OHAUS Defender 3000 i-D33XW Waterproof Platform Scale

Overview

The OHAUS Defender 3000 i-D33XW is an industrial-grade waterproof platform scale engineered for reliable performance in demanding wet, washdown, and high-hygiene environments. Built upon OHAUS’ legacy of precision weighing instrumentation, this model employs a robust load cell architecture compliant with ISO 7500-1 Class III accuracy requirements and integrates advanced signal conditioning to ensure long-term stability under thermal and mechanical stress. Its core measurement principle relies on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC)-enhanced strain gauge technology within an IP67-rated 304 stainless steel load cell — delivering consistent repeatability and minimal drift across temperature fluctuations typical in food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and chemical packaging facilities. Designed explicitly for continuous operation in areas subject to frequent cleaning with water jets, detergents, or sanitizing agents, the i-D33XW meets critical environmental resilience criteria without compromising metrological integrity.

Key Features

• Full 304 stainless steel construction — including indicator housing, pan, base frame, and internal structural components — ensuring corrosion resistance and compliance with FDA and EHEDG hygiene guidelines.
• IP66-rated indicator with sealed membrane keypad and tri-color backlight LCD (45 mm digit height), enabling unambiguous visual feedback during checkweighing operations under ambient lighting variability.
• Integrated rechargeable lead-acid battery system supports up to 60 hours of continuous operation on a single charge, eliminating dependency on fixed power infrastructure during mobile or temporary deployment scenarios.
• Four preconfigured operational modes: Standard Weighing, Piece Counting (with automatic sample size calculation), Checkweighing (with configurable upper/lower limits and zone-based color coding), and Accumulation (for batch totalization).
• Flexible mounting via adjustable stainless steel U-bracket, allowing wall, benchtop, or recessed installation while maintaining full structural rigidity and load path integrity.
• Standard RS232 serial interface enables direct connection to label printers, PLCs, or legacy SCADA systems; optional USB or Ethernet modules support modern data integration into MES or ERP platforms with timestamped audit trails.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The i-D33XW accommodates a wide range of industrial samples — from bulk food containers and pharmaceutical vials to automotive subassemblies and chemical drums — with no requirement for sample-specific calibration adjustments. Its overload protection (150% capacity) and shock-resistant design minimize downtime due to accidental impact or overloading. The scale complies with international regulatory frameworks including OIML R76-1 (non-automatic weighing instruments), NTEP Certificate No. 22-012E (for legal-for-trade use in North America), and EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) Annex MI-001. All firmware versions are validated per IEC 62304 for medical device software lifecycle management where deployed in GMP-regulated environments.

Software & Data Management

The embedded operating system supports GLP/GMP-compliant data handling through configurable user access levels, electronic signature prompts, and immutable event logging. Audit trail records include operator ID, timestamp, weight value, mode selection, and any parameter changes — all stored locally and exportable via RS232 in CSV or TXT format. When equipped with optional Ethernet connectivity, the scale supports HTTP/HTTPS-based RESTful API integration for real-time weight streaming into LIMS or cloud-based quality analytics platforms. Firmware updates are performed securely via signed binary packages, preserving cryptographic integrity and traceability in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Applications

• Food & Beverage: In-line checkweighing of packaged goods on conveyor lines; portion control verification prior to sealing; raw material receipt inspection in wet processing zones.
• Pharmaceuticals: Batch reconciliation of active ingredients during formulation; container tare-and-fill validation; final product release weight checks under cGMP Annex 11 conditions.
• Chemicals & Plastics: Drum filling verification with density-compensated gross/net calculations; inventory counting of standardized containers in humid storage areas.
• Logistics & Warehousing: Pallet accumulation tracking with dynamic tare memory; shipping manifest validation prior to dispatch in high-moisture loading docks.
• Automotive & Electronics: Component kitting verification; subassembly weight screening for defect detection (e.g., missing fasteners or solder paste volume anomalies).

FAQ

Is the i-D33XW certified for legal-for-trade use in the United States?

Yes — it holds NTEP Certificate No. 22-012E and is approved for Class III commercial applications.
Can the tri-color backlight be customized for specific tolerance bands?

Yes — upper and lower checkweighing limits, along with corresponding red/yellow/green thresholds, are fully programmable via front-panel navigation or remote configuration tools.
Does the scale support external calibration with traceable standards?

Yes — internal calibration is supported using external Class M1 or M2 weights; calibration events are automatically logged with date, time, and technician ID.
What is the expected service life of the built-in lead-acid battery?

Rated for ≥300 charge cycles under standard operating conditions; battery health status is displayed on startup and during low-power warnings.
How does the IP67 load cell maintain accuracy after repeated exposure to high-pressure washdown?

The hermetically sealed sensor housing prevents ingress of moisture and particulates; strain gauge elements are encapsulated in silicone gel to mitigate micro-vibrational damping effects and thermal hysteresis.