OHAUS Adventurer AX85ZH Analytical Balance

Overview

The OHAUS Adventurer AX85ZH is a high-performance analytical balance engineered for precision mass measurement in regulated and research-intensive laboratory environments. Utilizing electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR) transduction technology, it delivers stable, drift-compensated readings with 0.01 mg (10 µg) readability and an 82 g maximum capacity. Designed to meet the metrological rigor required by pharmacopeial standards—including USP for minimum weight determination—the AX85ZH ensures traceable accuracy across daily routine operations such as quantitative sample preparation, reference standard weighing, and formulation development. Its robust mechanical architecture integrates a metal base for vibration damping, a stainless-steel weighing pan for chemical resistance, and a fully enclosed housing design that minimizes air current interference while supporting GLP-compliant operation through audit-ready status indicators and environmental parameter logging.

Key Features

• Fully automatic internal calibration with motor-driven calibration mass—initiated manually or scheduled via time-based or temperature-triggered protocols
• 4.3-inch full-color WQVGA capacitive touchscreen with intuitive icon-driven interface and nine language options (English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean)
• Dual-mode draft shield configuration: removable two-piece side doors and sliding top door (standard on 1 mg and finer readability models) for rapid access and optimal airflow control
• Integrated level monitoring system featuring auto-illuminated bubble level and four independently adjustable leveling feet with tactile feedback
• Comprehensive environmental compensation: user-configurable temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure settings to correct for buoyancy effects per ISO 8655-6
• Real-time status indicators including stability symbol, overload/underload warning, calibration lock state, and dynamic weighing readiness flag
• Extended connectivity suite: one RS232 port for legacy printer or PC integration, plus two USB ports—one for peripheral devices (e.g., barcode scanner), one for host connection (data export to USB storage or direct PC transfer)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AX85ZH accommodates diverse sample forms—from powders and granules to small metallic parts and coated reference materials—via its 80 mm stainless-steel pan and optional underhook weighing assembly. It supports USP compliance for minimum weight verification (20 mg typical minimum weight at 0.1% tolerance), and its linearity error of ±0.1 mg (typ.) satisfies ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for uncertainty budgeting in accredited testing labs. While not pre-certified to OIML R76 or NIST Handbook 44 out-of-the-box, the balance provides full traceability documentation support for internal calibration records and can be validated against national standards using external Class E2 or F1 weights. Its sealed enclosure and menu-lock functionality facilitate adherence to GxP workflows requiring controlled access and change management.

Software & Data Management

Data integrity is maintained through configurable audit trail settings, including timestamped event logging for calibration, zeroing, unit changes, and parameter modifications. The balance natively exports CSV-formatted weighing records—including date/time stamp, gross/net/tare values, stability confirmation, and operator ID (if enabled via optional RFID reader)—to USB storage or directly to Windows-based systems via USB host mode. Optional OHAUS Acquire software enables remote configuration, batch report generation, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and seamless integration into LIMS environments. All communication protocols comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with appropriate system-level controls (e.g., electronic signatures, role-based access).

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing, tablet weight variation testing, and excipient ratio verification per ICH Q5C and USP
• Academic Research: Nanomaterial dosing, catalyst loading, and gravimetric analysis in synthetic chemistry workflows
• Materials Science: Density determination (with density kit), ash content quantification, and moisture loss-on-drying (LOD) pre-weighing
• Food & Beverage QA: Ingredient batching, nutritional labeling compliance checks, and portion control validation
• Environmental Testing: Filter weighing for particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) analysis per EPA Method 201A

FAQ

What is the minimum weight this balance can reliably measure according to USP ?
The AX85ZH achieves a typical minimum weight of 20 mg when operating within specified environmental conditions and using proper weighing technique, satisfying USP criteria for 0.1% weighing tolerance.
Does the balance support GLP/GMP-compliant data recording?
Yes—when used with OHAUS Acquire software and configured with audit trail, electronic signature, and user access controls, it supports ALCOA+ data integrity principles and meets core expectations of GLP and GMP Annex 11.
Can the draft shield be removed for large or irregular samples?
The side doors are fully detachable; the top sliding door may be retracted or removed depending on model variant—consult the user manual for mechanical compatibility and recalibration guidance.
Is external calibration required after internal calibration?
Internal calibration verifies performance against the built-in reference mass; however, periodic external verification using traceable weights (e.g., Class E2) is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5 and internal quality procedures.
How does the balance compensate for ambient temperature fluctuations?
It employs real-time thermal drift compensation algorithms and allows manual input of lab temperature and pressure to adjust for air buoyancy per ISO 8655-6, improving long-term stability during extended sessions.