Sartorius CPA8201 Precision Balance

Overview

The Sartorius CPA8201 Precision Balance is an ISO/GLP-compliant laboratory balance engineered for high-reliability routine mass measurement in quality control, research, education, and production environments. Based on Sartorius’ monolithic electromagnetic force compensation sensor architecture, it delivers stable, drift-resistant performance under variable ambient conditions—including minor air currents, temperature fluctuations, and vibration-prone benchtops. With a 8,200 g capacity and 0.1 g readability, the CPA8201 bridges the functional gap between analytical and top-loading balances, offering robust metrological integrity without requiring draft shields or climate-controlled rooms. Its design reflects over four decades of Sartorius engineering rigor—prioritizing long-term stability, mechanical durability, and traceable calibration assurance through integrated isoCAL technology.

Key Features

• Monolithic electromagnetic force compensation sensor: Eliminates mechanical hysteresis and creep effects; ensures consistent sensitivity across the full range.
• isoCAL internal calibration system: Motor-driven, fully automated calibration and adjustment with temperature-triggered recalibration—no manual weights required. Validated per ISO 17025–traceable procedures.
• Backlit LCD display with 16 mm high digits: Optimized for legibility under low-light or high-glare lab conditions; supports simultaneous display of primary mass, secondary function value (e.g., % or count), and status indicators.
• RS-232C bidirectional serial interface: Enables direct data transfer to PCs, LIMS, or peripheral devices (e.g., label printers, PLCs); compatible with standard terminal emulation protocols (9600 baud, 8N1).
• GLP-compliant data handling: Automatic timestamping, operator ID entry (via optional keyboard or software), and audit-trail-ready output formatting when paired with YDP03-0CE or YDP20-0CE thermal printers.
• Preloaded application modes: Includes percentage weighing, net/gross accumulation, animal weighing (dynamic averaging), piece counting (with sample weight input), and metric/imperial unit conversion—all accessible via intuitive soft-key navigation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CPA8201 accommodates samples up to 190 × 204 mm on its stainless-steel weighing pan, suitable for volumetric flasks, beakers, petri dishes, and industrial components. Its open-frame design facilitates rapid loading/unloading while maintaining repeatability ≤ ±0.1 g and linearity ≤ ±0.2 g across the entire 8.2 kg span. The balance conforms to ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, and USP requirements for non-analytical weighing applications. All calibration and adjustment events are logged internally with date/time stamps, supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when used with validated Sartorius LabX software and electronic signature workflows.

Software & Data Management

While the CPA8201 operates autonomously, its RS-232C port enables seamless integration into regulated digital ecosystems. When connected to Sartorius LabX software (optional), users gain automated data capture, customizable report templates, electronic signatures, and full audit trail generation—including calibration history, user activity logs, and instrument configuration changes. For standalone documentation, the balance outputs GLP-compliant printouts via YDP-series printers, including balance ID, calibration due date, environmental conditions (if external sensors are attached), and raw measurement values with uncertainty flags.

Applications

• Raw material receipt inspection in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing
• Formulation batch preparation where gross/net mass ratios must be verified before dispensing
• Educational labs requiring durable, intuitive instruments for student training in metrology fundamentals
• Food and beverage QC labs performing moisture loss-on-drying calculations or ingredient proportioning
• Maintenance workshops conducting component inventory reconciliation by piece count
• Environmental testing labs preparing soil or sediment samples for gravimetric analysis

FAQ

Does the CPA8201 support external calibration with certified weights?
Yes—while isoCAL provides automated internal calibration, the balance accepts external calibration using Class M2 or better weights via the “External Cal” mode. This satisfies requirements for periodic verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.
Is the RS-232C interface compatible with modern Windows/macOS systems?
Yes—when used with a USB-to-RS-232 adapter (e.g., FTDI-based), the interface supports native COM port communication in LabX, Excel VBA macros, or custom Python scripts using PySerial.
Can the CPA8201 store multiple user profiles locally?
No—the device does not feature onboard user account management. Operator identification is implemented externally via LabX or printer-integrated ID fields during data export.
What is the warm-up time required for optimal accuracy?
Sartorius recommends a minimum 30-minute stabilization period after power-on under stable ambient conditions (20–25 °C, <60% RH) prior to first calibration or critical measurements.
Is the isoCAL system validated for GMP environments?
Yes—isoCAL’s motorized calibration sequence is documented in Sartorius’ IQ/OQ/PQ protocols and referenced in EU Annex 11 and FDA guidance on computerized system validation.