Sartorius PMA.Economy Paint Mixing Scale

Overview

The Sartorius PMA.Economy Paint Mixing Scale is an industrial-grade bench scale engineered specifically for repeatable, traceable, and contamination-resilient mass measurement in paint formulation, coating compounding, and colorant dosing workflows. Built upon the proven mechanical architecture of the Sartorius PMA platform, this model delivers calibrated accuracy (0.1 g readability at 5000 g capacity) while prioritizing operational robustness in chemically aggressive environments. Its measurement principle adheres to electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) technology—ensuring high linearity, minimal drift, and long-term stability without mechanical wear. Unlike general-purpose laboratory balances, the PMA.Economy integrates purpose-built physical safeguards—including lateral impact resistance, overload protection up to 150% of rated capacity, and a sealed, solvent-resistant enclosure—to maintain metrological integrity where solvents, thinners, and pigment suspensions are routinely handled.

Key Features

• High-visibility backlit LCD display with large numeric font—optimized for low-light production areas and rapid visual verification.
• Tactile, membrane-style keypad with positive feedback and full chemical resistance to common organic solvents (e.g., xylene, acetone, esters), minimizing surface degradation during routine cleaning.
• Stainless-steel weighing pan with raised border design—prevents spillage ingress into load cell housing and inhibits residue accumulation beneath the pan perimeter.
• Modular interface architecture supporting optional USB 2.0 connectivity for direct data transfer to Windows-based mixing control systems or ERP/MES platforms.
• Compact footprint (240 × 320 × 95 mm) enabling integration into confined mixing stations or mobile dispensing carts without compromising structural rigidity.
• IP54-rated enclosure—providing protection against dust ingress and water splashes from any direction, meeting typical shop-floor environmental requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PMA.Economy is validated for use with viscous, non-Newtonian, and volatile liquid formulations—including base paints, clear coats, catalysts, and tinting pastes—without requiring recalibration between batches. Its solvent-resistant housing complies with material compatibility standards referenced in ISO 17025 Clause 6.4 (environmental conditions) and supports GLP-aligned documentation when paired with Sartorius’ optional data logging software. While not certified for hazardous area use (e.g., ATEX/IECEx), the scale meets CE marking requirements under the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) Annex MI-001 for non-automatic weighing instruments used in industrial process control. Routine verification can be performed using Class M2 or M1 test weights traceable to national metrology institutes.

Software & Data Management

When connected via USB, the PMA.Economy transmits stable weight readings in real time using standard HID-compliant serial protocol—enabling seamless integration with third-party batching software (e.g., Siemens SIMATIC Batch, Rockwell FactoryTalk Batch) or custom-developed mixing algorithms. No proprietary drivers are required. Optional Sartorius LabX Lite software (sold separately) provides audit-trail-enabled data capture, user-defined tare sequences, and export to CSV or PDF formats compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements (when deployed on validated IT infrastructure). All internal firmware updates are delivered through Sartorius’ secure customer portal and require physical USB key authentication.

Applications

• Precision metering of resin-to-hardener ratios in two-component polyurethane and epoxy systems.
• Colorant addition in automotive refinish and architectural paint lines—supporting ±0.2% mass tolerance per ASTM D1210 and ISO 4618.
• Batch consistency validation during QC release testing of viscosity-modified coatings.
• Raw material receipt inspection in raw material warehouses prior to formulation staging.
• On-site calibration verification using certified reference masses in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 accredited procedures.

FAQ

Is the PMA.Economy suitable for use in explosion-proof environments?
No—this model is not certified for Zone 1 or Zone 2 hazardous locations. It is intended for general industrial use in well-ventilated mixing rooms.
Can I connect the scale directly to a PLC without additional hardware?
Yes—USB output supports native HID mode; however, for RS-232 or Ethernet integration, a Sartorius-compatible converter module (e.g., YDP-200) is required.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained accuracy?
Daily visual inspection and cleaning with isopropyl alcohol; annual external calibration by an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited provider is advised for GMP-regulated operations.
Does the scale support dynamic weighing during continuous dispensing?
It provides stable static readings only; for dynamic flow rate monitoring, consider the Sartorius PR 6200 series with integrated flow compensation.
Is the stainless-steel pan removable for deep cleaning?
Yes—the bordered pan is mechanically fastened and field-replaceable without tools, facilitating full decontamination between formulation families.