Shimadzu UX/UW Series Animal Weighing Balances for Small Laboratory Animals (Round Deep Pan & Square Pan Models)

Overview

The Shimadzu UX/UW Series Animal Weighing Balances are precision laboratory instruments engineered specifically for the accurate, stress-minimized weighing of conscious small laboratory animals—including guinea pigs, rabbits, and other medium-sized rodents—during longitudinal physiological studies, pharmacokinetic monitoring, and preclinical dosing protocols. Unlike general-purpose benchtop balances, these models integrate ergonomic animal containment design with high-stability electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) load cell technology, enabling stable mass measurement under dynamic conditions where animals may shift position or exhibit mild movement. The series comprises two distinct pan configurations: the Round Deep Pan (UX/UW-S/H models) features a tapered cylindrical enclosure that gently restricts lateral displacement while allowing natural posture adjustment; the Square Pan variant (UX/UW-S models) provides broader floor space suited to larger or more active subjects. All units comply with ISO 9001 manufacturing standards and meet essential metrological requirements per OIML R76-1 (Non-Automatic Weighing Instruments), ensuring traceable accuracy in regulated research environments.

Key Features

• Animal-specific pan geometry: Deep round pan (155–195 mm diameter, 200 mm height) and square pan (250 × 210 mm base, 290 × 250 mm top, 150 mm height) designed to reduce subject anxiety and improve measurement repeatability
• Dual-readability architecture: Select models offer 0.01 g resolution (e.g., UX2200H, UW4200H) for sensitive weight tracking in metabolic or toxicology studies; others provide 0.1 g readability (e.g., UX4200S, UW8200S) optimized for robustness in high-throughput vivarium workflows
• Internal calibration capability (UW-series only): Motor-driven internal mass system enables automated, operator-independent calibration—critical for GLP-compliant weight trending and audit-ready documentation
• Low-power EMFC transducer design: Consumes ≤12 VA, supporting continuous operation in temperature-controlled animal housing rooms without thermal drift compromise
• Modular accessory integration: Animal pan kits (P/N 321-62560 for round; P/N 321-62547 for square) are factory-configured options—ordered at time of purchase to ensure mechanical alignment and firmware compatibility
• Stainless steel weighing platform and reinforced ABS housing: Resistant to disinfectants (e.g., 70% ethanol, quaternary ammonium solutions) and compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The UX/UW Series accommodates conscious, unrestrained animals up to 8.2 kg, including adult New Zealand White rabbits, Hartley guinea pigs, and juvenile mini-pigs. The deep pan geometry minimizes escape attempts and reduces operator handling frequency—directly supporting the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in animal research ethics frameworks. Units are certified for use in AAALAC-accredited facilities and meet structural and electrical safety requirements per UL 61010-1 and EN 61010-1. While not classified as medical devices under FDA 21 CFR Part 820, the balances support data integrity practices aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when interfaced with validated LIMS or electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems via RS-232 or optional USB interface. Firmware supports user-accessible calibration logs with timestamped entries and operator ID fields—enabling full traceability for regulatory audits.

Software & Data Management

Shimadzu’s proprietary WinCT-Balance software (v3.2+) is compatible with all UX/UW models and provides real-time weight stabilization visualization, automatic zero-tracking, and configurable averaging intervals (1–10 s). Data export supports CSV, TXT, and XML formats with embedded metadata (date/time, model ID, calibration status, operator code). For integration into enterprise research infrastructure, the balance supports SCPI command protocol over RS-232, enabling direct scripting in Python, LabVIEW, or MATLAB for automated weight capture in behavioral or telemetry-coupled experiments. Audit trail functionality records all configuration changes—including unit switching, tare events, and calibration initiations—with immutable timestamps—meeting ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) required under GxP environments.

Applications

• Longitudinal body weight monitoring in chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies (OECD 407, 408, 452)
• Dosing accuracy verification for oral gavage, subcutaneous injection, or dietary admix administration
• Metabolic cage studies requiring precise intake/output mass differentials
• Pre-surgical baseline assessment and post-operative recovery tracking
• Pharmacodynamic modeling where weight-normalized dosing (mg/kg) demands ≤0.5% measurement uncertainty
• Telemetry-integrated workflows where weight data is synchronized with core temperature, activity, or ECG signals

FAQ

Are the animal pans included standard with the balance, or must they be ordered separately?
Animal-specific pans are optional accessories and must be specified at time of order using part numbers 321-62560 (round deep pan) or 321-62547 (square pan). They are not shipped by default.
Can the balance perform dynamic weighing on moving animals?
The UX/UW Series is designed for quasi-static weighing of conscious but relatively still animals. It does not support true dynamic (in-motion) weighing like industrial conveyor scales; however, its fast stabilization algorithm (≤1.5 s typical) and low-noise EMFC sensor minimize motion-induced error compared to conventional analytical balances.
Is internal calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes—the UW-series internal calibration masses are factory-adjusted against NMI-traceable reference standards (JCSS-certified in Japan), and calibration certificates include uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
What environmental conditions are recommended for optimal performance?
Operate within 15–30 °C ambient temperature, ≤80% RH non-condensing, and on vibration-isolated surfaces. Avoid placement near HVAC vents, centrifuges, or ultrasonic cleaners to maintain <±0.005% linearity stability.
Does Shimadzu provide IQ/OQ documentation for GMP labs?
Yes—Shimadzu offers customizable Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) templates, including test protocols for repeatability, eccentricity, linearity, and calibration verification, fully editable to align with site-specific SOPs.