A&D GH120 Precision Analytical Balance

Overview

The A&D GH120 Precision Analytical Balance is an ISO-compliant, high-stability laboratory balance engineered for routine and regulated analytical weighing tasks in quality control, pharmaceutical development, and academic research environments. Designed and manufactured to Japanese precision engineering standards, the GH120 operates on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) principle—ensuring high reproducibility, minimal drift, and long-term stability across variable ambient conditions. Its 120 g maximum capacity and 0.1 mg readability meet the performance requirements of USP , ASTM E898, and ISO 17025-accredited laboratories. The balance integrates a temperature-compensated internal calibration mechanism with certified built-in reference weights, eliminating manual calibration dependency while maintaining traceability to national metrology institutes.

Key Features

• Internal automatic calibration system with motorized, temperature-compensated reference weights—executes full-range calibration at user-defined intervals or upon power-on
• Real-time environmental monitoring: detects ambient temperature fluctuations and dynamically adjusts sensitivity to maintain ±2 ppm/°C drift specification within 10–30 °C operating range
• Dual-speed display update (5 Hz standard / 10 Hz counting mode) optimized for both static weighing and dynamic piece-counting applications
• GLP/GMP-compliant data management: time-stamped weight records include date, time, operator ID (via optional keypad login), balance ID, and calibration status flags
• Modular functionality suite: percent weighing, piece counting (with selectable sample sizes: 10/25/50/100 units), density determination (with optional density kit), and below-balance weighing via integrated lower hook
• Robust mechanical architecture: stainless-steel weighing pan (Ø90 mm), draft shield with ergonomic sliding doors (217 × 442 × 316 mm), and shock-absorbing base design for vibration resistance

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GH120 supports diverse sample forms—including powders, granules, liquids in tared vessels, and small solid components—without compromising repeatability (≤0.1 mg SD). Its draft shield meets ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 environmental containment guidelines for low-mass measurements. Regulatory alignment includes full support for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trails when used with WinCT software (electronic signatures, change logs, and immutable record export). The balance’s firmware implements hardware-level security protocols for calibration lockout and parameter protection—essential for GxP environments requiring documented change control and versioned configuration management.

Software & Data Management

WinCT software provides bidirectional RS-232C communication for real-time data streaming, batch export (CSV, TXT, Excel-compatible), and automated report generation compliant with GLP documentation templates. All weight events are timestamped with millisecond resolution and annotated with calibration verification status. Audit trail functionality captures operator actions, parameter modifications, and calibration history—including date/time, user ID, action type, and pre/post-values. Data integrity is preserved via checksum validation and non-volatile memory storage; exported files include digital signature metadata for regulatory submission readiness.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical formulation: active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing, excipient ratio verification, and tablet weight uniformity testing per USP
• Chemical synthesis: stoichiometric reagent weighing, catalyst dosing, and reaction yield quantification
• Materials science: powder density profiling, coating mass estimation, and nanomaterial dispersion concentration calibration
• Food & beverage QA: nutritional label verification, additive dosage control, and moisture content calculation via loss-on-drying workflows
• Academic research: gravimetric analysis, standard solution preparation, and calibration of volumetric glassware

FAQ

Does the GH120 support external calibration with user-provided weights?
Yes—the balance accepts external calibration using Class M1 or better weights (e.g., 100 g and 50 g certified reference masses) via guided calibration mode. Internal calibration remains the default for daily use.
Is the GH120 compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?
When paired with WinCT software and configured with user authentication, audit trail logging, and electronic signature enforcement, the system satisfies core technical controls required under 21 CFR Part 11.
What is the recommended warm-up time before first use?
A minimum 30-minute stabilization period is advised after power-on to achieve thermal equilibrium and optimal sensitivity drift performance.
Can the GH120 be integrated into LIMS or ELN systems?
Yes—RS-232C output supports ASCII-based protocol transmission; custom drivers or middleware (e.g., LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager) can parse weight data streams into structured database fields.
How often should internal calibration be performed?
A&D recommends automatic calibration at startup and every 2 hours during continuous operation—or triggered manually following significant ambient temperature shifts (>2 °C) or mechanical disturbance.