A&D FZ-300iWP IP65-rated Precision Balance with Internal Calibration

Overview

The A&D FZ-300iWP is an IP65-rated precision balance engineered for demanding laboratory, quality control, and industrial environments where dust, moisture, and operational reliability are critical constraints. Designed and manufactured in Japan by A&D Company, Ltd.—a globally recognized leader in metrological instrumentation—the FZ-300iWP employs high-stability electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR) sensing technology to deliver consistent, traceable mass measurements at 1 mg readability (0.001 g) across its 320 g maximum capacity. Its fully sealed housing meets IEC 60529 IP65 specifications, ensuring protection against low-pressure water jets and total dust ingress—making it uniquely suited for wet-process labs, cleanroom-adjacent production lines, pharmaceutical formulation areas, and food QC stations where frequent cleaning or ambient humidity would compromise conventional balances. Unlike external calibration models, the FZ-300iWP integrates a motor-driven internal calibration mass and automatic self-check sequence, eliminating manual intervention and reducing calibration drift risk between scheduled verifications.

Key Features

• IP65-certified enclosure: Dust-tight and protected against water projected from a nozzle (6.3 mm diameter) at 12.5 L/min for 3 minutes from any direction—validated per IEC 60529.
• Internal motorized calibration system: One-touch auto-calibration with temperature-compensated reference mass; initiates automatically on power-up or user command.
• High-speed EMFR sensor: Achieves stable reading in approximately 1 second under standard environmental conditions (20–25 °C, <60% RH).
• B5-footprint compact design: 193 × 262.5 × 85.5 mm footprint enables integration into space-constrained workstations, automated weighing cells, or glovebox interfaces.
• Dual-interface connectivity: Standard RS-232 and plug-and-play USB (CDC class, no driver required); optional Ethernet port supports TCP/IP communication for networked lab systems.
• GLP/GMP-ready functionality: Timestamped weight records, operator ID input, and configurable audit trail—compatible with WinCT-Plus software for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with electronic signature modules.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FZ-300iWP accommodates a wide range of sample types—including powders, granules, liquids in tared containers, and small solid components—on its Ø130 mm stainless-steel weighing pan. Its IP65 rating permits direct surface wiping with ethanol or isopropyl alcohol solutions, supporting routine decontamination in regulated pharmaceutical and biotech settings. The balance conforms to international metrological standards including OIML R76-1 (2021), ISO 9001:2015 clause 7.1.5, and ASTM E1234 for analytical balance performance verification. Calibration certificates issued by A&D’s JCSS-accredited calibration laboratory (JCSS No. 0006) are available upon request and include uncertainty budgets traceable to NMIJ/AIST.

Software & Data Management

WinCT-Plus (included) provides real-time data logging, statistical analysis (mean, SD, CV%, min/max), and customizable report generation in PDF or CSV formats. The software supports multi-user authentication, password-protected method templates, and export of raw datasets with metadata (date/time, operator ID, environment temp/humidity if logged via optional sensor). When configured with audit trail and electronic signature modules, WinCT-Plus satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures in regulated environments. Optional Ethernet integration enables centralized monitoring via LIMS or MES platforms using standard Modbus TCP or HTTP REST API protocols.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing, excipient blending verification, and USP repeatability testing.
• Chemical R&D: Precise catalyst dosing, gravimetric titration preparation, and reaction stoichiometry validation.
• Food & Beverage: Nutritional labeling compliance (e.g., FDA 21 CFR 101.9), portion control QA, and moisture content determination support.
• Electronics Manufacturing: SMT component counting, solder paste mass verification, and PCB assembly material reconciliation.
• Academic & Teaching Labs: Metrology training, density determination experiments, and ISO/IEC 17025 method validation studies.

FAQ

What does IP65 mean for daily operation?
IP65 indicates complete protection against dust ingress and resistance to water projected from a 6.3 mm nozzle at 12.5 L/min for 3 minutes—enabling safe use in humid labs or near sinks without risk of sensor corrosion.
Is internal calibration sufficient for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation?
Yes—provided internal calibration is supplemented by periodic external verification using certified weights traceable to national standards; A&D recommends annual third-party verification with documented uncertainty.
Can the FZ-300iWP interface with ERP or LIMS systems?
Yes—via RS-232, USB virtual COM port, or optional Ethernet module using ASCII-based command protocols or Modbus TCP; WinCT-Plus also supports direct SQL database writes.
Does the balance meet USP requirements for analytical balances?
Yes—the FZ-300iWP satisfies all mandatory criteria in USP , including readability, repeatability (≤0.001 g), eccentricity (<±0.002 g), and linearity (<±0.003 g) as verified during factory certification.
How is temperature drift compensated during internal calibration?
The built-in temperature sensor triggers recalibration when ambient temperature changes exceed ±1.5 °C from the last calibration point, ensuring continuous accuracy across typical lab temperature fluctuations (15–30 °C).