Sartorius PMA.Quality Paint Mixing Scale

Overview

The Sartorius PMA.Quality Paint Mixing Scale is an industrial-grade precision weighing instrument engineered specifically for high-volume, repeatable color formulation and batch dispensing in paint, coatings, inks, and adhesive manufacturing environments. Built upon Sartorius’ legacy of metrological rigor, this scale integrates robust mechanical architecture with application-tailored software logic to support gravimetric recipe execution under dynamic production conditions. Its dual-range design (up to 999.95 g at 0.05 g readability and up to 7,500 g at 0.1 g readability) enables seamless transition between fine pigment dosing and bulk base component weighing—without manual range switching or recalibration. The scale operates on the principle of electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC), ensuring long-term stability, minimal drift, and high reproducibility across temperature fluctuations typical in factory-floor settings (0–40 °C). Unlike general-purpose laboratory balances, the PMA.Quality incorporates dedicated firmware logic for multi-component weight accumulation, tolerance-based pass/fail feedback, and real-time deviation tracking relative to master formulations—making it a functional extension of digital color management systems.

Key Features

• Backlit 14-segment LCD display with adjustable tilt angle—optimized for visibility under low ambient light and overhead glare common in mixing booths.
• Detachable display unit—enables flexible mounting on walls, frames, or control panels to accommodate spatial constraints in compact production lines.
• Configurable calculation factors (0.5–5.0) for proportional scaling of ingredient weights, supporting standardized dilution protocols and batch size adaptation.
• RS232 serial interface (9-pin D-sub) for direct integration with ERP/MES systems, PLCs, or proprietary color-matching software—enabling automated data logging and audit-ready traceability.
• Compliance with DIN VDE 0100-482:2003 for electrical safety in industrial environments; suitable for non-hazardous area deployment (non-explosion-proof classification).
• Included 5 kg Class F2 or higher calibration weight ensures traceable verification per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements; supports internal adjustment routines without external service intervention.
• Stainless steel pan (Ø233 mm) with reinforced perimeter—designed to withstand repeated impact from metal cans, plastic pails, and heavy mixing vessels.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PMA.Quality accommodates containers ranging from small glass beakers (≥50 mL) to standard 20 L paint pails. Its large pan diameter and low-profile design minimize center-of-gravity instability during off-center loading—a frequent occurrence when operators place partially filled drums or irregularly shaped mixing jugs. While not certified for use in ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 or 2 environments, the scale meets essential safety and EMC directives applicable to CE-marked industrial instrumentation. It supports Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) workflows through configurable pass/fail thresholds and operator-defined tolerance bands per ingredient—critical for compliance with ISO 9001:2015 clause 8.5.1 (Control of production and service provision) and ASTM D1210 (Standard Test Method for Leneta Chart Evaluation of Pigment Dispersion in White Paints).

Software & Data Management

Data output follows ASCII-based RS232 protocol with user-definable delimiters and transmission rates (up to 115.2 kbps). The scale transmits stabilized weight values, gross/net/tare status, and optional metadata (e.g., timestamp, batch ID prefix) in real time. When integrated with Sartorius LabX™ or third-party SCADA platforms, raw weight streams can be mapped to relational database fields for statistical process control (SPC) analysis. Audit trail functionality—including operator ID tagging and change logs for calibration or parameter modification—is achievable via external middleware compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. No embedded operating system or cloud connectivity is present; all firmware resides in flash memory with write-protection against unauthorized updates.

Applications

• Gravimetric color formulation in OEM automotive refinishing and architectural paint production.
• Batch-wise additive dosing (e.g., dispersants, rheology modifiers, biocides) where ±0.1% mass accuracy is mandated by technical datasheets.
• Quality assurance checks on incoming raw materials (e.g., titanium dioxide, extenders) prior to slurry preparation.
• Training and certification of new technicians in standardized weighing procedures per ISO/IEC 17025 competency frameworks.
• On-site verification of volumetric dispensers using density-corrected mass-to-volume conversion.

FAQ

Is the PMA.Quality compatible with Windows-based color formulation software?
Yes—via standard RS232 communication, it interfaces with industry tools such as Datacolor MATCHTEXT, X-Rite Color iMatch, and BASF’s ColorNet without proprietary drivers.
Does the scale support automatic tare reset upon container placement?
No—tare must be initiated manually or triggered externally via TTL signal input (optional accessory module required).
Can the display unit be mounted remotely beyond 2 meters from the base?
The standard cable length is 1.5 m; extended-length cables (up to 5 m) are available as accessories but may require signal conditioning for noise immunity.
What calibration documentation is provided with the included 5 kg weight?
A manufacturer’s calibration certificate traceable to national standards (e.g., NIM China or PTB Germany) is supplied with each Class F2 weight.
Is firmware upgrade capability available in-field?
Firmware updates require authorized Sartorius service personnel and validated update files—no user-accessible bootloader or USB port is implemented.