Shimadzu TX and TXB Series Precision Electronic Balances

Overview

The Shimadzu TX and TXB Series Precision Electronic Balances are high-accuracy analytical and semi-micro weighing instruments engineered for laboratories requiring consistent traceability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Built upon Shimadzu’s proprietary UniBloc monolithic sensor technology — a single-piece, screw-free, spring-free load cell architecture — these balances deliver exceptional thermal stability, mechanical robustness, and long-term repeatability. The UniBloc design reduces component count by over 98% compared to conventional strain-gauge sensors, eliminating micro-friction points and drift-prone mechanical interfaces. This results in superior response dynamics (stabilization times as low as 2.0 seconds), minimized temperature-induced error (<0.0005 %/°C typical), and resistance to shock and vibration — critical for environments with variable ambient conditions or frequent relocation. All models feature internal electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) measurement principle, ensuring linearity across the full weighing range without mechanical hysteresis. Designed for ISO/IEC 17025-aligned quality systems, the TX/TXB platforms support documented calibration workflows, audit-ready metadata logging, and user-accessible calibration coefficient adjustment.

Key Features

• UniBloc monolithic sensor architecture: Eliminates mechanical wear, enhances temperature stability, and improves shock resistance.
• Real-time weighing parameter adjustment: Modify filtering response (e.g., stability vs. speed) during active measurement without interrupting the process; visual indicator confirms setting status.
• Windows Direct Transfer: Native USB-HID or RS-232C connection enables seamless data streaming into Excel, LIMS, or ELN applications — no third-party drivers or software installation required.
• Dual power operation (TXB only): Operates via included AC adapter or standard AA batteries — ideal for field use, mobile labs, or locations with unstable mains supply.
• Backlit LCD display: Uniform blue backlight (standard across all models); auto-dimming on TXB series conserves battery life during idle periods.
• Kensington lock slot: Integrated physical security interface for anti-theft mounting in shared or unattended lab spaces.
• Multi-unit conversion: Supports 20 units including g, mg, kg, ct, oz, lb, %, pcs, and tael — one-touch switching between relative (%, piece count) and absolute (g) modes.
• GLP-compliant functions: Auto-print (optional printer), continuous data output, fault self-diagnosis, zero-tracking, overload protection, and level bubble positioned at front panel for rapid leveling verification.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TX Series (0.001 g readability) is optimized for analytical applications involving small-mass samples: pharmaceutical actives, reference standards, catalysts, and micro-volume formulations. Models such as TX223L and TXC323L include sliding glass draft shields (non-removable) to minimize air-current interference at sub-milligram resolution. The TXB Series (0.01–1 g readability) serves QC/QA, production line checkweighing, and educational settings where durability and ease-of-use outweigh ultra-fine resolution requirements. All units comply with international metrological standards referenced in OIML R76 and ANSI/NIST HB 105. RS-232C interface supports ASTM E178-22 data export protocols. Calibration routines adhere to ISO 9001:2015 clause 7.1.5.2 (monitoring and measuring resources), and optional printer output satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with timestamped, user-ID-tagged records.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software is required: TX/TXB balances operate as HID-class devices under Windows OS, enabling plug-and-play integration with spreadsheet applications and validated laboratory informatics systems. For regulated environments, the built-in calibration log stores date/time stamps, operator ID (via keypad entry), standard mass value used, and deviation results — exportable via RS-232C in ASCII format. Optional thermal printers (e.g., Shimadzu BP-200) generate hard-copy reports compliant with GLP documentation standards. Firmware supports user-defined calibration weight values, allowing correction for certified mass uncertainty — essential for accredited metrology labs maintaining traceability to NMI-certified standards. Audit trails are retained in non-volatile memory and survive power cycling.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Active ingredient dispensing, tablet weight variation testing (USP ), excipient ratio verification.
• Chemical R&D: Stoichiometric reagent weighing, catalyst loading, gravimetric titration preparation.
• Materials Science: Powder density determination, coating weight analysis, composite formulation batching.
• Food & Beverage: Portion control validation, nutritional labeling compliance (FDA 21 CFR 101.9), moisture loss tracking.
• Academic Teaching: Fundamental mass measurement training, density calculation labs, stoichiometry exercises.
• Environmental Testing: Filter weighing for particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) analysis per EPA Method 201A.

FAQ

Does the TX/TXB series support automatic internal calibration?
No — these models require external calibration weights. However, the calibration sequence is fully guided via on-screen prompts, and users may input the certified mass value of their standard for uncertainty-aware correction.
Can I connect the balance directly to a networked LIMS without intermediate hardware?
Yes — when configured in ASCII mode via RS-232C, the balance outputs formatted strings compatible with most LIMS serial ingestion modules. No gateway or converter is needed.
Is the glass draft shield removable for cleaning?
No — the sliding glass shield on TX-series models is permanently mounted and not designed for removal. Wipe-clean surfaces and tool-free access to pan and draft shield interior are supported.
What is the maximum permissible overload for TX223L?
The TX223L includes mechanical overload protection rated to 150% of full scale (330 g), preventing sensor damage from accidental overloading.
Do TXB models retain calibration settings after battery replacement?
Yes — all calibration coefficients, unit preferences, and user settings are stored in non-volatile memory and persist across power loss or battery swaps.