Shimadzu AUX220 Advanced Analytical Balance

Overview

The Shimadzu AUX220 is a high-precision analytical balance engineered for laboratories requiring trace-level mass measurement with exceptional stability and regulatory traceability. Built upon Shimadzu’s proprietary Unibloc monolithic load cell architecture, the AUX220 eliminates mechanical joints and thermal drift sources common in traditional strain-gauge designs—delivering superior long-term repeatability and responsiveness under variable ambient conditions. Its measurement principle relies on electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC), where sample weight is counterbalanced by a precisely regulated current through a coil within a permanent magnetic field; the resulting current is linearly proportional to mass and digitally resolved at 0.1 mg (100 µg) readability. Designed specifically for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited environments and GxP-regulated workflows—including pharmaceutical QC, reference standard weighing, and method validation—the AUX220 operates within Class I (OIML R76) and USP performance criteria for analytical balances.

Key Features

• Unibloc single-piece sensor technology ensures mechanical rigidity, minimal hysteresis, and immunity to micro-vibrations or mounting surface irregularities.
• PSC (Programmable Self-Calibration): Fully automated internal calibration triggered by preset temperature thresholds (±1.0 °C change) or user-defined intervals—no manual weights required.
• GLP/GMP-compliant audit trail: All calibration events—including date, time, operator ID (if integrated with network authentication), ambient temperature, and deviation values—are timestamped and stored in non-volatile memory.
• Direct Windows data transmission via USB Virtual COM port: Measurement values appear as keyboard input in Excel, LIMS, or ELN fields—eliminating middleware drivers or vendor-specific software dependencies.
• Integrated STABLO-EX electrostatic neutralization module (optional but recommended for low-humidity environments or insulating samples) reduces static-induced weighing errors by >95%.
• Backlit LCD with adjustable contrast and intuitive icon-based menu navigation supports operation in low-light cleanrooms or gloveboxes.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AUX220 accommodates diverse sample forms—from powdered APIs and lyophilized biologics to metallic reference standards and polymer pellets—within its 38 mm stainless-steel weighing pan. Its draft shield (sold separately, compatible with Shimadzu SCS series) meets ISO 9001 environmental control requirements for Class II and III weighing operations. The balance conforms to ASTM E898–22 (Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Analytical Balances), ISO 17025:2017 clause 6.4.3 (Equipment Verification), and USP “Balances” for repeatability and sensitivity testing. All firmware and calibration logic are validated per ICH Q9 principles and support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with appropriate system controls (e.g., electronic signatures, audit trail review permissions).

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software installation is necessary. The AUX220 emulates a HID keyboard device over USB, enabling seamless entry of mass readings into any Windows application—including Microsoft Excel, LabWare LIMS, Veeva Vault, or custom Python-based QA dashboards. RS-232 output supports legacy serial interfaces for integration with PLC-controlled dispensing systems or automated sample handling platforms. Calibration logs export in CSV format via USB flash drive, preserving full metadata (calibration weight ID, ambient T/humidity if external sensors are connected, pass/fail status per USP ). Firmware updates are performed via signed binary files validated using SHA-256 checksums—ensuring integrity during remote maintenance.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Weighing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for formulation development, content uniformity testing per USP , and reference standard preparation under Annex 15 qualification protocols.
• Academic Research: Quantitative gravimetric analysis in inorganic synthesis labs, catalyst loading precision, and isotope ratio sample preparation.
• Environmental Testing: Solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge conditioning, filter weighing for TSS analysis (EPA Method 160.2), and microplastic mass quantification.
• Materials Science: Density determination of thin films and nanocomposites via buoyancy correction, and powder flow characterization via tapped density measurements.
• Food & Cosmetics: Moisture loss-on-drying (LOD) assays per AOAC 950.46, and preservative concentration verification in emulsion-based formulations.

FAQ

What is the difference between PSC and Clock-CAL calibration modes?
PSC (Programmable Self-Calibration) initiates calibration automatically in response to detected temperature shifts exceeding ±1.0 °C. Clock-CAL—available only on AUW-series models—is time-scheduled and does not monitor environmental parameters.
Does the AUX220 meet USP repeatability requirements?
Yes. When operated under controlled conditions (temperature stability ±2 °C, no drafts, stable surface), the AUX220 achieves repeatability ≤0.1 mg (n=10, standard deviation), satisfying USP for loads ≥50% of capacity.
Can calibration records be exported for FDA audit submission?
Yes. All calibration events—including timestamps, operator identifiers (if configured), ambient temperature, and deviation reports—are exportable in human-readable CSV format via USB storage.
Is STABLO-EX included by default?
No. The STABLO-EX electrostatic neutralizer is an optional accessory (Shimadzu part no. 228-51010-91) recommended for environments with relative humidity below 40% or when weighing insulating materials such as plastics or glass vials.
What is the warranty coverage for the AUX220 outside Japan?
Shimadzu provides a standard 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship, valid globally through authorized Shimadzu service partners—subject to local regulatory registration requirements.