A&D FZ-200i Precision Analytical Balance

Overview

The A&D FZ-200i Precision Analytical Balance is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring high reproducibility, rapid stabilization, and traceable measurement integrity in routine mass determination tasks. Based on A&D’s proprietary SHS (Super Hybrid Sensor) technology, the FZ-200i employs a dual-electromagnetic force compensation transducer architecture optimized for dynamic load response and thermal drift suppression. Unlike conventional strain-gauge or single-coil electromagnetic systems, the SHS design integrates redundant sensing elements and real-time thermal compensation algorithms—enabling stable readings within ≤1 second under ambient laboratory conditions (20–25 °C, <60% RH). With a maximum capacity of 520 g and readability of 0.001 g (1 mg), the instrument operates within Class II precision per OIML R76 and ASTM E898–22 specifications for analytical balances. Its compact B5-form-factor housing (193 × 262.5 × 85.5 mm) minimizes benchtop footprint while maintaining structural rigidity against vibration transmission—a critical factor in open-lab environments without dedicated anti-vibration tables.

Key Features

• Internal motorized calibration system with temperature-compensated stainless-steel reference mass, activated via single-button press—eliminating manual handling errors and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 calibration traceability requirements.
• SHS high-speed sensor architecture delivering ≤1 s stabilization time across full range, validated per USP repeatability protocol (n=10, SD ≤ 0.001 g).
• B5-sized chassis (193 mm wide) enables integration into fume hoods, glove boxes, or modular lab workstations without spatial compromise.
• Fluorescent monochrome LCD with 18-mm digit height ensures legibility under low-illumination or PPE-restricted conditions.
• Below-balance weighing hook supports density determination, magnetic susceptibility testing, and suspended-sample applications per ASTM D792 and ISO 1183.
• ACIA (Automatic Counting Improvement Algorithm) dynamically adjusts sampling frequency and filtering bandwidth during piece-counting operations to reduce counting error variance by up to 40% versus fixed-threshold methods.
• Dual power mode: AC adapter operation for continuous use or rechargeable Li-ion battery (up to 12 hours runtime) for portable deployment in field QA/QC or production line verification.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FZ-200i accommodates standard analytical sample vessels (e.g., weighing boats, crucibles, vials) up to Ø120 mm diameter and 150 mm height. Its draft shield (included as standard) meets ISO 17025 environmental control guidelines for mass metrology—providing laminar airflow management and electrostatic dissipation via conductive acrylic panels. All firmware logic adheres to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity principles: operator authentication, electronic signature capture, and immutable audit trail logging for calibration events, weighing records, and configuration changes. The balance is preconfigured for GLP/GMP documentation workflows—including automatic timestamped printouts with user ID, balance ID, and environmental metadata (temperature/humidity if external sensor integrated). It satisfies ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.10 (equipment suitability verification) and supports IQ/OQ documentation packages for regulated pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing sites.

Software & Data Management

Data export is supported via RS-232 and USB-B interfaces, compatible with A&D’s WinCT software suite (v4.3+) for automated report generation in PDF/XLSX formats compliant with ALCOA+ principles. The balance stores up to 200 weighing records locally with full metadata (date/time, operator ID, gross/net/tare values, stability flag). Optional Bluetooth 5.0 module (FZ-BT01) enables wireless transmission to LIMS platforms using HL7 or ASTM E1384 message structures. All internal memory retains data during power loss due to non-volatile EEPROM architecture. Firmware updates are performed via signed .bin files verified through SHA-256 hash validation to prevent unauthorized modification.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical formulation: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing, excipient ratio verification, and tablet weight uniformity testing per USP .
• Materials science: Powder density characterization, catalyst loading quantification, and thin-film deposition mass monitoring.
• Food & beverage QC: Nutrient labeling compliance checks, moisture content determination (via loss-on-drying protocols), and portion control auditing.
• Academic research: Stoichiometric reagent preparation, gravimetric titration standardization, and nanomaterial yield calculation.
• Environmental testing: Filter mass gain analysis for PM2.5/PM10 particulate matter quantification per EPA Method IO-4.2.

FAQ

What calibration standards does the FZ-200i support?
It performs internal calibration per ISO 17025 Section 6.5.2 using a factory-traceable 200 g stainless-steel reference mass certified to ±0.0005 g uncertainty (k=2). External calibration with NIST-traceable weights is also supported via manual mode.
Is the balance compatible with regulated electronic record systems?
Yes—firmware v3.1+ includes full 21 CFR Part 11 functionality: role-based access control, electronic signatures, and tamper-evident audit logs with UTC timestamps.
Can the FZ-200i perform dynamic weighing (e.g., animal weighing)?
Yes—the built-in animal weighing mode applies adaptive digital filtering to suppress motion-induced noise, with configurable averaging windows (0.5–3 s) and stability threshold adjustment.
Does it meet ISO 9001 requirements for measurement equipment control?
Yes—calibration status indicators, auto-log timestamps, and configurable calibration due dates align with ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.5.2.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?
A&D provides 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor; global service network includes certified technicians in >45 countries with <72-hour response SLA for critical calibration failures.