OHAUS Defender® 5000 Series Medium-Precision Bench Scale

Overview

The OHAUS Defender® 5000 Series Medium-Precision Bench Scale is an industrial-grade weighing instrument engineered for reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in dynamic production, packaging, warehousing, and logistics environments. Built upon a robust mechanical architecture and calibrated to meet international metrological standards, this bench scale employs electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) or load cell–based transduction—depending on model configuration—to deliver stable, repeatable measurements across its rated capacity range. Designed for integration into controlled manufacturing workflows, the Defender 5000 supports traceability-critical operations by embedding GLP/GMP-compliant time-stamping, audit-ready data logging, and secure user authentication protocols. Its certification to OIML R76 and EC Directive 2014/31/EU ensures suitability for non-automatic weighing instruments used in trade-related applications—including checkweighing, parts counting, percentage weighing, and dynamic weighing—where legal-for-trade accuracy and documentation integrity are mandatory.

Key Features

• High-contrast, backlit dot-matrix display with intuitive SmarText™ 3.0 interface and five dedicated function keys—enabling rapid navigation without training overhead.
• Durable mechanical construction: stainless steel weighing pan, powder-coated carbon steel base frame (sand-gray finish), and aluminum-alloy load cell housing for resistance to corrosion, impact, and thermal drift in demanding factory conditions.
• Comprehensive application suite: built-in modes for piece counting (with APW optimization), checkweighing, percent weighing, dynamic weighing, hold-to-display, and accumulation—each executing real-time calculations and decision logic without external software.
• Regulatory-compliant data management: automatic timestamping (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS) aligned with GLP/GMP Annex 11 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements; Alibi memory option for tamper-evident, write-once storage of up to 50,000 material records and 1,000 user profiles.
• Multi-layered security architecture: role-based access control (RBAC), password-protected configuration menus, and encrypted local storage to support ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and pharmaceutical quality system audits.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Defender 5000 accommodates a broad spectrum of industrial samples—from bulk raw materials and packaged goods to discrete components—within its defined capacity and readability specifications. Its structural design complies with IP65-rated ingress protection (front panel) and meets environmental class III per OIML R76 for indoor industrial use. The scale is certified under EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) 2014/31/EU for Class III non-automatic weighing instruments, enabling use in commercial transactions where legal metrology oversight applies. All firmware and calibration procedures adhere to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory practices, and device-level validation documentation supports GxP-aligned installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ), and performance qualification (PQ) protocols.

Software & Data Management

Data handling is implemented via dual-path architecture: local MicroSD card logging (FAT32 formatted, up to 32 GB) and serial/industrial network transmission. Standard RS-232 enables ASCII-formatted output compatible with legacy MES/ERP systems, while optional modules support RS-485 (Modbus RTU), USB virtual COM, Ethernet (TCP/IP), Bluetooth 4.2, and WiFi 802.11 b/g/n for cloud-connected environments. Analog outputs (4–20 mA or 0–10 V) and configurable I/O boards (2-in/4-out with relay contacts) allow direct interfacing with PLCs, SCADA systems, and automated conveyors. All exported data includes embedded metadata: operator ID, timestamp, gross/net/tare values, application mode identifier, and calibration status flag—ensuring full chain-of-custody integrity for regulatory submissions.

Applications

• Manufacturing: in-line checkweighing of filled containers, batch verification prior to sterilization, and component counting during assembly line staging.
• Pharmaceutical & Biotech: raw material receipt inspection, formulation ingredient dispensing, and stability study sample tracking under GLP conditions.
• Food & Beverage: portion control in processing lines, label claim verification, and HACCP-critical weight checks at critical control points (CCPs).
• Logistics & Distribution: pallet load verification, shipping manifest reconciliation, and return-goods inspection with audit-trail generation.
• Quality Assurance Labs: routine balance verification, reference standard calibration cross-checks, and SOP-driven process validation studies.

FAQ

Does the Defender 5000 support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when configured with Alibi memory, user authentication, and electronic signature-capable firmware, it satisfies core Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures in regulated industries.
What certifications does this scale hold for legal-for-trade use?
It carries OIML R76 Class III and EU MID 2014/31/EU certification, permitting use in commercial transactions within EEA member states and other jurisdictions recognizing these directives.
Can the scale interface directly with a Siemens S7 PLC?
Yes—via optional RS-485 Modbus RTU module or analog 4–20 mA output, enabling real-time weight streaming and discrete signal triggering for automated control loops.
Is remote firmware update supported over Ethernet or WiFi?
Firmware updates require local MicroSD card loading or RS-232 connection; over-the-air updates are not supported in current firmware versions.
How is data integrity ensured during power loss or unexpected shutdown?
Alibi memory writes are atomic and non-volatile; all timestamped entries are committed to flash storage before UI acknowledgment, preventing partial or corrupted record writes.