Can Today's Load Cells Replace The Electromagnetic Force Restoration Method Of Precision Balances?!

TOKYO, Japan - Jan. 29, 2017 - PRLog -- In 2014, A&D Company, Limited, a multinational manufacturer of measuring equipment for laboratory and industrial use, launched their first 1 mg balances that employed a load cell as the weight sensor, the EJ-123 (120 g × 0.001 g) and EJ-303 (310 g × 0.001 g). Now, they are adding two new 10 mg models with larger capacities, EJ-1202 (1200 g × 0.01 g) and EJ-3002 (3100 g × 0.01 g), to offer a complete series of compact precision balances.

Previously, such high resolutions (1/120,000 to 1/310,000) were only realized by electromagnetic force restoration, the method most commonly adopted for laboratory balances, including microbalances. This method determines a mass from the amount of current required to generate the electromagnetic force on one side of a lever that equalizes with the mass placed on the other side. Today, however, A&D's EJ series challenges their established edge, offering users a way to spend less without compromising on precision, and functionality as well.

Features to ensure stable high-precision measurements

Depending on the degree of vibration and draft, users can select one of three different combinations of weighing speed and stability to effectively cope with their adverse effects on weighing performance. Further, the EJ series is equipped with a display lock function, which locks the display once the stable indicator is lit. The display stays locked as long as the weight value stays within set limits, making it easier to read and record the display when, for example, (1) the balance is used where external disturbances occur unexpectedly (e.g. vibration from mobile rack movement, fluctuating air pressure from people opening and closing nearby doors, etc.); (2) measuring a dispensed amount of a volatile liquid; or (3) drift is large due to temperature/humidity changes.

For the 0.001 g readability models (EJ-123 & EJ-303), a breeze break is attached as standard to minimize the effects of drafts to enhance accuracy as well as stability. It is coated with an anti-static agent so as to prevent weighing becoming unstable due to static from nearby objects.

Features for diverse applications in schools, laboratories, factories, etc.

The EJ series provides functions and options that facilitate various kinds of weighing tasks. The counting mode lets users count a number of small pieces of the same mass quickly, effortlessly and precisely. In addition, the Automatic Counting Accuracy Improvement (ACAI) function recalculates the average unit weight each time a sample is added to eliminate errors caused by variations in unit weight.

In percent mode, the weight can be displayed as a percentage of a reference mass, which is useful for target weighing or checking the sample variation. With the accumulation (M+) function, the balance can sum separate weighing results and display the total value, saving users from the hassle of performing the addition by themselves and reducing the risk of making errors. It also counts and displays the number of times weighing is performed.

Two kinds of data communication interfaces are available as options. One is the Quick USB interface, which allows sending weighing data to Microsoft Excel, Word, Notepad, etc., without installing any drivers or other additional software on a PC. The other is the RS-232C interface for bi-directional communication with a PC, printer or other peripheral devices.

For documentation required by GLP, GMP, GCP, ISO, etc., the balance can output the manufacturer name, model name, serial number, ID number (six alphanumeric characters set by the user), and space for signature with weighing or calibration results. The date and time can be added as well when printing out the results using A&D's optional compact printer.

The density of a sample can be easily obtained with the 0.001 g models (EJ-123 & EJ-303). All that users are required to do is simply input the water temperature (or the density if a liquid other than water is used) and weigh the sample in air and in water using the optional density determination kit. The balance will then automatically perform density calculation.

Other features of the EJ series include (1) clearly visible, LCD display (16 mm character height) with backlight; (2) stainless steel (SUS304) pan, which is resistant to chemicals and scratches; (3) multiple weighing units: g, oz, lb (for the EJ-1202/3002), ozt, ct, mom, dwt, gr, N, pcs (counting mode) and % (percent mode), in addition to SG (specific gravity); (4) operation with either AC adapter or four AA batteries; (5) auto power OFF function to avoid wasting power; and (6) security slot in the rear of the balance to accommodate an anti-theft lock.

Additional details can be found on the A&D website at http://www.aandd.jp/.

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A&D Company, Limited, headquartered in Tokyo, take advantage of their world-class analog and digital signal processing technologies to produce a diverse array of laboratory and industrial measuring equipment. In particular, they are known as Japan's top manufacturer of electronic weighing instruments ranging from ultrasensitive micro analytical balances to scales of several tons of capacity. Their innovations are always aimed at providing users with high practical utility and high value for the price. To find further information on A&D, visit http://www.aandd.jp/.