Sartorius CPA124S-CW Analytical Balance

Overview

The Sartorius CPA124S-CW is a high-precision analytical balance engineered for laboratories requiring traceable, reproducible mass measurements under regulated and routine conditions. Built upon Sartorius’ proprietary monolithic sensor architecture, the CPA124S-CW employs electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) technology to deliver stable, drift-resistant readings at 0.1 mg readability across its full 120 g capacity range. Its core design adheres to fundamental metrological principles defined in OIML R 76-1 and ASTM E898–22, ensuring conformance with international weighing standards. The balance integrates isoCAL — an intelligent, time- and temperature-triggered internal calibration system — which autonomously initiates recalibration when environmental fluctuations exceed predefined thresholds, thereby maintaining measurement integrity without manual intervention. This capability directly supports audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs and fulfills critical data integrity requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant software and electronic signatures.

Key Features

• Monolithic EMFC sensor with 40 MHz microprocessor control for enhanced stability and dynamic response
• isoCAL fully automatic internal calibration with motor-driven built-in weights; no external calibration masses required
• Backlit LCD display with 15 mm character height and high-contrast rendering — legible under low-light or bright ambient conditions
• Five-sided draft shield with anti-static coated glass and triangular weighing pan (Ø80 mm), optimizing sample accessibility and electrostatic shielding
• Four-stage mechanical damping system combined with dynamic temperature compensation (DTC) to minimize thermal drift effects
• Dual tare keys (left/right positioned) and intuitive menu navigation supporting five selectable languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese)
• Integrated lower hook for below-balance weighing of large-volume or suspended samples
• Comprehensive overload protection and self-diagnostic routines with real-time error logging
• Ergonomic control panel with tactile single-touch keys and responsive feedback logic

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CPA124S-CW accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types — from powders and granules to volatile liquids and small biological specimens — within its enclosed weighing chamber. Its anti-static glass shield mitigates electrostatic interference commonly encountered during low-mass measurements of insulating materials. All interior components — including the pan support, draft shield panels, and base plate — are removable for thorough cleaning and decontamination, supporting compliance with pharmaceutical cleaning validation protocols (e.g., PDA TR29). The balance meets essential regulatory prerequisites for GLP and GMP environments: it generates timestamped, user-identifiable weighing records; supports audit trail configuration via optional Sartorius LabX software; and provides traceable calibration documentation aligned with ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.5. Its RS-232C interface enables secure, bidirectional communication with LIMS, ELN, or ERP systems, facilitating structured data capture and reducing transcription errors.

Software & Data Management

While the CPA124S-CW operates as a standalone instrument, its RS-232C port allows seamless integration into digital laboratory workflows. When connected to Sartorius LabX software (v3.9+), the balance becomes part of a validated data management ecosystem compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11. LabX provides role-based access control, electronic signatures, automated report generation, and full audit trail functionality — including calibration history, user activity logs, and result modification tracking. Raw data export is supported in CSV, XML, and PDF formats, preserving metadata such as date/time stamps, operator ID, environmental parameters (if linked to optional sensors), and calibration status. For basic PC connectivity, Sartorius offers certified USB-to-RS232 adapters with driver-certified compatibility for Windows 10/11 and macOS 12+. Optional Sartorius YDP30 or YDP40 printers enable GLP-compliant hardcopy output with configurable header/footer fields.

Applications

This analytical balance serves mission-critical roles across multiple disciplines: quantitative formulation in pharmaceutical R&D (e.g., active pharmaceutical ingredient dispensing); gravimetric analysis in environmental chemistry (e.g., filter weighing for particulate matter determination); quality control testing in food and beverage manufacturing (e.g., net content verification per EU Directive 76/211/EEC); and material science research involving density and moisture content calculations. Preloaded application modes — including parts counting, percentage weighing, animal weighing with dynamic averaging, formula summation, and unit conversion (g, oz, ct, dwt, etc.) — reduce procedural variability and accelerate routine tasks. Its lower hook functionality extends utility to applications such as density determination using Archimedes’ principle or magnetic susceptibility measurements.

FAQ

Does the CPA124S-CW support external calibration with traceable weights?
Yes — while isoCAL provides automated internal calibration, the balance also accepts external calibration via standard Class E2 or F1 weights, with calibration reports generated in accordance with ISO 17025 requirements.
Is the RS-232C interface compatible with modern computers lacking serial ports?
Yes — certified USB-to-RS232 adapters are available from Sartorius and have been validated for deterministic latency and error-free transmission under Windows and macOS.
Can the CPA124S-CW be integrated into a 21 CFR Part 11–compliant environment?
Yes — when used with LabX software, configured user roles, electronic signatures, and enabled audit trails, the system satisfies all technical and procedural controls mandated by Part 11.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?
Sartorius recommends daily verification using a check weight, weekly cleaning of the weighing chamber, and annual preventive maintenance by an authorized service technician — documented per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.3.
How does the four-stage damping system improve measurement stability?
It isolates the sensor from floor vibrations and acoustic disturbances through progressive mechanical decoupling, significantly reducing settling time and enhancing repeatability in non-ideal lab environments.