METTLER TOLEDO PL602-E Precision Balance
| Brand | METTLER TOLEDO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | PL602-E |
| Maximum Capacity | 620 g |
| Readability | 0.01 g |
| Repeatability | 0.01 g |
| Linearity | ±0.02 g |
| Pan Diameter | Φ160 mm |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 194 × 225 × 67 mm |
| Net Weight (bagged) | 1.3 kg (2.3 kg with packaging) |
| Power | Rechargeable battery (20–30 h operation) or AC adapter |
| Interface | RS232 (optional) |
| Calibration | External, 500 g weight (optional) |
Overview
The METTLER TOLEDO PL602-E Precision Balance is an entry-level analytical-grade weighing instrument engineered for consistent, traceable mass measurement in laboratory, quality control, and educational environments. Based on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) technology, the PL602-E delivers high reproducibility and rapid stabilization—typically within 1.5 seconds—by integrating a compact digital transducer with embedded temperature and drift compensation circuitry. Unlike mechanical lever-based systems, this design eliminates hysteresis and ensures long-term stability across ambient temperature fluctuations (10–30 °C). With a maximum capacity of 620 g and readability of 0.01 g, the PL602-E meets ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for routine calibration verification and satisfies the minimum performance criteria outlined in USP for Class III balances used in non-critical pharmaceutical weighing tasks.
Key Features
- Integrated digital EMFC sensor architecture with real-time thermal drift compensation, enabling fast settling times and reduced operator dependency.
- Durable housing constructed from impact- and chemical-resistant ABS engineering plastic, optimized for benchtop durability without compromising portability (net weight: 1.3 kg).
- Large, high-contrast LCD display with intuitive keypad layout—designed for glove-compatible operation and low-glare visibility under standard lab lighting.
- External calibration capability using a certified 500 g weight (sold separately), supporting periodic verification per ISO 9001 and GLP documentation protocols.
- Configurable auto-power-off function with adjustable delay (1–60 minutes), conserving battery life during intermittent use.
- RS232 serial interface (optional) enables direct data transfer to printers, LIMS, or Excel-based spreadsheets—facilitating audit-ready record generation.
- Built-in application modes: basic weighing, percentage weighing, piece counting (with sample size input), dynamic (vibrating sample) weighing, and accumulation/subtraction functions.
- Rechargeable battery system supports continuous operation for 20–30 hours—ideal for field deployment, mobile QC stations, or locations with unstable power infrastructure.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PL602-E accommodates samples up to 620 g on its 160 mm diameter stainless-steel weighing pan, suitable for solids, powders, granules, and small-volume liquids in standard containers. Its robust mechanical design resists minor overloads (up to 150% of max capacity) without permanent zero shift. The balance complies with international metrological standards including OIML R76-1 (Class III), EN 45501, and meets essential requirements of the EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) for non-automatic weighing instruments. While not certified for GMP-regulated final product release, it is routinely deployed for raw material receipt inspection, formulation pre-weighing, and in-process checks where ±0.02 g linearity error remains within defined process tolerances.
Software & Data Management
Data output via RS232 follows standard ASCII protocol with configurable baud rate (9600 default), parity, and termination characters—ensuring compatibility with legacy lab printers and custom Python/Matlab acquisition scripts. No proprietary software is required; however, METTLER TOLEDO’s free LabX Lite companion tool (downloadable) provides optional features including automatic timestamping, user ID tagging, and CSV export with metadata fields (date/time, operator ID, balance ID, tare value). All internal logs—including calibration events and overload alerts—are stored with date-stamped entries, satisfying basic 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail expectations when paired with controlled user access policies.
Applications
- Quality assurance laboratories performing incoming material verification against supplier certificates of analysis (CoA).
- Educational institutions conducting stoichiometric experiments, density determinations, and gravimetric analysis in undergraduate chemistry curricula.
- Food and beverage R&D labs executing recipe scaling, moisture content estimation (via loss-on-drying), and portion control validation.
- Environmental testing facilities weighing filter papers before/after particulate capture in air or water sampling protocols.
- Electronics manufacturing for component counting and solder paste dispensing verification.
FAQ
Is the PL602-E suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing?
Yes—when operated within specified environmental conditions (10–30 °C, ≤80% RH non-condensing) and calibrated regularly using traceable standards, it fulfills the uncertainty budget requirements for Class III balances in non-critical applications.
Does it support internal calibration?
No—the PL602-E requires external calibration with a 500 g Class M2 or better weight; no motorized internal mass is integrated.
Can I connect it to a modern Windows PC without a legacy serial port?
Yes—using a certified USB-to-RS232 adapter (e.g., FTDI chipset-based), full bidirectional communication is maintained without driver conflicts.
What is the warranty coverage?
Standard 2-year manufacturer warranty covering parts and labor; extended service plans are available through authorized METTLER TOLEDO distributors.
Is the battery replaceable by the end user?
Yes—the rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack is accessible via a service panel and may be replaced using part number 11111122 (subject to regional availability).
