high-pressure cleaning are operational requirements. Built upon OHAUS’ legacy of precision weighing instrumentation, this scale implements a robust Couette-flow–independent load cell architecture—utilizing hermetically sealed, welded 316 stainless steel strain-gauge sensors rated to both IP68 (submersion) and IP69K (high-temperature, high-pressure jet cleaning) protection standards. Its structural design conforms to NSF/ANSI Standard 18 for food equipment, certifying compliance with HACCP prerequisite programs and supporting adherence to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity expectations when integrated with compliant software systems. Designed explicitly for production line integration in regulated sectors—including food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and fine chemical synthesis—the Defender 6000 operates reliably under continuous washdown cycles without sensor drift or housing degradation.

Key Features

• IP68 & IP69K-rated enclosure: Fully sealed 316 stainless steel indicator housing, U-shaped support frame, and load-bearing structure; no exposed fasteners or gasketed seams
• NSF-certified construction: Meets NSF/ANSI 18 requirements for food-contact surfaces; validated for use in USDA-inspected facilities and EU-regulated food production lines
• Hygienic load cell system: Hermetically welded 316 SS sensor with zero internal cavities—eliminating microbial entrapment zones and enabling full CIP/SIP compatibility
• 6-digit, 20 mm high white LED display with backlight-independent visibility under ambient lighting conditions up to 10,000 lux
• Triple-color 8×16 LED checkweighing matrix: Programmable green/yellow/red thresholds with real-time visual feedback synchronized to ±0.1 s stability detection
• 150% overload protection with mechanical stop limiters integrated into the pedestal assembly
• Configurable environmental filtering: Adjustable digital damping (0.1–5.0 s response time) optimized for vibration-prone factory floors or conveyor-coupled installations
• Full-keypad lockout and menu navigation lockdown—enabling GMP-aligned operator restriction via password-protected configuration tiers

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Defender 6000 accommodates bulk solids, prepackaged goods, tote containers, and IBCs across nominal capacities from 30 kg to 600 kg (model-dependent). Its 316 stainless steel pan and structural components resist corrosion from organic acids, sodium hypochlorite (up to 200 ppm), quaternary ammonium compounds, and ethanol-based sanitizers. The scale complies with ISO 9001:2015 manufacturing controls and undergoes factory calibration traceable to NIST standards. For regulated environments, it supports GLP/GMP audit trails when paired with OHAUS LoggerPro™ or third-party MES/SCADA platforms via configurable metadata tagging (user ID, timestamp, weight event type, tolerance status). All firmware revisions maintain backward-compatible binary logging formats required for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record retention.

Software & Data Management

• Standard RS-232 and USB host interface for direct connection to label printers, PLCs, or local PCs
• Optional dual RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet (TCP/IP), Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 5.0, 4–20 mA analog output, and programmable 2-in/4-out discrete I/O
• Real-time clock with battery-backed calendar—supports time-stamped data export compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available)
• User-definable print templates compatible with ZPL/EPL and ESC/POS protocols; automatic trigger on stabilization or manual keypress
• Auto-tare and auto-zero tracking with configurable hold duration (1–300 s); optional auto-shutdown after 1–120 minutes of inactivity
• Firmware update capability via USB drive or network push—validated checksum verification prevents unauthorized modification

Applications

This scale serves as a primary weighing node in HACCP Critical Control Points (CCPs), including raw material receipt verification, batch ingredient dispensing, in-process checkweighing of filled pouches/bottles, finished goods pallet accumulation, and warehouse dispatch reconciliation. In pharmaceutical settings, it supports USP and compounding workflows where surface decontamination frequency exceeds three daily cycles. Its dynamic weighing mode enables accurate mass measurement of moving objects on slow-speed conveyors (≤0.3 m/s), while APW-optimized counting ensures repeatability ≤±0.5% CV for parts ranging from 1 g to 500 g unit weight. The integrated environmental filter adapts seamlessly to ambient vibrations induced by nearby centrifuges, mixers, or HVAC duct resonance.

FAQ

Is the Defender 6000 certified for use in USDA-regulated meat and poultry processing facilities?

Yes—its NSF/ANSI 18 certification covers all wet-processing zones, including evisceration, chilling, and portioning lines.
Does the scale support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures?

The hardware provides secure user authentication inputs and audit-trail-ready metadata; full Part 11 compliance requires implementation within a validated software environment (e.g., LabWare LIMS or Siemens Desigo CC).
Can the IP69K rating be maintained after field service or sensor replacement?

Only OHAUS-authorized service centers may perform repairs; re-certification testing per DIN 40050-9 is mandatory post-maintenance to retain IP69K validity.
What is the temperature operating range for continuous washdown operation?

–10 °C to +40 °C ambient; sensor housing withstands 80 °C water jets at 80–100 bar for up to 30 seconds per cycle.
Is calibration traceability provided with each unit shipment?

Yes—each scale ships with a factory calibration certificate showing NIST-traceable reference standard IDs, uncertainty budgets, and as-found/as-left data.