METTLER TOLEDO XSR204 Analytical Balance

Overview

The METTLER TOLEDO XSR204 Analytical Balance is a high-performance, regulatory-compliant weighing instrument engineered for precision applications in regulated laboratory environments—including pharmaceutical quality control, method validation, reference standard preparation, and analytical chemistry workflows. Built upon METTLER TOLEDO’s proprietary monolithic sensor architecture and active temperature control (FACT), the XSR204 delivers exceptional stability and metrological integrity under variable ambient conditions. Its 0.1 mg readability and 0.04 mg repeatability (typical) meet stringent USP requirements for minimum weight determination, supporting accurate quantification of low-mass samples down to 82 mg (at 0.1% tolerance). The balance operates on a dual-chamber design with motorized draft shield doors—activated via single-touch gesture—ensuring rapid stabilization (≤1.5 s) while minimizing operator-induced vibration and airflow disturbance. As part of the XSR “Beyond” series, it integrates advanced hardware-level safeguards for data integrity, including real-time internal calibration (FACT), drift compensation, and mechanical overload protection.

Key Features

• Motorized ErgoDoor system: One-touch activation enables hands-free access and consistent environmental isolation during weighing cycles.
• Hanging weighing pan design: Suspended from the load cell via tensioned flexure elements, eliminating lateral force transmission and enhancing long-term repeatability.
• ErgoClip sample handling: Integrated clip mechanism allows direct transfer of vials or containers onto the pan without manual placement—reducing contamination risk and improving ergonomics.
• High-resolution 5.7″ color touchscreen: Intuitive icon-based interface with customizable home screen, context-sensitive help, and multi-language support (14 languages).
• Internal calibration with FACT (Fully Automatic Calibration Technology): Compensates for temperature fluctuations in real time using built-in reference weights and thermal sensors—no manual recalibration required under normal lab conditions.
• LabX™ connectivity-ready: Native support for bidirectional communication with LabX software for centralized method deployment, electronic signature enforcement, and automated report generation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The XSR204 accommodates a wide range of sample formats—from powder aliquots and crystalline standards to small-volume liquid containers—thanks to its low-profile pan height (12 mm above base) and generous 78 mm × 73 mm pan surface. Its sealed housing and IP54-rated enclosure provide resistance against dust ingress and incidental splashes, making it suitable for shared QC laboratories. Regulatory compliance is embedded at both firmware and operational levels: audit trails record all critical events—including weight values, timestamps, user IDs, method names, and calibration history—with tamper-evident digital signatures. When paired with LabX, the system satisfies 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, including role-based access control, password complexity enforcement, and immutable log archiving. It also supports GLP and GMP documentation practices through configurable metadata tagging and exportable PDF/ePDF reports compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 traceability frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The XSR204 supports seamless integration into digital lab infrastructures via multiple communication protocols: USB-B (for printer or PC connection), RS232 (for legacy peripherals), USB-A (for flash storage or barcode scanners), Bluetooth (for wireless mobile devices), and Ethernet (for enterprise network deployment). All data—including raw weight values, statistical summaries (mean, SD, RSD), and process metadata—are timestamped and stored locally with optional cloud synchronization via LabX. The Result Notebook function stores up to 1,000 recent measurements with full contextual detail; saved methods include tare logic, density calculation parameters, and pass/fail thresholds aligned with SOPs. Electronic documentation options include basic printouts, auto-generated PDF certificates (with embedded digital signatures), and structured CSV exports for LIMS ingestion. User management supports up to 20 individually configured accounts with hierarchical permissions—enabling separation of duties between operators, supervisors, and administrators.

Applications

This analytical balance is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical manufacturing for content uniformity testing, assay verification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and residual solvent analysis sample preparation. In contract research organizations (CROs), it supports ICH Q5A/Q5B-compliant biologics characterization workflows requiring precise mass input for HPLC injection standards and ELISA plate loading. Academic and government labs utilize the XSR204 for gravimetric calibration of volumetric glassware (per ASTM E542 and ISO 4787), certified reference material (CRM) sub-sampling, and microgram-scale catalyst dosing in catalysis studies. Its robustness and reproducibility also make it ideal for food safety labs performing heavy metal extraction protocols (e.g., AOAC 999.10) where sample mass accuracy directly impacts detection limit calculations.

FAQ

What is the minimum weight that can be reliably measured on the XSR204 according to USP ?
The typical minimum weight is 82 mg when applying the 0.1% tolerance criterion specified in USP . This value is calculated based on the balance’s repeatability (0.04 mg) and is verified during installation qualification.
Does the XSR204 support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance out-of-the-box?
Yes—when used with LabX software and configured with enabled audit trail, electronic signatures, and password policies, the system meets all technical and procedural requirements of 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures.
Can the balance perform density determination automatically?
Yes—the XSR204 includes built-in density calculation routines for solids and liquids, supporting Archimedes’ principle with optional density kits (e.g., immersion kit SCS-DA-01).
Is external calibration required after FACT internal calibration?
No—FACT ensures continuous accuracy across operating temperatures; however, periodic verification using certified reference weights (e.g., Class E2 or better) is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 and internal SOPs.
How does the hanging pan design improve measurement stability?
By decoupling the pan from the housing via tensioned flexures, the design eliminates torque-induced errors from off-center loading and minimizes sensitivity to horizontal forces—enhancing both short-term repeatability and long-term linearity performance.