Shimadzu AUX120 Advanced Analytical Balance

Overview

The Shimadzu AUX120 is a high-precision analytical balance engineered for laboratories requiring consistent sub-milligram measurement integrity across diverse scientific and industrial applications. Utilizing Shimadzu’s proprietary Unibloc monolithic electromagnetic force compensation sensor, the AUX120 delivers exceptional mechanical stability, thermal drift resistance, and rapid settling times—critical attributes for regulated environments where measurement traceability and reproducibility are non-negotiable. Unlike conventional load cells with discrete components, the Unibloc architecture integrates the sensing element, coil, and magnetic circuit into a single rigid structure, minimizing hysteresis and enhancing long-term calibration retention. Designed for routine gravimetric analysis in quality control, pharmaceutical formulation, environmental testing, and academic research, the AUX120 operates at a readability of 0.1 mg (100 µg) with verified repeatability of ±0.1 mg under standard laboratory conditions (20 ±2 °C, <60% RH, vibration-isolated bench). Its compact footprint and optimized airflow design reduce convective interference, supporting reliable weighing of low-mass samples including powders, reference standards, and micro-volumes in tared vessels.

Key Features

• Unibloc monolithic sensor technology ensures superior linearity (±0.2 mg), minimal creep, and immunity to mechanical stress-induced drift
• PSC (Programmable Self-Calibration): Automatic internal recalibration triggered by predefined temperature thresholds (±1.5 °C change), eliminating manual intervention and maintaining metrological continuity
• GLP/GMP/ISO-compliant audit trail: Timestamped calibration logs include operator ID (optional), calibration weight value, deviation, ambient temperature, and humidity—exportable in CSV or PDF for regulatory review
• Direct Windows data transmission: Real-time weight values stream natively to Excel, LIMS, or custom applications via RS-232 or USB virtual COM port—no proprietary drivers required
• Electrostatic neutralization support: Compatible with optional STABLO-EX static eliminator for accurate weighing of insulating materials (e.g., polymers, dried botanicals, glassware)
• Backlit alphanumeric LCD with intuitive icon-based menu navigation; adjustable contrast and auto-dimming for extended usability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AUX120 accommodates standard analytical sample containers—including weighing boats, crucibles, volumetric flasks, and tared vials—on its 38 mm stainless-steel weighing pan. Its draft shield compatibility (sold separately) enables stable operation in semi-controlled environments. The balance conforms to international metrological requirements per OIML R76-1 (2021) and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1, with factory verification traceable to NMIJ (National Metrology Institute of Japan) standards. For regulated industries, it supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records when integrated with validated data acquisition software. All calibration events comply with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.10 and USP requirements for analytical balance performance verification.

Software & Data Management

Data output adheres to standard ASCII protocol (e.g., “S” command for stable weight, “W” for gross/net/tare), enabling seamless integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), electronic lab notebooks (ELN), and ERP platforms. Optional Shimadzu Balance Utility software provides advanced functions including statistical process control (SPC) charting, batch weight averaging, tolerance-based pass/fail reporting, and automated report generation with digital signature fields. Audit logs retain full metadata—including calibration history, error codes, and environmental parameters—for minimum 12 months without external storage.

Applications

The AUX120 serves as a foundational gravimetric instrument in pharmaceutical QC labs performing active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) assay, excipient blending verification, and dissolution tablet weight checks per USP . It supports environmental testing protocols (e.g., EPA Method 1664 for oil and grease gravimetry), polymer additive quantification in R&D, catalyst loading in catalysis studies, and residual solvent analysis in GC sample preparation. Academic users deploy it for stoichiometric reagent dispensing in synthetic chemistry, biomass ash content determination (ASTM D3174), and calibration of volumetric glassware per ISO 4787.

FAQ

What does “PSC calibration” mean on the AUX120?
PSC (Programmable Self-Calibration) is Shimadzu’s temperature-triggered internal calibration system that initiates recalibration automatically when ambient temperature shifts beyond ±1.5 °C from the last calibration point—ensuring continuous metrological reliability without user action.
Is the AUX120 compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The hardware supports Part 11 requirements through secure audit trails and electronic signature readiness; full compliance requires validated software configuration and procedural controls within the user’s quality system.
Can the AUX120 weigh samples in inert atmospheres?
Yes—when used inside a glovebox or nitrogen-purged enclosure, the balance maintains accuracy provided temperature gradients are minimized and static discharge is mitigated using STABLO-EX.
What is the recommended warm-up time before first use?
A minimum 30-minute stabilization period is advised after power-on under constant ambient conditions to allow thermal equilibrium of the Unibloc sensor and internal electronics.
Does the AUX120 support multi-point linearity verification?
Yes—via built-in test weight routines and external calibration weights (class E2 or better), users can execute full linearity checks across 0%, 50%, and 100% of capacity per ISO 17025 clause 6.5.2.