METTLER TOLEDO MA204E/A Analytical Balance

Overview

The METTLER TOLEDO MA204E/A is a high-precision analytical balance engineered for routine laboratory weighing tasks requiring accuracy, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Operating on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) principle, it delivers stable and reproducible measurements under variable environmental conditions—including minor air currents, temperature fluctuations, and bench vibrations—common in QC labs, pharmaceutical production environments, and academic research settings. With a maximum capacity of 220 g and readability of 0.1 mg (100 µg), the MA204E/A meets the performance criteria defined in United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter <41> for analytical weighing, supporting minimum weight verification at 160 mg (k = 2, U = 0.1%). Its 2-second stabilization time ensures throughput efficiency without compromising metrological integrity. Designed and assembled in Germany, the instrument adheres to ISO 9001 manufacturing standards and conforms to OIML R76 for legal-for-trade applications where traceable mass measurement is required.

Key Features

• Hybrid touch-and-button interface with intuitive menu navigation and guided application workflows—reducing operator training time and minimizing input errors.
• Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel base and reinforced polymer housing—engineered for long-term durability in laboratories handling aggressive solvents, acids, or alkaline reagents.
• Integrated leveling assistance system with visual tilt indicator—enabling rapid, repeatable setup without external tools.
• External calibration capability with automatic recognition of certified weights—ensuring traceability to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB, NIST).
• Dual communication interfaces: RS232 for legacy lab equipment integration and USB-A for direct connection to PCs, LIMS, or electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).
• Password-protected user access levels (operator, supervisor, administrator)—supporting audit trail requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MA204E/A accommodates standard weighing vessels—including glass beakers, aluminum pans, and ceramic crucibles—within its draft shield aperture (W × D × H: 165 × 165 × 220 mm). Its draft shield design minimizes convective interference while permitting unobstructed sample placement. The balance is certified to OIML R76 Class II for commercial use and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 calibration management requirements when used within an accredited testing laboratory. It supports Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) documentation protocols through built-in timestamped event logging, including calibration, adjustment, and error events.

Software & Data Management

Data output is fully configurable via METTLER TOLEDO’s free LabX Lite software or compatible third-party systems (e.g., Thermo Fisher SampleManager, LabWare LIMS). All weighing results include metadata: date/time stamp, operator ID, balance serial number, calibration status, and environmental condition flags (if connected to optional temperature/humidity sensor). Audit trails are retained locally for ≥30 days and exportable as CSV or PDF with digital signature support. When paired with LabX Professional, the MA204E/A enables automated SOP execution, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and electronic signature workflows compliant with 21 CFR Part 11.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical formulation: active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing, excipient blending, and content uniformity testing per USP <905>.
• Chemical quality control: raw material verification, titrant standardization, and gravimetric preparation of standard solutions.
• Academic research: stoichiometric reagent weighing, catalyst loading, and sample preparation for ICP-MS or GC-MS analysis.
• Food & beverage testing: moisture loss determination (per AOAC 950.46), ash content analysis, and nutritional labeling compliance.
• Environmental labs: filter weighing for particulate matter (PM_2.5/PM₁₀) analysis in accordance with EPA Method 201A.

FAQ

Is the MA204E/A suitable for GMP-regulated environments?
Yes—it supports full audit trail generation, user-level access control, and electronic signature capability when integrated with LabX Professional or validated third-party LIMS.
What is the minimum weight requirement per USP <41>?
The typical minimum weight is 160 mg at 0.1% tolerance (k = 2), verified using certified reference weights and documented in the balance’s internal test report.
Does the balance support internal calibration?
No—the MA204E/A requires external calibration with certified weights; internal motorized calibration is not implemented in this model.
Can the display be read under low-light conditions?
Yes—the high-brightness LCD features adjustable contrast and backlight intensity, optimized for visibility in controlled lighting environments such as cleanrooms or glove boxes.
Is Bluetooth connectivity standard or optional?
Bluetooth is an optional module—ordered separately and installed by authorized METTLER TOLEDO service personnel during commissioning.