A&D GF-403A Precision Balance (420 g / 1 mg)
| Brand | A&D |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Type | Precision Balance |
| Maximum Capacity | 420 g |
| Readability | 0.001 g |
| Repeatability | ±0.001 g |
| Calibration | External |
| Stabilization Time | ~1.0 s (typical), ~0.8 s for 5 g load |
| Pan Size | 128 × 128 mm |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 212 × 317 × 171 mm |
Overview
The A&D GF-403A is a high-performance precision balance engineered for laboratories requiring consistent, traceable mass measurements at the 1 mg readability level. Designed and manufactured in Japan, this top-loading balance employs electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) technology — the industry-standard principle for modern analytical and precision balances — to deliver stable, drift-resistant weighing results under variable environmental conditions. Its 420 g maximum capacity and 0.001 g resolution make it suitable for routine QC testing, formulation work, sample preparation, and calibration verification across pharmaceutical, chemical, academic, and materials science environments. The GF-403A conforms to fundamental metrological requirements defined in ISO/IEC 17025 for calibration laboratories and supports GLP-compliant workflows through built-in traceability features and external calibration compatibility.
Key Features
- Electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) sensor architecture ensures high linearity, long-term stability, and minimal temperature-induced drift.
- External calibration capability with certified weights enables user-performed recalibration aligned with internal quality procedures or regulatory audit requirements (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 9001).
- Fast stabilization time of ≤1.0 second (typical) and as low as 0.8 seconds for small loads (e.g., 5 g), enhancing throughput in high-volume weighing tasks.
- Rugged die-cast aluminum housing and integrated draft shield-compatible design improve mechanical robustness and reduce sensitivity to air currents.
- Large, backlit LCD display with intuitive icon-driven interface supports operation without reference manuals; units include g, oz, ct, dwt, and % mode.
- RS-232 serial interface standard for direct data transfer to LIMS, Excel, or custom lab software; optional USB interface available via adapter kit.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The GF-403A accommodates samples up to 420 g on its 128 × 128 mm stainless steel weighing pan — optimized for uniform load distribution and minimized edge-error effects. Its compact footprint (212 × 317 × 171 mm) allows integration into fume hoods, glove boxes, or confined benchtop spaces without compromising accessibility. The balance meets JIS B 7721 Class II accuracy specifications and complies with international standards including OIML R 76-1 (2006) for non-automatic weighing instruments. It supports documentation traceability required under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and is routinely deployed in environments subject to USP , EP 2.1.3, and ASTM E898-22 guidelines for precision balance validation.
Software & Data Management
Data output via RS-232 follows standard ASCII protocol with configurable baud rates (up to 115,200 bps), enabling seamless integration with laboratory informatics systems. Optional A&D WinCT software provides real-time graphing, statistical analysis (mean, SD, CV%), and automated report generation compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 when used with appropriate system controls (e.g., electronic signatures, audit trail logging). All weighing events can be timestamped and exported with operator ID fields, supporting full ALCOA+ data integrity principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).
Applications
- Pharmaceutical: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing, excipient ratio verification, tablet weight uniformity testing per USP .
- Chemistry Labs: Preparation of molar solutions, gravimetric titration standards, catalyst dosing in reaction screening.
- Materials Science: Powder density determination, coating mass deposition analysis, composite blend homogeneity assessment.
- Quality Control: In-process checks of filled containers, raw material lot acceptance, packaging component weight verification.
- Education: Teaching metrology fundamentals, uncertainty budgeting exercises, and GUM-based error propagation studies.
FAQ
What calibration weights are required for the GF-403A?
A certified 400 g Class M2 or better external weight is recommended for full-span verification; 100 g and 200 g weights may be used for intermediate point checks.
Does the GF-403A support internal calibration?
No — the GF-403A uses external calibration only, which facilitates flexibility in calibration frequency and traceability to national standards.
Is the balance compatible with draft shields?
Yes — its height and pan geometry allow standard 120 mm × 120 mm acrylic draft shields to be mounted without interference.
Can the GF-403A be connected to a networked LIMS?
Yes — via RS-232-to-Ethernet gateway or USB-to-serial adapter with proper driver configuration; WinCT software supports CSV and XML export formats.
What is the typical warm-up time before first use?
A minimum 30-minute stabilization period is recommended after power-on to ensure thermal equilibrium of the EMFC sensor and electronics.
