METTLER TOLEDO ICS4_9 Platform Scale
| Brand | METTLER TOLEDO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Model | ICS4_9 |
| Protection Rating | IP68 / IP69K |
| Construction | Full AISI 304 stainless steel |
| Display | Backlit dot-matrix LCD (3 display modes, character height up to 25 mm) |
| Operating Temperature | Class III (–10 °C to +40 °C) |
| Humidity | Up to 85% RH at 40 °C |
| Power Supply | 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz, 300 mA |
| Optional Battery | 12 V DC / 2.5 A (up to 22 h with single load cell) |
| Interface Options | Standard – 1 x scale interface (analog / IDNet / SICSpro), 1 x RS232 |
| Load Cell Compatibility | All analog, IDNet, and SICSpro platforms (excluding F-cell, AWU, GD16-17, PIK) |
| Analog Input Spec | Impedance ≥87.5 Ω (1×350 Ω or 4×350 Ω), Excitation 3.3 V DC, Sensitivity 2–3 mV/V, Verification Scale Interval: 7,500 e (OIML/CMC certified), Internal Resolution: 300,000 d (uncertified), Temperature Coefficient: 0.264 µV/e |
| Certifications | OIML R76, NTEP, CMC, CE, CSA |
| Alibi Memory Option | 300,000 entries |
| Data Storage | 100 local records (standard), expandable via Alibi log |
| Keyboard | PET-based membrane keypad (>1,000,000 actuations) |
| Language Support | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese |
Overview
The METTLER TOLEDO ICS4_9 is a high-integrity platform scale engineered for demanding industrial environments where hygiene, reliability, and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. Designed around the core principle of electromagnetic force compensation combined with precision strain-gauge signal conditioning, the ICS4_9 delivers stable, repeatable weight measurement under dynamic production conditions. Its architecture adheres strictly to OIML R76 and NTEP Class III metrological requirements, ensuring legal-for-trade accuracy across food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical blending, and contract packaging operations. Unlike general-purpose floor scales, the ICS4_9 integrates directly into PLC-controlled workflows via standardized digital interfaces—eliminating manual transcription errors and enabling real-time weight-triggered process logic.
Key Features
- Full AISI 304 stainless steel enclosure and terminal housing, certified to IP68 and IP69K for resistance to high-pressure washdown, steam sterilization, and corrosive agents.
- Patented dual-sealed weighing terminal with reinforced gasketing and conformal-coated PCBs to prevent ingress of moisture, dust, and cleaning solvents.
- ColorWeight® visual feedback system: dynamically color-coded weight indicators (green/yellow/red) aligned with preset tolerance bands—enabling rapid operator verification without numeric interpretation.
- Configurable soft-function keys and context-sensitive user prompts reduce training time and minimize misoperation in multi-shift environments.
- Three display modes—default (19 mm characters), large font (25 mm), and triple-line (15 mm)—support both distant viewing and detailed data inspection on the same unit.
- Alibi memory option (300,000 entries) provides tamper-evident, time-stamped audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements for electronic records.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ICS4_9 supports integration with a broad range of analog, IDNet, and SICSpro-compatible platform bases—including PBK7, PBK9, PFK9, and GD-series models—while excluding legacy transducer types (F-cell, AWU, GD16-17, PIK). Its analog input stage meets OIML R60 specifications for strain-gauge compatibility: excitation voltage (3.3 V DC), sensitivity range (2–3 mV/V), and impedance tolerance (≥87.5 Ω for 1× or 4× 350 Ω cells). Certified to OIML R76, NTEP, CMC, CE, and CSA standards, the scale satisfies metrological traceability requirements for Class III applications (–10 °C to +40 °C operating range, humidity ≤85% RH at 40 °C). It is routinely deployed in facilities subject to FDA GMP, EU GMP Annex 1, and ISO 22000 audits—where documented calibration history, access-controlled parameter changes, and secure data export are mandatory.
Software & Data Management
The ICS4_9 operates firmware supporting both standalone operation and seamless SCADA/HMI integration. Standard RS232 enables ASCII-based data streaming to MES systems or label printers; optional Ethernet/WLAN modules permit direct OPC UA or Modbus TCP communication. The built-in data logger stores up to 100 weight events locally (timestamp, net/gross/tare, operator ID if enabled), while the Alibi memory option extends this to 300,000 entries with cryptographic integrity checks. All configuration changes—including zero tracking parameters, tolerance limits, and language selection—are logged with user ID and timestamp. Firmware updates are performed via USB host port using signed binary packages, ensuring version control and rollback capability per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 5.9.4.
Applications
- Batch ingredient verification in pharmaceutical solid-dose manufacturing (USP <41> compliance supported via configurable repeatability thresholds).
- In-line checkweighing of filled containers prior to case packing—integrated with reject mechanisms via digital I/O signals.
- Dynamic counting of components on assembly lines using intelligent averaging algorithms that compensate for minor part variation.
- Recipe-based filling control in food processing, where weight deviation triggers automatic valve closure or alarm escalation.
- Inventory reconciliation in cold-chain logistics, leveraging battery-powered operation (up to 22 h) and low-temperature stability (–10 °C).
FAQ
Is the ICS4_9 suitable for use in sterile pharmaceutical cleanrooms?
Yes—the full stainless steel construction, IP69K rating, and absence of crevices or porous surfaces meet ISO 14644-1 Class 5–8 environmental requirements when installed with appropriate surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm) and validated cleaning protocols.
Can the ICS4_9 connect to a Siemens S7 PLC over Profinet?
Not natively—but via optional Ethernet interface with Modbus TCP gateway or third-party protocol converter, it can be integrated into Profinet networks as a Modbus slave device.
Does the Alibi memory require external software to retrieve logs?
No—logs are exportable via USB stick in CSV format with SHA-256 hash validation; no proprietary software is required for readout or forensic analysis.
What is the maximum number of load cells supported in a single ICS4_9 configuration?
Four load cells are supported on analog inputs; however, only one physical platform may be connected unless using ICS449 or ICS469 variants, which allow dual-platform operation with SICSpro or IDNet bases.
Is firmware update capability available in all regions?
Yes—firmware updates are globally distributed through METTLER TOLEDO’s authorized service network and comply with IEC 62304 software lifecycle requirements for medical-grade instrumentation.
