Sartorius BSA4202S Precision Balance

Overview

The Sartorius BSA4202S Precision Balance is an industrial-grade analytical weighing instrument engineered for high-throughput laboratory and quality control environments requiring reliable mass determination in the 4.2 kg range with 10 mg readability. Based on Sartorius’ proven electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) transduction principle, the BSA4202S delivers stable, drift-compensated measurements under variable ambient conditions. Its monolithic single-lever sensor architecture—integrated with a 40 MHz microcontroller (MC1) and advanced SMT circuitry—ensures rapid stabilization (<1.1 s typical), low thermal sensitivity, and long-term metrological integrity. Designed for routine precision weighing tasks—not microanalysis—the BSA4202S bridges the performance gap between entry-level bench scales and high-end analytical balances, offering certified repeatability (±0.01 g) and linearity (±0.02 g) across its full 4200 g capacity.

Key Features

• Motorized internal calibration system with built-in reference weights—fully automatic, user-initiated or time-scheduled, compliant with ISO 9001 and ASTM E898 verification protocols
• Five-sided draft shield with anti-static glass coating—minimizes electrostatic interference and ensures operator visibility during dynamic weighing operations
• Dynamic temperature compensation algorithm—actively corrects for thermal drift induced by environmental fluctuations or sample heat transfer
• Integrated lower hook assembly—enables below-balance density determination, magnetic susceptibility testing, and large-volume container weighing
• Dual tare keys (left/right positioned)—accommodates ergonomic preferences for both right- and left-handed users without compromising workflow continuity
• Front-mounted bubble level and adjustable stainless-steel feet—facilitates rapid, repeatable leveling verification prior to critical measurement sessions
• RS232 serial interface with GLP-compliant data output—supports timestamped, operator-ID-tagged records compatible with LIMS and electronic lab notebook (ELN) integration

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BSA4202S accommodates samples up to 4200 g in mass and 180 × 180 mm footprint, making it suitable for bulk powders, packaged pharmaceutical intermediates, polymer pellets, ceramic green bodies, and metallurgical specimens. Its robust draft shield design permits stable weighing of low-density or static-prone materials (e.g., fine powders, foams, fibrous composites). The balance conforms to international regulatory expectations for documented metrology: all calibrations generate audit trails with date/time stamps, operator ID (if configured), and deviation logs—fully aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when paired with validated software. It supports ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation workflows through traceable calibration certificates (NIST-traceable standards available upon request) and meets the mechanical and environmental specifications outlined in OIML R76 and EN 45501.

Software & Data Management

Data export is managed via ASCII-formatted RS232 output, supporting real-time transmission to PCs, printers, or networked databases. Each weighing event includes: measured value, unit (g), stability flag, tare status, date/time stamp, and optional user ID field. The balance’s firmware embeds GLP-compliant metadata generation—including auto-recall of last calibration parameters and error codes—with no external software dependency. For enterprise deployment, Sartorius LabX™ software (sold separately) enables centralized configuration management, remote diagnostics, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (electronic signatures, role-based access, audit trail encryption). Raw data streams are compatible with common LIMS platforms via standard serial-to-USB adapters and configurable delimiter protocols.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC: Excipient batch release testing, tablet weight variation per USP , capsule fill weight verification
• Materials Science: Density determination of sintered ceramics (via sinker method), powder flow characterization (bulk/tapped density)
• Food & Beverage: Recipe formulation, ingredient batching, net content verification per EU Directive 76/211/EEC
• Chemical Manufacturing: Catalyst charge preparation, reagent dispensing, yield calculation in pilot-scale reactors
• Academic Research: Gravimetric analysis in environmental labs (soil moisture content, filter residue quantification), teaching labs for metrology fundamentals
• Regulatory Testing: ASTM D198, ISO 1183 (plastics density), ISO 6508 (hardness test specimen mass validation)

FAQ

What calibration standards are required for routine verification?
No external weights are needed for daily verification—the BSA4202S performs automatic internal calibration using its factory-installed motorized mechanism. External verification with NIST-traceable Class M2 or better weights is recommended at installation, after relocation, and per internal SOP intervals (typically weekly or per shift change).
Is the balance suitable for use in humid or dusty environments?
The BSA4202S carries an IP42 ingress protection rating—providing resistance to vertically falling water droplets and solid objects >1 mm. It is not rated for washdown or explosive atmospheres; operation in controlled laboratory or cleanroom environments (ISO Class 7 or better) is advised.
Can the RS232 interface support bidirectional communication?
The interface is unidirectional (balance-to-host only) and does not accept command strings. All configuration is performed locally via front-panel keys; data transmission follows fixed ASCII format with user-definable baud rate (9600–115200 bps).
Does the balance meet GLP requirements out-of-the-box?
Yes—its firmware generates GLP-compliant printouts and serial outputs containing mandatory fields: date/time, operator ID (if enabled), balance ID, calibration status, and measured value with unit. Full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires integration with validated third-party software such as LabX.
How is overload protection implemented?
Mechanical stop limits prevent sensor overtravel beyond 150% of maximum capacity (6300 g). An audible alert and “OVER” display flag activate immediately upon overload detection, and the balance disables further measurement until reset and verified zero return.