A&D FX-3000iWP IP65 Dust- and Water-Resistant Precision Balance

Overview

The A&D FX-3000iWP is an industrial-grade precision balance engineered for high-reliability weighing in demanding environments where dust ingress, moisture exposure, or frequent washdown procedures are routine. As the world’s first IP65-rated precision balance with 0.01 g readability at 3200 g capacity, it bridges the gap between laboratory-grade accuracy and ruggedized field durability. Its core measurement principle relies on A&D’s proprietary Super Hybrid Sensor (SHS) technology—a dual-mode electromagnetic force compensation system optimized for rapid stabilization (<1 second) and long-term drift resistance. Unlike conventional strain-gauge balances, the SHS architecture delivers consistent linearity across the full 3200 g range while maintaining repeatability of ±0.01 g under ISO 9001-controlled environmental conditions (20–25 °C, <60 % RH). The FX-3000iWP is not a general-purpose scale; it is purpose-built for quality control labs, pharmaceutical manufacturing lines, food processing facilities, and chemical formulation stations requiring audit-ready, contamination-resistant weighing instrumentation.

Key Features

• IP65-rated enclosure: Full protection against low-pressure water jets (IEC 60529) and total dust ingress—enabling safe operation in wet production floors, cleanrooms with periodic sanitization, or outdoor QC kiosks.
• Super Hybrid Sensor (SHS) technology: Achieves <1 s stabilization time without sacrificing resolution or thermal stability—critical for high-throughput batch verification and dynamic weighing protocols.
• External calibration architecture: Supports traceable calibration using certified Class M2 weights (ISO 9001-compliant); no internal motorized mass required, minimizing mechanical wear and recalibration frequency.
• Dual-interface connectivity: Standard RS-232 and USB-B (class-compliant, no driver installation required) enable seamless integration with LIMS, MES, and ERP systems—fully compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS serial communication stacks.
• GLP/GMP-ready data handling: Built-in timestamped event log records power-on, zeroing, calibration, and weight events; optional WinCT-Plus software adds 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures and audit trail export (CSV/PDF).
• Industrial ergonomics: B5-footprint design (193 × 262.5 mm) fits constrained benchtops; high-contrast fluorescent display ensures legibility under low-light or gloved-hand operation; automatic power-on/off reduces standby energy consumption by >70 %.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FX-3000iWP accommodates diverse sample forms—including powders in stainless-steel containers, liquid-filled beakers (up to Ø150 mm), and packaged goods—without compromising readability or structural integrity. Its Ø150 mm stainless-steel weighing pan resists corrosion from solvents, acids, and cleaning agents (e.g., 70 % ethanol, sodium hypochlorite). The balance complies with international metrological standards including OIML R76-1 (2021), EN 45501:2015, and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1. When operated with documented calibration procedures and environmental monitoring, it supports ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for testing laboratories. For regulated industries, its firmware version logging, user-access levels (admin/operator), and tamper-evident calibration lock meet baseline requirements for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 compliance—particularly when paired with WinCT-Plus configuration.

Software & Data Management

Standard A&D WinCT software provides real-time data streaming, statistical analysis (mean, SD, CV%, max/min), and customizable report templates (PDF/Excel). Optional WinCT-Plus extends functionality with role-based user authentication, electronic signature workflows, automated backup to network drives, and direct SQL database push via ODBC. All data exports include embedded metadata: instrument ID, operator ID, timestamp (ISO 8601), environmental temperature/humidity (if external sensor connected), and calibration status. No cloud dependency—the system operates fully offline to satisfy data sovereignty requirements in pharma and defense sectors.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Raw material receipt inspection, excipient dispensing verification, tablet weight uniformity testing per USP <41>.
• Food & Beverage: Batch mixing validation, ingredient portioning in HACCP-critical zones, yield reconciliation post-processing.
• Chemical Manufacturing: Catalyst dosing, polymer blend ratio control, solvent recovery mass balance audits.
• Academic & Contract Labs: Teaching labs requiring robust student-use instruments; contract analytical services needing ISO 17025 traceable reporting.
• Automated Production: Integration with PLC-controlled feeders via RS-232 command protocol (SCPI-like syntax); supports pass/fail logic output via optional digital I/O module.

FAQ

Is the FX-3000iWP suitable for use in sterile environments?
Yes—its sealed IP65 housing and smooth, crevice-free pan surface allow effective disinfection with alcohol wipes or low-pressure steam. However, it is not autoclavable or rated for ISO Class 5 laminar flow hoods without additional containment.
Does it support internal calibration?
No—the FX-3000iWP is external-calibration-only. For internal calibration, consider the FZ-3000iWP variant, which includes a motorized calibration mass and auto-self-check routine.
Can it operate on battery power?
Battery operation is available as optional accessory FXi-09 (rechargeable Li-ion, ~8 hours runtime), but is not factory-installed. Battery mode disables Ethernet and reduces USB throughput to ensure stable ADC sampling.
What is the maximum permissible load for repeated use?
Per A&D’s technical specification, continuous operation at ≥90 % of full scale (≥2880 g) is not recommended for >4 hours/day to preserve long-term sensor linearity and thermal equilibrium.
Is firmware upgradable in the field?
Yes—firmware updates are distributed via A&D’s secure customer portal and applied through WinCT-Plus using signed .bin files; update history is permanently logged in the device’s internal memory.