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Excellence Microbalance and Ultra Micro Balances
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Exceeding the limits
Mettler Toledo Microbalances & Ultra-Microbalances
Mettler Toledo microbalances and ultra-microbalances represent the absolute pinnacle of weighing technology, specifically engineered for the measurement of extremely small sample quantities with high-resolution readability. Microbalances typically provide six-decimal place readability (1 μg), while ultra-microbalances achieve seven-decimal places (0.1 μg), allowing for minimum sample weights as low as 30 μg.
Technically, these instruments feature a specialized design where the weighing cell is physically separated from the electronic components to prevent heat transfer, which is further stabilized by the patented Active Temperature Control (ATC™) system. These balances are essential for critical research in pharmaceuticals, chemical analysis, and emissions testing, where the accuracy of rare or toxic substances is paramount.
Advanced Separation of Electronics and Weighing Cells
A primary technical innovation in Mettler Toledo XPR microbalances is the physical separation of the sensitive weighing cell from the instrument’s electronic processing unit. This structural division is critical because the heat generated by electrical components can cause thermal expansion and air turbulence, leading to measurement drift. By isolating the electronics, the weighing cell remains in a stable thermal environment. This design, coupled with a small footprint, ensures that the most sensitive part of the balance is protected from internal temperature fluctuations, resulting in faster settling times and a high degree of repeatability.
Active Temperature Control (ATC™) System
Stability is the most important factor when weighing in the microgram range. The patented Active Temperature Control (ATC™) system provides a technical solution by actively removing excess heat from the balance electronics at the rear of the unit. This technology ensures that the temperature inside the weighing chamber remains equivalent to the external environment. By maintaining this thermal equilibrium, the balance achieves extraordinary performance with reduced drift. This level of environmental control is what allows ultra-microbalances to maintain seven-decimal place readability even in standard laboratory conditions.
StaticDetect™ Technology for Electrostatic Monitoring
Electrostatic charges are a common source of error in micro-weighing, often exerting invisible forces on the weighing pan. Mettler Toledo microbalances utilize the patented StaticDetect™ function to technically measure these charges on samples and containers. If the electrostatic influence exceeds a pre-defined tolerance, the balance issues a warning to the user. To mitigate this, integrated or standalone ionizers can be used to neutralize the charges in seconds, ensuring that the displayed result is the true mass of the sample rather than an artifact of static electricity.
SmartGrid Hanging Weighing Pan
The SmartGrid weighing pan is a technical feature specifically designed for micro-analytical tasks. Unlike traditional solid pans, the SmartGrid features a grid-like structure that is suspended rather than bottom-mounted. This configuration significantly reduces the surface area susceptible to air drafts and buoyancy effects within the weighing chamber. Technically, this results in faster stabilization and improved repeatability, especially when the balance is used inside a fume hood or safety cabinet. The design also allows spilled samples to fall into a tray below, preventing contamination of the weighing cell.
Two-Terminal Concept for Ergonomics and Safety
Mettler Toledo microbalances often feature a two-terminal design: a main terminal for full control and a secondary SmartView terminal located directly above the weighing chamber. Technically, the main terminal is a capacitive touchscreen that can be placed away from the balance or even outside a safety cabinet to prevent cross-contamination. The SmartView terminal provides the user with essential functions like zeroing and taring right at the point of sample handling. This separation enhances user safety when handling toxic substances and improves the ergonomic workflow for high-precision tasks.
Automated Draft Shield and Hands-Free Operation
To minimize environmental interference, XPR microbalances are equipped with motorized automatic draft shield doors. These doors are technically integrated with SmartSens infrared sensors, allowing the operator to open or close the shield with a simple wave of the hand. This hands-free operation is not just a convenience; it is a critical feature for preventing cross-contamination and maintaining a stable environment within the chamber. By reducing the physical contact with the instrument, the risk of transferring heat or contaminants from the operator to the sample is significantly lowered.
Integrated Quality Assurance and GWP® Approved
Maintaining compliance and data integrity is simplified through built-in quality assurance features. The GWP® Approved function actively monitors the balance status, checking factors such as leveling, internal adjustment, and routine test history. If any requirement is not met, the StatusLight™ changes from green to red, providing a visual technical warning. Furthermore, the balance supports 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through LabX software compatibility, ensuring that all weighing data, including metadata, is recorded in a secure, centralized database for full traceability and audit readiness.
Micro-Analytical Weighing Capacity and Readability
Mettler Toledo offers a technical range of balances including Micro-Analytical, Micro, and Ultra-Micro models. Micro-analytical balances provide high capacity (up to 52 g) with microgram readability (0.001 mg), making them ideal for weighing small amounts directly into larger containers. Ultra-microbalances offer the highest resolution on the market, with readability down to 0.1 μg and a maximum capacity typically around 2.1 g to 6.1 g. This variety allows laboratories to select the specific technical configuration that balances the need for high-resolution measurement with the practical requirements of sample container sizes.
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