Shimadzu BX-K/BW-K Series Medium-Animal Weighing Balances
| Brand | Shimadzu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Product Type | Import |
| Model Series | BX-K / BW-K Medium-Animal Weighing Balances |
| Animal Platform Options | Small- and Medium-Size Animal Trays |
| Power Consumption | ≤12 VA |
Overview
The Shimadzu BX-K/BW-K Series Medium-Animal Weighing Balances are precision laboratory balances engineered specifically for the dynamic, non-invasive weighing of conscious, unrestrained medium-sized laboratory animals—including rabbits, beagles, and other subjects within the 1–30 kg weight range. Unlike standard analytical or top-loading balances, these instruments integrate purpose-built mechanical design and proprietary firmware to suppress motion-induced measurement drift. The system operates on a high-stability electromagnetic force compensation principle, delivering stable readouts even during moderate animal movement. Each unit is factory-calibrated to ISO/IEC 17025 traceable standards and conforms to fundamental metrological requirements outlined in USP , ASTM E898, and JIS B 7720. Designed for integration into regulated preclinical research environments, the series supports audit-ready data integrity through time-stamped records, internal clock synchronization, and optional printer or PC-based data capture.
Key Features
- Dedicated animal weighing mode with adaptive filtering algorithm—minimizes oscillation artifacts without manual tare intervention
- Auto-zero function upon animal removal: automatically subtracts residual excreta or bedding mass, enabling immediate sequential weighing without pressing tare
- Integrated real-time clock (RTC) with calendar and timestamping—records date/time stamps for every weight acquisition and calibration event
- Internal motorized calibration (BW-K models): built-in reference mass enables periodic auto-calibration per GLP protocol requirements
- RS-232C serial interface compliant with Windows 95 through Windows XP; direct data streaming to Excel, LabSolutions, or custom LIMS via single-cable connection
- Low-power architecture: ≤12 VA consumption ensures thermal stability and minimal environmental impact during extended operation
- Two tray configurations: small-animal tray (305 × 215 mm base, 215 mm height) optimized for rabbits; medium-animal tray (335 × 245 mm base, 345 mm height) designed for small dogs and juvenile primates
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The BX-K/BW-K series accommodates live, awake animals up to 30 kg (actual usable capacity reduced by ~2 kg for small trays and ~6 kg for medium trays due to platform mass). Units comply with essential regulatory frameworks governing pharmaceutical and biomedical research: data logs meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated printer (EP-80/EP-50 WIN) or secure PC software with electronic signature capability. All models support Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) workflows through mandatory audit trails—including operator ID (via optional keyboard), calibration history, and environmental condition logging (when integrated with external sensors). Mechanical construction adheres to IP42 ingress protection and meets IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment.
Software & Data Management
No proprietary operating system is required: the balance communicates natively via ASCII-based RS-232C protocol using standard Windows COM port drivers. Weight outputs include numeric value, unit (kg/g), status flag (e.g., “STABLE”, “UNSTABLE”), and timestamp. When connected to EP-80 or EP-50 WIN printers, each printout contains full metadata: date, time, model number, serial number, calibration status, and operator code (if entered). For electronic archiving, third-party applications such as Microsoft Excel, LabArchives, or custom Python/Node.js scripts can parse incoming data streams in real time. Internal memory retains up to 1,000 weight events with timestamps—accessible via query command or printed report.
Applications
- Longitudinal body weight monitoring in toxicology and efficacy studies (OECD 407, 408)
- Pharmacokinetic dosing verification prior to compound administration
- Metabolic cage integration for food/water intake correlation studies
- Pre-surgical baseline assessment and post-operative recovery tracking
- Regulatory submission data collection requiring ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) compliance
- Academic behavioral neuroscience protocols where stress minimization during weighing is critical
FAQ
Can the BX-K/BW-K series weigh sedated or anesthetized animals?
Yes—though optimized for conscious subjects, the balance maintains accuracy across static and low-motion conditions. Sedated subjects yield higher repeatability due to reduced kinetic interference.
Is internal calibration traceable to national standards?
BW-K models use a factory-installed, certified internal mass calibrated against NMIJ/JCSS reference standards; calibration certificates are provided with each instrument.
What is the maximum permissible error (MPE) under OIML R76?
Per declared class III designation, MPE = ±1.5e for loads ≤50% of capacity and ±2.0e for loads >50%, where ‘e’ equals the verification scale interval (e.g., 0.1 g for KH models).
Does the balance support network connectivity (Ethernet or USB)?
No—only RS-232C serial interface is provided. USB-to-serial adapters may be used, but are not supplied or validated by Shimadzu.
Are tray components autoclavable?
Animal trays are constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel (SUS304) and polypropylene; they are compatible with standard lab-grade disinfectants but not autoclaving due to dimensional stability constraints in the polymer components.
