Metash V-5600(PC) Dual-Beam UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

Overview

The Metash V-5600(PC) is a dual-beam ratio-monitoring ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer engineered for precision absorbance, transmittance, and concentration measurements across research laboratories, quality control environments, and educational institutions. Operating on the principle of comparative photometry, the instrument splits the light beam from a tungsten-halogen source into sample and reference paths using a high-stability optical chopper. Real-time signal comparison between the two beams compensates dynamically for source intensity drift, lamp aging, and thermal fluctuations—ensuring long-term photometric stability without manual recalibration. Designed with an 8-mm-thick aerospace-grade aluminum optical base, the suspended optical architecture isolates the core spectroscopic path from mechanical vibration and structural deformation, delivering robust baseline reproducibility essential for regulatory-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• Dual-beam ratio-monitoring optical system with real-time compensation for source instability and environmental drift
• High-rigidity optical bench fabricated from 8 mm thick anodized aluminum, minimizing thermal expansion and mechanical coupling effects
• Automatic wavelength calibration and self-repairing wavelength positioning algorithm ensures consistent spectral alignment over extended operation
• Plug-and-play deuterium-free design: tungsten-halogen lamp housed in flange-mount configuration enables lamp replacement without optical realignment
• 128 × 64 dot-matrix LCD display supporting multi-parameter concurrent visualization—including absorbance, %T, concentration, and kinetic time points
• Onboard data management: stores up to 200 measurement datasets and 200 user-defined calibration curves with numeric indexing and recall functionality
• Integrated power-loss protection: all active settings and unsaved data retained during unexpected shutdown

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The V-5600(PC) accommodates standard 10 mm pathlength cuvettes and supports optional accessories including an 8-position automated sample changer, micro-volume cuvette holders (down to 50 µL), Peltier-controlled temperature-regulated cells, and specular reflectance attachments for solid-sample analysis. All hardware and firmware comply with fundamental electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per IEC 61326-1 and safety standards under GB/T 18268.31–2017 (equivalent to IEC 61010-1). While not pre-certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the optional PC software provides audit-trail-enabled user authentication, electronic signature support, and immutable log archiving—facilitating alignment with GLP and GMP documentation practices required in pharmaceutical QC and contract testing laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The optional Metash UV-Vis Spectral Analysis Software (v3.2+) extends instrument capability to full spectral scanning (320–1100 nm), kinetics monitoring (up to 9999 time points), multi-wavelength quantitation, DNA/protein A260/A280 ratio calculation, and Beer-Lambert-based standard curve regression (linear, quadratic, or polynomial). Data export is supported via CSV, TXT, and XML formats; graphical outputs include overlayable spectra, derivative plots, and time-concentration heatmaps. The software implements role-based access control, session logging with timestamped operator ID, and encrypted local database storage—enabling traceability for internal audits and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation readiness.

Applications

This spectrophotometer serves routine and method-developed applications in environmental water analysis (e.g., nitrate, phosphate, COD), food and beverage quality assurance (colorimetric assays for antioxidants, preservatives), clinical chemistry (enzyme kinetics, bilirubin quantification), polymer characterization (additive concentration, degradation index), and academic teaching labs for fundamental spectroscopy instruction. Its 2 nm spectral bandwidth and ±0.5 nm wavelength accuracy meet ASTM E275 and ISO 6059 performance criteria for routine UV-Vis instrumentation used in non-GxP contexts, while its stability profile supports validated methods requiring ≤0.002 AU/h baseline drift over 1 hour.

FAQ

Does the V-5600(PC) support GLP-compliant data integrity requirements?
Yes—the optional PC software provides full audit trail functionality, user-level permissions, electronic signatures, and tamper-evident data export, aligning with core GLP principles for laboratory recordkeeping.
Is a deuterium lamp included for UV-range measurements?
No—the V-5600(PC) uses a single tungsten-halogen lamp optimized for 320–1100 nm operation; it does not incorporate a deuterium lamp and therefore does not extend below 320 nm.
Can the instrument perform kinetic measurements without external triggering?
Yes—built-in timer-driven acquisition supports time-resolved absorbance tracking at user-defined intervals from 0.1 s to 9999 s per point.
What is the minimum sample volume required when using the optional micro-cuvette holder?
The standard micro-cuvette accessory accommodates volumes as low as 50 µL with a 10 mm pathlength, maintaining photometric accuracy within specified stray light and noise specifications.
Is USB connectivity compatible with Windows 11 and macOS?
The instrument’s native USB interface is class-compliant and operates with Windows 7 through Windows 11; macOS compatibility is limited to file transfer via mass-storage mode—full software control requires Windows OS.