METTLER TOLEDO XS104 Analytical Balance

Overview

The METTLER TOLEDO XS104 Analytical Balance is a high-precision weighing instrument engineered for laboratories requiring trace-level mass determination under regulated and non-regulated environments. Based on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) technology, the XS104 delivers stable, drift-resistant measurements with exceptional long-term stability and thermal independence. Its core architecture integrates a monolithic sensor design and active temperature control to minimize environmental influence—critical for applications demanding compliance with USP , EP 2.1.1, and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Designed for routine analytical workflows—including formulation, quality control, reference standard preparation, and sample aliquoting—the XS104 supports GLP/GMP-aligned operations through built-in audit trail functionality and hardware-level data integrity safeguards.

Key Features

• Internal automatic calibration with motorized weight deployment—ensures traceable accuracy before each critical weighing or at user-defined intervals.
• Grid-style stainless steel weighing pan combined with a removable drainable catch pan—reduces air turbulence and accelerates stabilization time by up to 30% compared to solid pans, enabling faster throughput in high-frequency weighing tasks.
• Ergonomic modular design: fully adjustable touchscreen display (tilt + height), low-profile draft shield with tool-free removal in under 5 seconds, and optimized chamber depth for unobstructed hand access—minimizing operator strain during repetitive handling.
• High-contrast 4.5-inch color touchscreen with 16 mm digit height—designed to reduce visual fatigue during extended use; supports multi-touch gestures and customizable home screen layouts.
• Integrated LevelControl and StatusLight systems—provide real-time feedback on leveling status, environmental stability, and operational readiness without requiring manual checks.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XS104 accommodates a wide range of sample types—from powders and granules to viscous liquids and volatile solvents—thanks to its sealed sensor housing and corrosion-resistant pan assembly. Optional accessories include anti-static kits, draft shield extensions, and ionizers for electrostatic-sensitive materials. From a regulatory perspective, the balance meets key international standards including ASTM E898–22 (Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Analytical Balances), ISO 9001:2015 (clause 7.1.5), and supports full compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with LabX software (electronic signatures, audit trails, role-based access control). All factory calibrations are performed against NIST-traceable standards, with full calibration certificates available upon request.

Software & Data Management

The XS104 natively supports METTLER TOLEDO’s LabX® laboratory software platform. LabX enables SOP-driven weighing workflows directly from the balance interface—guiding users step-by-step through complex procedures such as percentage weighing, density determination, or statistical batch analysis. All raw data—including timestamps, operator ID, environmental metadata (temperature/humidity if connected to external sensors), and calibration logs—are automatically captured, encrypted, and stored in a centralized SQL database. Export options include PDF reports, CSV files, and direct integration with LIMS or ERP systems via ODBC or RESTful API. Audit trail records comply with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) and support full retrospective review during internal audits or regulatory inspections.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC labs: USP-compliant minimum weight verification, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing, and reference standard weighing per ICH Q5C guidelines.
• Academic and industrial R&D: Precise catalyst loading, polymer blending ratios, and nanomaterial dispersion quantification where sub-milligram repeatability is essential.
• Food and beverage testing: Nutrient fortification validation, allergen threshold testing, and moisture content determination using loss-on-drying protocols.
• Environmental labs: Preparation of certified reference materials (CRMs), filter weighing for particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) analysis, and heavy metal standard dilution series.
• Contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs): Fully documented, 21 CFR Part 11–compliant weighing processes supporting client-facing regulatory submissions.

FAQ

What is the minimum weight requirement for the XS104 according to USP <41>?
The typical minimum weight for the XS104 is 82 mg at a readability of 0.1 mg, assuming a 0.1% weighing tolerance and a repeatability of ≤ ±0.1 mg.
Does the XS104 support external temperature and humidity sensors?
Yes—it features RS232 and USB device ports for connecting environmental monitoring modules, enabling automatic correction of buoyancy effects in density and gravimetric applications.
Can the XS104 be integrated into a networked LabX environment with multiple balances?
Absolutely—the XS104 supports both standalone and enterprise LabX deployments, allowing centralized configuration management, remote diagnostics, and synchronized firmware updates across distributed lab sites.
Is the draft shield compliant with ISO 17025 documentation requirements for uncertainty evaluation?
Yes—the draft shield design has been validated for air current suppression, and its contribution to measurement uncertainty is characterized in the balance’s type approval documentation and included in the uncertainty budget templates provided with LabX.
How often should the XS104 be calibrated in a GxP environment?
Calibration frequency must be risk-assessed per your SOP, but METTLER TOLEDO recommends daily internal calibration plus periodic external verification using accredited weights—at minimum before first use, after relocation, and following any event affecting mechanical stability.