Shimadzu AUX Series Analytical Balance

Overview

The Shimadzu AUX Series Analytical Balance is an engineering evolution of high-precision mass measurement designed for routine and regulated laboratory environments. Built upon Shimadzu’s proprietary Uni Bloc monolithic aluminum electromagnetic force compensation sensor, the AUX platform eliminates traditional mechanical linkages and multi-component load cells—significantly reducing hysteresis, thermal drift, and long-term calibration drift. This architecture enables consistent repeatability at 0.1 mg readability across its three standard capacities (120 g, 220 g, and 320 g), with rapid stabilization times under typical ambient conditions. The balance operates on a fully digital control system, ensuring deterministic signal processing from transduction to display, and supports traceable mass measurement in accordance with international metrological principles defined in OIML R76 and ISO/IEC 17025–accredited workflows.

Key Features

• Uni Bloc Sensor Technology: Integrated aluminum alloy sensing block provides exceptional mechanical rigidity, minimized creep, and immunity to micro-vibrational interference—critical for stable readings in shared lab spaces.
• PSC (Predictive Self-Calibration): Proactive internal calibration triggered by temperature gradients or time-based thresholds, maintaining accuracy without manual intervention.
• Motorized Internal Calibration: Fully automated calibration using built-in reference masses; eliminates external weight handling and reduces operator-induced error.
• Real-Time Clock Integration: Timestamps all measurements and calibration events—essential for GLP/GMP documentation and audit readiness per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Draft Shield with Direct-View Window: Optimized airflow management and optical clarity enable unobstructed sample observation during weighing—particularly beneficial for hygroscopic or volatile samples.
• Flexible Data Connectivity: Standard RS-232C port and Data I/O interface support direct integration with LIMS, ELN, or custom data acquisition systems; configurable interval output enables periodic mass logging without host polling.
• Multi-Function Operating Modes: Includes piece counting, density determination (with optional density kit), unit conversion (g, oz, ct, etc.), and analog bar-graph display for intuitive trend monitoring.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AUX Series accommodates standard analytical sample vessels—including crucibles, weighing boats, and tared vials—within its 80 mm diameter stainless-steel pan. Its compact footprint and low center of gravity enhance stability on vibration-sensitive surfaces. The balance conforms to key regulatory and quality standards applicable to pharmaceutical, chemical, and academic laboratories: ISO 9001-compliant manufacturing, compliance with Japanese JIS B 7721 and international OIML R76 Class I specifications for analytical balances, and design alignment with USP and EP 2.1.6 requirements for repeatability and sensitivity testing. All firmware operations—including calibration logs, user access timestamps, and data export events—are structured to support ALCOA+ data integrity principles.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software is required for basic operation; however, Shimadzu’s optional LabSolutions Balance software enables advanced data handling—including batch report generation, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and PDF/CSV export with embedded metadata (operator ID, timestamp, balance ID, calibration status). The RS-232C interface supports ASCII command protocols compliant with ASTM E178 and ISO/IEC 646, allowing seamless scripting in Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB environments. Audit trails are retained in non-volatile memory and include full calibration history, error codes, and environmental condition flags (e.g., temperature deviation alerts).

Applications

• Quantitative preparation of reference standards and working solutions in QC labs
• Weighing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) during formulation development

<li gravimetric analysis in environmental testing (e.g., TSS, residue-on-ignition)

• Calibration of pipettes and volumetric glassware per ISO 8655
• Teaching laboratories requiring robust, low-maintenance instrumentation with pedagogical transparency
• Research applications demanding high-resolution mass tracking over extended durations (e.g., solvent evaporation kinetics, catalyst loading studies)

FAQ

Is the AUX Series compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
Yes—when used with LabSolutions Balance software and configured with user authentication, electronic signatures, and audit-trail-enabled data export, the system meets core Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures.
Can the balance be operated on battery power?
An optional rechargeable battery pack is available (sold separately), enabling portable use for field calibration verification or mobile lab deployments.
What is the recommended calibration frequency?
Shimadzu recommends daily PSC-triggered verification and full motorized calibration after significant ambient temperature shifts (>2 °C) or every 24 hours in continuous operation—consistent with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5.2.
Does the AUX Series support density determination out of the box?
Density measurement requires the optional density determination kit (including sinker, holder, and liquid bath), but firmware support is built-in and activated via menu configuration.
Is the RS-232 interface opto-isolated?
Yes—the interface includes galvanic isolation to prevent ground-loop interference in electrically noisy laboratory environments.