METTLER TOLEDO PL202L / PL402L / PL602L Precision Balance
| Key | Brand: METTLER TOLEDO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model Series | PL202L / PL402L / PL602L |
| Maximum Capacity | 200 g / 400 g / 600 g |
| Readability | 0.01 g |
| Repeatability | 0.01 g |
| Linearity | ±0.02 g (typical for PL202L–PL602L class) |
| Calibration | External |
| Pan Diameter | Ø100 mm |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 238 × 335 × 287 mm |
| Interface | RS232 |
| Construction | ABS engineering plastic housing with in-use protective cover |
| Compliance | Designed to meet ISO 9001 manufacturing standards |
Overview
The METTLER TOLEDO PL202L, PL402L, and PL602L are entry-level precision balances engineered for routine laboratory weighing tasks requiring consistent 0.01 g readability and robust operational reliability. Built on METTLER TOLEDO’s legacy of mechanical stability and electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) transducer architecture, these balances deliver high reproducibility under variable environmental conditions—particularly in QC labs, educational institutions, and production environments where cost-efficiency and traceable accuracy are balanced against advanced analytical requirements. Unlike analytical balances with sub-milligram resolution, the PL-L series is optimized for applications where 10 mg readability suffices—such as formulation checks, sample preparation, reagent dispensing, and intermediate-quality control workflows. Each unit features a single-point external calibration routine using certified weights, ensuring compliance with basic metrological traceability requirements per ISO/IEC 17025 and internal quality system protocols.
Key Features
- Electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) sensor technology for stable, drift-resistant weighing performance
- ABS engineering plastic housing with integrated in-use protective cover to resist chemical splashes and particulate contamination
- Large, easy-to-clean Ø100 mm stainless steel weighing pan with 140 mm effective draft shield height
- Backlit LCD display with intuitive keypad layout—designed for glove-compatible operation and rapid parameter navigation
- Seven built-in weighing modes: Standard Weighing, Percentage Weighing, Piece Counting, Checkweighing, Totalization, Density Determination (with optional kit), and Animal Weighing
- RS232 serial interface standard—enables direct data transfer to printers, LIMS, or Excel-based lab notebooks without proprietary software
- Auto-zero tracking and automatic internal stabilization detection to minimize operator-induced error
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PL202L/PL402L/PL602L series accommodates solid, granular, and powdered samples within its specified capacity range. Its open draft shield design allows for efficient handling of medium-volume containers (e.g., beakers up to 150 mL) while maintaining repeatability within ±0.01 g across repeated measurements. The balance meets general-purpose laboratory equipment requirements under ISO 9001-certified manufacturing processes at the Shanghai facility. While not classified as Class I or II analytical instruments per OIML R76, it supports documented calibration practices aligned with ISO 17025 Clause 6.5 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with audit-trail-capable data acquisition systems (e.g., LabX Lite or third-party timestamped logging). All units ship with factory-verified linearity and eccentricity test reports.
Software & Data Management
No proprietary software installation is required for basic operation. The RS232 port outputs ASCII-formatted weight data—including timestamp (when sourced from host PC), net/gross/tare values, and unit identifiers—in real time. For regulated environments, integration with METTLER TOLEDO’s LabX Lite (free download) enables user-defined templates, electronic signature capture, and PDF report generation compliant with ALCOA+ principles. Audit trail functionality is available when connected to a validated Windows workstation configured per 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements. Raw data export supports CSV and TXT formats compatible with statistical process control (SPC) platforms such as Minitab or JMP.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical: Excipient batch verification, tablet weight sampling, capsule filling checks
- Food & Beverage: Ingredient portioning, package net-weight validation, moisture loss monitoring
- Academic Labs: General chemistry experiments, stoichiometric preparation, student training in metrology fundamentals
- Materials Science: Powder blending uniformity assessment, catalyst loading consistency checks
- Environmental Testing: Soil/sediment subsampling, filter weight gain analysis pre/post-drying
- Manufacturing QA: Component count verification, assembly kit reconciliation, packaging line checkweighing
FAQ
What calibration weights are required for the PL202L/PL402L/PL602L?
A single certified weight matching the balance’s maximum capacity (e.g., 200 g for PL202L, 400 g for PL402L, 600 g for PL602L) is sufficient for full-range external calibration.
Is internal calibration available on this series?
No—these models support external calibration only, in accordance with their classification as precision (not analytical) balances.
Can the balance be used in a fume hood?
Yes, provided ambient airflow does not exceed 0.5 m/s at the pan level and temperature gradients remain below ±1 °C/hour.
Does the balance comply with USP <41> or <1251>?
It satisfies the minimum repeatability and readability criteria outlined in USP <1251> for non-analytical weighing; however, full USP <41> testing requires verification under site-specific environmental conditions.
Is the RS232 interface opto-isolated?
No—the interface is electrically isolated via standard UART-level signaling but does not include galvanic isolation; use of an RS232-to-USB adapter with surge protection is recommended in industrial settings.
