Sartorius BSA5201 Precision Balance

Overview

The Sartorius BSA5201 Precision Balance is an entry-level yet rigorously engineered analytical instrument designed for routine mass measurement tasks in quality control laboratories, educational institutions, and industrial production environments. It operates on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) principle—ensuring stable, drift-free weighing performance under standard ambient conditions. With a maximum capacity of 5200 g and readability of 100 mg, the BSA5201 delivers consistent metrological performance aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for non-automatic weighing instruments (OIML R 76-1). Its robust mechanical architecture, combined with temperature-compensated load cell design, ensures long-term stability and resistance to minor environmental fluctuations such as air currents or bench vibration—critical for reliable daily operation in shared lab spaces.

Key Features

• Backlit high-contrast LCD display with 15 mm character height—optimized for legibility under variable lighting conditions, including low-illumination or glare-prone environments.
• Intuitive menu-driven interface guided by a four-directional cursor key system—enabling rapid parameter setup without requiring prior training or reference manuals.
• Tactile membrane keypad with clearly defined functional zones—reducing operational errors and supporting ergonomic use during extended weighing sessions.
• External calibration capability—compatible with standard Class M2 or better weights per ISO 9001 and ASTM E617 guidelines; no internal motorized weight mechanism, minimizing maintenance complexity and long-term drift risk.
• RS-232C serial interface as standard—supports bidirectional data exchange with PCs, LIMS, or statistical process control (SPC) software; optional USB connectivity available via certified Sartorius adapter cables (e.g., YDP30 or YDP40).
• Compliance-ready configuration options—including GLP/GMP audit trail support when integrated with Sartorius LabX Lite or DataManager software (sold separately).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The BSA5201 accommodates a broad range of sample types—from bulk powders and granular solids to packaged components—thanks to its 180 × 180 mm stainless steel weighing pan and generous clearance beneath the pan. Its open-frame design allows easy placement and removal of containers up to 200 mm in height. The balance meets international regulatory expectations for non-automatic weighing instruments: it conforms to OIML R 76-1 (2006), EN 45501:2015, and supports traceable calibration in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, full electronic record integrity—including user authentication, timestamped event logs, and change history—is achievable when paired with validated Sartorius software solutions used in regulated pharmaceutical or food manufacturing settings.

Software & Data Management

Data output follows standard ASCII protocol over RS-232C, enabling seamless integration into custom-built laboratory information systems or spreadsheet-based workflows. For structured data capture and reporting, the BSA5201 is compatible with Sartorius’ free DataTransfer software (v3.x), which provides real-time data logging, basic statistical evaluation (mean, SD, CV%), and export to CSV or Excel formats. When deployed in regulated environments, integration with LabX Lite enables electronic signature support, user access levels, and automated PDF report generation—fulfilling ALCOA+ data integrity principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate).

Applications

• Raw material receipt inspection in chemical and food processing facilities.
• Formulation batch preparation in pharmaceutical compounding labs (non-sterile).
• Student experiments and teaching demonstrations in university chemistry and engineering departments.
• In-process checks during assembly line packaging operations (e.g., component count verification by weight).
• Environmental sample preparation where gross mass determination precedes subsampling for elemental analysis.
• Calibration verification of lower-capacity balances using certified reference standards.

FAQ

Does the BSA5201 include internal calibration weights?

No—the BSA5201 requires external calibration using traceable weights; it does not feature motorized or built-in calibration mechanisms.
Is the display readable under direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting?

Yes—the high-contrast backlit LCD with 15 mm characters maintains clarity across ambient light intensities from 50 to 1000 lux.
Can the balance be connected directly to a modern Windows PC via USB?

Not natively—the RS-232C port requires either a USB-to-serial adapter (with FTDI chipset) or a Sartorius-certified YDP-series cable for plug-and-play USB compatibility.
What is the recommended recalibration frequency?

Per ISO 9001 and GxP guidance, recalibration should occur at least daily before first use—or more frequently if subjected to thermal shock, mechanical impact, or significant environmental shifts.
Does the BSA5201 support automatic tare or preset tare values?

Yes—it supports manual tare, automatic tare upon stabilization, and memory-stored tare values for up to three commonly used containers.