Sartorius Practum612-1CN Precision Balance

Overview

The Sartorius Practum612-1CN is a high-performance precision balance engineered for routine laboratory weighing tasks requiring reliable 0.01 g readability and robust operational stability. Built upon Sartorius’ decades of metrological expertise, this balance employs electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) technology — a principle widely recognized for its superior linearity, minimal drift, and immunity to environmental thermal gradients. Designed for daily use in QC labs, academic teaching environments, and production support settings, the Practum612-1CN delivers traceable, repeatable mass measurements across a 610 g capacity range. Its compact low-profile housing (only 88 mm tall) optimizes bench space while maintaining full accessibility to the 180 mm stainless steel weighing pan. The integrated draft shield provides effective protection against air currents without compromising ergonomics or sample handling flexibility.

Key Features

• Electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) sensor architecture ensures long-term stability, minimal warm-up time (<5 min), and consistent repeatability of ≤10 mg (standard deviation under identical conditions).
• External calibration capability with user-accessible calibration weight port — compatible with standard Class M2 or better weights per OIML R111 guidelines.
• Integrated lower hook assembly enables below-balance weighing for density determination, magnetic susceptibility assessment, or suspended sample measurement.
• USB interface compliant with CDC (Communication Device Class) protocol — supports direct data streaming to Microsoft Excel®, LIMS, or ELN systems without proprietary drivers.
• Large front-facing leveling bubble and oversized coarse/fine leveling feet allow rapid, intuitive horizontal alignment — critical for maintaining accuracy on non-ideal lab surfaces.
• Regulatory-ready functionality: password-protected menu lock (for instructor-led training), timestamped print/log output, auto-zero tracking, and configurable auto-stabilization thresholds.
• Peak Hold mode captures and retains maximum displayed value during dynamic events — essential for live animal weighing, viscous material settling, or vibration-prone installations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Practum612-1CN accommodates diverse sample forms: solids (powders, granules, tablets), liquids (in tared vessels), semi-solids (gels, pastes), and irregular geometries via optional hanging fixtures. Its 180 mm pan diameter and 610 g capacity support volumetric containers up to 1 L and standard USP test weights. The balance meets mechanical and metrological requirements referenced in ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025 (clause 6.4.10), and USP for analytical balance verification. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11-compliant, its audit-trail-capable software interface (via Sartorius DataControl or third-party compliant middleware) supports GxP-aligned workflows when deployed with appropriate procedural controls and system validation documentation.

Software & Data Management

Data export is natively supported via USB virtual COM port, enabling seamless integration into validated laboratory informatics environments. The balance outputs ASCII-formatted strings including timestamp (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS), net weight, unit, stability flag, and operator ID (if configured). Optional Sartorius LabX Lite software provides basic data aggregation, statistical reporting (mean, SD, CV%), and PDF certificate generation. For regulated environments, full LabX software enables electronic signatures, role-based access control, change management logs, and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through digital signature enforcement and immutable audit trails.

Applications

• Quantitative formulation: Accurate dispensing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients within ±0.1% tolerance limits per USP .
• Density determination: Paired with Sartorius density kit (order separately), enables ASTM D792 / ISO 1183-1 compliant solid density measurement using Archimedean principle.
• Checkweighing: Programmable upper/lower limits with visual/audible alerts for packaging QA, component sorting, or batch release testing.
• Percent difference calculation: Real-time deviation reporting relative to reference mass — used in method transfer studies or equipment performance qualification (PPQ).
• Parts counting: Statistical piece-counting mode with automatic average piece weight calculation — validated for hardware components, tablets, or capsules per ISO 14411.
• Dynamic weighing: Stabilization algorithms and Peak Hold enable reliable measurement of live biological specimens, reactive materials, or samples undergoing phase change.

FAQ

What calibration standards are recommended for external calibration of the Practum612-1CN?
A Class M2 or better weight certified to OIML R111, with nominal value equal to 100% of capacity (610 g) or 50% (305 g), is recommended for full-range verification per ISO 17025 clause 6.5.3.
Is internal calibration available on this model?
No — the Practum612-1CN is externally calibrated only. Internal calibration models are designated with “-IC” suffix (e.g., Practum612-1CN-IC).
Can the balance be connected to a network or printer directly?
It features USB-B port only; Ethernet or RS-232 interfaces require external converter modules. Direct thermal printer connection is not supported — data must be relayed via PC or LabX gateway.
Does the balance meet USP requirements for repeatability?
Yes — with repeatability ≤10 mg at 610 g load, it satisfies USP criterion of ≤0.10% RSD for loads ≥50% of capacity (i.e., ≤0.61 g variation at 610 g).
How is regulatory compliance documented during installation qualification (IQ)?
Sartorius provides Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) reports, mechanical drawings, EMFC sensor specifications, and traceable calibration certificates — all required inputs for IQ/OQ protocols under GMP Annex 15 or FDA guidance.