METTLER TOLEDO MA4002 Precision Balance

Overview

The METTLER TOLEDO MA4002 Precision Balance is an entry-level analytical-grade weighing instrument engineered for routine laboratory and quality control environments where reproducibility, ergonomic operation, and regulatory traceability are essential. Utilizing electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) technology, the MA4002 delivers stable, drift-resistant measurements across its full 4,000 g capacity range with 0.01 g readability. Its robust mechanical architecture—featuring a monolithic weighing cell housed within a rigid aluminum die-cast base—minimizes sensitivity to ambient vibration and thermal fluctuation, ensuring consistent performance in non-climate-controlled labs or production-floor settings. Designed for daily use in pharmaceutical QC labs, academic teaching facilities, and industrial R&D departments, the MA4002 meets foundational requirements for documented weighing processes under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited workflows and supports audit readiness for GLP and GMP compliance when integrated with validated data management systems.

Key Features

• Electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) transducer delivering high linearity and long-term stability without mechanical wear.
• Internal automatic calibration system activated via front-panel key or scheduled interval; utilizes a certified internal test weight traceable to national standards.
• High-contrast graphical LCD display (128 × 64 pixels) with intuitive icon-based navigation and real-time on-screen prompts for step-by-step weighing guidance.
• Touch-sensitive membrane keypad with tactile feedback—designed for glove-compatible operation and resistance to chemical splashes and particulate ingress (IP42-rated housing).
• Dual communication interfaces: native RS232 for legacy printers and LIMS integration, plus USB-A host port supporting direct connection to USB flash drives, barcode scanners, and PC-based data acquisition software.
• Preloaded application methods including percentage weighing, density determination, parts counting, and formulation mode—each configurable with user-defined tolerances and pass/fail criteria.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MA4002 accommodates standard laboratory sample containers (e.g., beakers, weighing boats, crucibles) up to Ø180 mm diameter on its stainless-steel pan. Its draft shield compatibility (optional accessory) enables stable weighing of low-density or hygroscopic materials in variable airflow conditions. From a regulatory perspective, the balance supports ALCOA+ data integrity principles: all weighings generate immutable timestamps, operator IDs (when paired with optional RFID badge reader), and event logs—including calibration history, error codes, and parameter changes. When operated with METTLER TOLEDO’s LabX Lite or standalone EasyDirect software, the system satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, including audit trail generation, role-based access control, and electronic signature capture.

Software & Data Management

Data export is fully configurable via USB-A: users may save CSV-formatted weighing reports directly to removable media without intermediary software. For networked environments, RS232 output supports ASCII protocol transmission to laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms using standard serial-to-Ethernet converters. Optional LabX Lite software provides centralized instrument management, customizable report templates, and automated PDF report generation with embedded metadata (e.g., balance ID, calibration status, environmental conditions). All data files include embedded digital signatures and SHA-256 hash verification to ensure integrity during transfer and archival.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical raw material receipt inspection and batch release testing per USP and EP 2.1.6.
• Formulation preparation in chemical synthesis labs requiring mass accuracy within ±0.02% of reading.
• Educational laboratories performing stoichiometric calculations, molar mass determinations, and gravimetric analysis protocols.
• Food and beverage QA/QC for ingredient dosing validation and net content verification per OIML R76.
• Environmental testing labs conducting soil moisture content analysis (ASTM D2216) and filter weight quantification (EPA Method 1695).

FAQ

What is the recommended recalibration frequency for the MA4002 in a regulated environment?
Per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 6.5.2, recalibration should occur at defined intervals based on risk assessment—typically daily before first use when used for critical measurements, or at least once per shift in high-throughput settings.
Does the MA4002 support external temperature and humidity sensors for environmental compensation?
No—the MA4002 does not integrate real-time environmental sensor inputs; however, its EMFC design inherently minimizes thermal drift, and internal calibration compensates for ambient temperature shifts within its specified operating range (10–30 °C).
Can the balance store weighing results internally without external storage?
No—the MA4002 has no onboard memory; all data must be transmitted in real time via RS232 or USB-A to an external device or captured through connected software.
Is the glass draft shield included as standard equipment?
No—the draft shield is an optional accessory (Order No. A012345); the base configuration includes only the balance unit, power supply, and calibration certificate.
What documentation is supplied with the MA4002 for regulatory submissions?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate (traceable to NIM, China), EU Declaration of Conformity (CE), RoHS compliance statement, and a complete set of technical specifications compliant with OIML R76-1 Edition 2006.