OHAUS TCS-D31P30BR Precision Platform Scale

Overview

The OHAUS TCS-D31P30BR is a NTEP Class III-certified precision platform scale engineered for reliable, repeatable mass measurement in industrial, laboratory, and light-duty manufacturing environments. Built upon OHAUS’ legacy of metrological rigor, this scale employs electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR) load cell technology—ensuring high linearity, minimal drift, and long-term stability across its operational range. Unlike strain-gauge-based platforms, the EMFR architecture delivers superior resolution and temperature compensation, making it suitable for applications where consistent repeatability (≤ ±0.02% of full scale) and traceable calibration are required. Its modular design centers on a robust cast-aluminum base and a fully rotatable indicator housing, enabling flexible integration into benchtop workstations, packaging lines, or quality control stations. The device operates under ISO/IEC 17025-aligned verification protocols and supports routine calibration using external weights traceable to NIST standards.

Key Features

• Backlit LCD display with 25 mm high digits ensures legibility under variable ambient lighting—including low-light production floors or shared lab spaces.
• Four-button keypad interface simplifies navigation through setup menus, unit selection, and application mode switching without requiring secondary documentation.
• 180° rotational indicator housing allows vertical, horizontal, or angled mounting—accommodating space-constrained installations or ergonomic operator positioning.
• Dual-power architecture: integrated sealed lead-acid battery provides up to 100 hours of operation in auto-off standby mode; optional AC adapter enables continuous use during extended shifts.
• Standard RS232 serial interface supports direct connection to thermal printers, PLCs, or host computers for automated data logging—compatible with common terminal emulation protocols (e.g., VT100).
• Three configurable base options—standard stainless-steel platform, low-profile compact base, and reinforced heavy-duty frame—enable adaptation to diverse floor loading conditions and spatial constraints.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TCS-D31P30BR is rated for static weighing of non-hygroscopic, non-corrosive solid samples within its specified capacity range. It complies with NTEP Class III requirements for commercial weighing applications (e.g., piece counting, checkweighing, and formulation batching), meeting accuracy tolerances defined in Handbook 44. The scale bears CE marking per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2011/65/EU (RoHS), confirming electromagnetic compatibility and restricted substance compliance. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–validated out-of-the-box, its RS232 output supports integration into validated systems when paired with compliant data acquisition software featuring audit trail and electronic signature functionality.

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software is bundled; however, the RS232 interface facilitates seamless integration with third-party data management tools—including LabWare LIMS, Siemens SIMATIC IT, or custom Python/Node-RED scripts via serial-to-USB adapters. ASCII-formatted output includes timestamp (if enabled via external controller), net weight, unit code, and stability flag. For GLP/GMP environments, users may configure fixed-interval data streaming or trigger-based capture synchronized with external process signals. Firmware updates are performed via RS232 using OHAUS-provided utilities—documented in the technical manual under revision control (Revision D or later).

Applications

• Quality assurance: In-process checkweighing of packaged goods (e.g., pharmaceutical blister packs, food trays) against pre-set upper/lower limits.
• Inventory management: Piece counting of uniform components (fasteners, PCBs, syringes) using internal averaging algorithms that compensate for minor dimensional variance.
• Formulation support: Batch ingredient addition in R&D labs where gross/net/tare workflows reduce manual transcription errors.
• Shipping & receiving: Verification of palletized cargo weight prior to dispatch—especially when used with the high-capacity support frame option.
• Educational labs: Demonstrating metrological principles including repeatability assessment, calibration interval validation, and uncertainty budgeting per GUM (JCGM 100:2008).

FAQ

Is the TCS-D31P30BR suitable for wet or corrosive environments?
No—it is rated IP42 (dust-protected, drip-resistant only) and lacks stainless-steel load cell encapsulation or chemical-resistant housing. Use in dry, climate-controlled areas only.
Can the scale be calibrated internally?
No internal calibration mechanism is present; calibration requires external test weights traceable to national standards, following procedures outlined in the user manual Section 5.2.
Does the RS232 port support bi-directional communication?
Yes—command-response protocol allows remote tare, zero, print activation, and unit change via ASCII control strings (e.g., “T” for tare, “Ug” for gram unit selection).
What is the recommended calibration frequency?
Per ISO 10012, initial calibration upon installation, followed by periodic verification at intervals determined by risk assessment—typically daily before use in regulated settings or weekly in general industrial contexts.
Is firmware upgrade documentation publicly available?
Yes—OHAUS publishes firmware release notes, update utilities, and step-by-step guides in the Support section of its official website (ohaus.com), accessible with registered account credentials.