Sartorius BSA4202S and BSA4202S-CW Precision Balance
| Brand | Sartorius |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | BSA4202S, BSA4202S-CW |
| Maximum Capacity | 4200 g |
| Readability | 10 mg |
| Repeatability | ≤10 mg |
| Linearity | ≤20 mg |
| Calibration | Internal calibration (BSA4202S-CW), external calibration (BSA4202S) |
| Pan Size | 180 × 180 mm |
| Application Class | Precision balance for laboratory use |
Overview
The Sartorius BSA4202S and BSA4202S-CW are high-performance precision balances engineered for routine quantitative weighing tasks in quality control laboratories, pharmaceutical production environments, educational institutions, and industrial R&D settings. Designed and manufactured in Germany, these instruments operate on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) principle—ensuring stable, drift-free measurements with minimal thermal influence. With a maximum capacity of 4200 g and readability of 10 mg, the BSA series delivers consistent performance across its full weighing range while maintaining compliance with international metrological standards including OIML R76 and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for measurement traceability. The BSA4202S-CW variant integrates an internal motor-driven calibration mechanism activated via front-panel controls or software command, enabling automated recalibration without manual weight handling—a critical feature for environments requiring frequent verification under GLP or GMP protocols.
Key Features
- Electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) sensor architecture for high long-term stability and low drift
- Internal calibration system (BSA4202S-CW) with temperature-triggered auto-calibration and user-initiated calibration routines
- Robust stainless-steel weighing pan (180 × 180 mm) compatible with standard laboratory containers and volumetric glassware
- Dual-range display interface supporting both grams and alternative units (e.g., oz, ct, lb, %, pcs) for flexible workflow integration
- RS232 and optional USB interfaces for direct data transfer to LIMS, Excel, or statistical process control (SPC) platforms
- Integrated draft shield compatibility (optional accessory) for operation in non-climate-controlled lab spaces
- IP54-rated housing providing resistance to dust ingress and incidental liquid splashes during routine cleaning
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BSA4202S and BSA4202S-CW accommodate a broad spectrum of sample types—including powders, granules, liquids in beakers or flasks, and solid reference standards—without compromising repeatability or linearity. Their 180 × 180 mm pan allows stable placement of tall or wide containers commonly used in formulation, compounding, and raw material verification workflows. From a regulatory perspective, the balances support audit-ready documentation through built-in event logging (calibration events, zeroing, overload alerts), which aligns with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with compliant data acquisition software. They meet ISO 9001 calibration management expectations and are routinely deployed in laboratories undergoing ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation assessments.
Software & Data Management
Sartorius provides the optional LabX® Lite software package for seamless bidirectional communication, real-time data capture, and customizable report generation. When connected via RS232 or USB, the balance transmits timestamped weight values along with metadata—including operator ID, sample ID, calibration status, and environmental condition flags (if external sensors are integrated). All data entries are stored with immutable timestamps and user authentication logs, satisfying GLP traceability mandates. For standalone operation, the balance retains up to 999 measurement records with time/date stamps in non-volatile memory, accessible via scrolling display or export.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical dosage form development: active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) dispensing, excipient blending, and tablet weight uniformity testing per USP <905>
- Chemical manufacturing: raw material receipt inspection, batch reconciliation, and intermediate yield calculation
- Food & beverage QA/QC: net content verification, recipe scaling, and moisture loss determination
- Academic teaching labs: stoichiometric calculations, gravimetric analysis, and density determinations
- Environmental testing labs: soil sample drying weight tracking, filter mass gain analysis in particulate matter studies
FAQ
What is the difference between the BSA4202S and BSA4202S-CW models?
The BSA4202S requires external calibration weights, whereas the BSA4202S-CW features an integrated internal calibration mechanism driven by a precision motor and reference mass.
Does this balance support GLP-compliant data recording?
Yes—when used with LabX Lite or equivalent compliant software, it supports electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure data export meeting GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 criteria.
Can the balance be integrated into a networked laboratory information management system (LIMS)?
Yes, via RS232 serial output or optional USB-to-serial adapter, enabling automated data routing to LIMS, ERP, or statistical analysis tools.
Is the weighing pan removable for cleaning?
No—the pan is permanently mounted to maintain mechanical integrity and metrological stability; however, surface cleaning with ethanol or isopropanol is permitted per Sartorius maintenance guidelines.
What environmental conditions affect measurement accuracy?
Ambient temperature fluctuations exceeding ±2 °C/hour, air currents exceeding 0.2 m/s, and vibration from nearby equipment may degrade repeatability; installation on a dedicated anti-vibration table is recommended for optimal performance.
