Sartorius QUINTIX124-1CN Analytical Balance

Overview

The Sartorius QUINTIX124-1CN is a high-precision analytical balance engineered for demanding laboratory environments where trace-level mass measurement, regulatory compliance, and operational reproducibility are non-negotiable. Designed and manufactured in Germany, it operates on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) principle — the gold-standard transduction method for analytical balances — delivering stable, drift-free measurements with 0.1 mg readability across its 120 g maximum capacity. Its core architecture integrates temperature-compensated load cell design, hermetically sealed electronics, and vibration-dampening mechanical isolation to ensure metrological integrity under variable ambient conditions. The balance meets the performance criteria defined in USP for accuracy and repeatability testing, and supports full audit trail generation required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with Sartorius LabX software.

Key Features

• isoCAL internal calibration system: Fully automatic, time- and temperature-triggered recalibration that logs every event—including ambient temperature, internal sensor readings, and calibration timestamp—enabling full traceability per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7 and GLP documentation requirements.
• 5.7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface: Intuitive icon-driven navigation with context-sensitive prompts; no manual required for routine operations including formulation weighing, statistical analysis, or density determination.
• Built-in application suite: Pre-installed workflows for formulation (batch component tracking), statistics (mean, SD, CV, min/max), checkweighing (target ± tolerance), density (solid/liquid mode with user-defined reference fluid), percentage weighing, piece counting, and peak-hold for dynamic or obstructed weighing scenarios.
• Dynamic weighing stability algorithm: Adaptive filtering for unstable environments (e.g., fume hoods, benchtop vibrations) or live-animal weighing (e.g., rodent monitoring), maintaining 0.1 mg repeatability without mechanical dampening.
• Direct data export: Plug-and-play USB connection to Windows PCs; transmits weight values in plain text or numeric format directly into Excel, LIMS, or ELN systems—no proprietary drivers or middleware required.
• Modular connectivity expansion: Optional RS232 and Ethernet modules enable integration into automated lab networks, supporting SOP-controlled remote operation and centralized instrument management.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The QUINTIX124-1CN accommodates standard analytical sample vessels (crucibles, weighing boats, vials) up to 90 mm in diameter and 209 mm chamber height. Its draft shield features dual sliding doors and anti-static glass panels to minimize convective interference and electrostatic drift during low-mass measurements. The balance conforms to ISO 9001 quality management standards and supports validation protocols aligned with ASTM E898 (standard guide for analytical balance selection and use) and EU GMP Annex 11 (computerized system validation). All calibration and adjustment records—including isoCAL logs, user access timestamps, and parameter changes—are stored internally with tamper-evident digital signatures for regulatory audits.

Software & Data Management

While fully functional as a standalone instrument, the QUINTIX124-1CN achieves full data governance capability when connected to Sartorius LabX software. LabX provides role-based user permissions, electronic signatures, 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails, and automated report generation (PDF/CSV). It enables method templates for recurring workflows (e.g., USP moisture content assays), real-time SPC charting, and seamless synchronization with ERP or MES platforms via OPC UA or RESTful API. Local data storage retains ≥10,000 weighing events with metadata (operator ID, sample ID, timestamp, environment log), ensuring continuity during network outages.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC/QA: Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) assay, excipient blending verification, and content uniformity testing per USP .
• Academic research: Gravimetric preparation of standard solutions, catalyst loading quantification, and nanomaterial mass characterization.
• Materials science: Density profiling of polymer composites, metal alloys, and porous ceramics using Archimedean displacement method.
• Food & beverage: Nutrient fortification verification, additive dosage control, and batch-to-batch consistency assessment.
• Environmental labs: Filter weight gain analysis for PM2.5/PM10 particulate matter quantification per EPA Method IO-4.2.

FAQ

Does the QUINTIX124-1CN support external calibration weights?
Yes — while isoCAL handles routine internal calibration, the balance accepts external Class E2 or better weights for full-scale verification and periodic verification per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
Can the balance be integrated into a validated LIMS environment?
Yes — via LabX software with 21 CFR Part 11 modules, or through direct ASCII output over USB/RS232 using configurable delimiter and header formats.
What environmental conditions affect its performance?
Optimal operation requires ambient temperatures between 10–30 °C, relative humidity ≤80% non-condensing, and placement on a vibration-isolated surface away from air currents and electromagnetic sources.
Is the touchscreen compatible with gloved operation?
Yes — the capacitive display responds reliably to standard nitrile or latex gloves without requiring stylus input.
How is traceability ensured during multi-user operation?
Each weighing event is tagged with operator ID (login required), ISO 8601 timestamp, and unique instrument serial number; all logs are exportable in CSV or PDF with cryptographic hash verification.