Analytical Balances

Analytical balances weigh to 0.1 mg (0.0001 g) for lab samples, powders, standards, coatings and gemstones. MNM Scales stocks one of the largest selections of analytical balances in Texas, from A&D, Sartorius, RADWAG, OHAUS, Citizen and our own MNM Scales line, with internal or external calibration, built-in ionizers and NTEP Class I legal-for-trade models. As one of the largest scale distributors in Texas, MNM Scales owns the inventory on our shelves in Cypress, TX, and every analytical balance ships free nationwide. Our TDA-Registered Technicians calibrate and repair lab balances in our shop, by mail and on-site across the Houston area.

Analytical balances in stock by type

Internal calibration analytical balances

• A&D Apollo GX-224A, 220 g x 0.1 mg, and the GX-124AE with a built-in fanless ionizer.
• A&D Galaxy HR-250AZ, 252 g x 0.1 mg, and the A&D Gemini GR-200, 210 g x 0.1 mg.
• Sartorius Entris II BCE124I-1S, 120 g x 0.1 mg, the Entris II Advanced BCA224I-1S and the Quintix Pro QTX224IRU-1S, the successor to the Quintix and Secura.
• RADWAG AS 220.R2 PLUS, 220 g x 0.1 mg, and the touchscreen AS 220.X2 PLUS.
• Citizen CX220 and the MNM Scales 220 g x 0.1 mg analytical balance with auto calibration.

External calibration analytical balances

• A&D Fortis FX-104, 102 g x 0.1 mg, and the FX-254, 252 g x 0.1 mg.
• A&D Apollo GF-124A and GF-224A, and the A&D Galaxy HR-100A, 102 g x 0.1 mg.

NTEP Class I legal-for-trade analytical balances

• A&D Apollo GX-124AN and GX-324AN, internal calibration, and the GX-224AEN with a built-in ionizer.
• Sartorius Entris II BCE124-1NUS and BCE224-1NUS, and the RADWAG AS 220.R2 NTEP.

Semi-micro, ionizer and specialty balances

• A&D Phoenix GH-202, dual range 51 g x 0.01 mg / 220 g x 0.1 mg, and the RADWAG AS 60/220.X2 PLUS.
• A&D BM-200, 220 g x 0.1 mg with a built-in ionizer, for static-prone powders.
• A&D MC-1104AS mass comparator, 1,100 g x 0.1 mg, and the A&D AD-4212A-100 weigh module for production lines.
• The RADWAG stone-top anti-vibration table gives an analytical balance a stable base.
• The A&D GR series balance (GR-202), dual range 42 g x 0.01 mg / 210 g x 0.1 mg with internal calibration, for semi-micro work at a lower price point.

Need finer readability? See semi-micro balances and microbalances. Need more capacity at 1 mg or 0.01 g? Shop precision balances and NTEP legal-for-trade balances. Shop by brand: A&D Weighing, Sartorius, RADWAG and OHAUS.

Popular analytical balances compared

Specifications below come from the maker data sheets and NTEP certificates for balances we stock.

Who uses analytical balances

Labs and plants we serve across Houston and Texas use analytical balances every day:

• Pharma and pharmacies: weigh APIs, excipients and compounding ingredients, and run daily checks against USP minimum weight. For 1 mg work, see our pharmacy scales and precision balances.
• Chemicals, plastics and oil and gas labs: prepare standards and samples, weigh additives and pigments, and test drilling fluid, lubricant and resin samples.
• Food manufacturers and QC labs: weigh samples for moisture, fat and ash testing, and check flavor and vitamin premixes.
• Aerospace, car manufacturers, motorcycle and suspension makers: weigh coatings, adhesives, filter and wear samples, and small parts for materials testing.
• Paper goods makers: weigh basis weight and ash samples cut from the roll.
• Universities and testing labs: run assays and research samples to 0.1 mg.
• Pawn shops and jewelers: weigh gemstones in carats and small gold items. For buying and selling by weight, choose an NTEP Class I model such as the A&D GX-124AN.

Choosing an analytical balance

Start with readability and capacity. Most analytical balances read 0.1 mg with 60 to 320 g capacity; pick a capacity above your heaviest container plus sample. Internal calibration models adjust themselves with a built-in weight when the temperature changes or on a timer, which suits regulated labs and busy benches. External calibration models cost less and are calibrated with a certified test weight. A built-in ionizer, as on the GX-AE and BM models, removes static from powders, plastic vessels and filters so readings settle faster. NTEP Class I models carry legal-for-trade approval for sale by weight. Set the balance on a level, solid bench away from drafts, vents and doors, or on an anti-vibration table, and let it warm up before weighing.

Calibrated in our shop, by mail and on-site in Houston

MNM Scales calibrates analytical balances in our Cypress shop, by mail from anywhere in Texas and nationwide where TDA calibration is accepted, and on-site at labs, pharmacies and medical offices across Houston and the surrounding area, from Waller to north Houston, including Cypress, Katy and Tomball. Our TDA-Registered Technicians use NIST-tested weights. Calibration is usually done 1 to 3 business days after we receive the balance.

For any analytical balance, calibration before shipping is available on request (paid service tiers), done in our Cypress, TX shop. Pricing is set by the balance’s maximum capacity:

A scale whose capacity is exactly at a tier limit uses the lower tier.

Every balance on this page, up to the 1,100 g MC-1104AS, falls in the up to 2.2 kg tier. On-site service is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip, charged once per visit, with calibration priced per balance on top. See balance calibration in Houston, mail-in scale calibration and NIST calibration certificates.

Analytical balance repair: the problems we fix most

Calibration mode or settings changed by accident

A wrong key sequence can start a calibration with no weight on the pan, turn off automatic self-calibration, or change the readability, units or response settings. The balance then reads wrong, drifts or shows an error. A technician restores the settings and recalibrates with NIST-tested weights. Our guide to scale error codes explains the common displays.

Weighing cells strained by overloads and heavy use

Dropped containers, overloads and years of heavy daily use wear the weighing cell of a balance the same way load cells wear in larger scales. Signs include a zero that will not settle, poor repeatability and a balance that fails its daily check. We test the balance, repair it in our shop or replace the failed parts, and recalibrate.

Cut or damaged cables

AC adapter cords and RS-232 or USB cables get pinched by doors, chairs and carts or cut on bench edges. We replace the cable or adapter and check the balance before it goes back into service. See scale repair in Houston for all brands, in-shop and on-site.

Balance rentals

MNM Scales rents all types of scales, including balances for short projects, audits and backup while your own balance is out for calibration or repair. See scale rental in Houston.

Analytical balance FAQ

What is the difference between an analytical balance and a precision balance?

An analytical balance reads to 0.1 mg (0.0001 g), usually with a glass draft shield and 60 to 320 g capacity. A precision balance reads 1 mg or coarser and offers more capacity, from a few hundred grams to several kilograms.

Should I choose internal or external calibration?

Internal calibration adjusts the balance with a built-in weight on a timer or when the temperature changes, which suits regulated labs. External calibration costs less and uses a certified test weight. Both can be calibrated with a certificate by MNM Scales.

How much does analytical balance calibration cost?

Calibration is a paid service priced by maximum capacity, and every analytical balance on this page falls in our up to 2.2 kg tier, shown in the calibration table above. On-site service is $295 plus $2 per mile round trip, charged once per visit, plus calibration per balance.

Which analytical balances are legal for trade?

NTEP Class I models such as the A&D GX-124AN, GX-324AN and GX-224AEN, the Sartorius Entris II BCE124-1NUS and BCE224-1NUS, and the RADWAG AS 220.R2 NTEP are approved for legal-for-trade use.

Why is my balance reading wrong after someone pressed the keys?

The balance was most likely put into calibration or setup mode, or a setting such as readability, units or automatic self-calibration was changed. A technician can restore the settings and recalibrate the balance with NIST-tested weights.

Which industries use analytical balances?

Pharma companies and pharmacies, chemical, plastics and oil and gas labs, food manufacturers, aerospace and automotive labs, paper goods makers, universities and testing labs, and pawn shops and jewelers all use analytical balances to weigh samples, standards and gemstones to 0.1 mg.

What is a dual-range analytical balance?

A dual-range balance reads 0.01 mg in its lower range and 0.1 mg above it, so one balance covers semi-micro and analytical work. The A&D GR-202 reads 42 g x 0.01 mg and 210 g x 0.1 mg, and the A&D Phoenix GH-202 reads 51 g x 0.01 mg and 220 g x 0.1 mg, both with internal calibration.

Which analytical balances have a built-in ionizer?

The A&D Apollo GX-124AE, the NTEP Class I GX-224AEN and the A&D BM-200 have built-in ionizers that remove static from powders, plastic vessels and filters.

How do I get a quote?

Call (832) 290-3120 or contact us 24/7. Shop visits in Cypress are by appointment, and Dallas, Austin and San Antonio service is available on request with a quote.